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Verified by NC Board of Healthcare

Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $53,910 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #37 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $53,910, Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $63,780. North Carolina ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$53,910

Hourly estimate

$25.92
15% below national median

Difference: -$9,870

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$42,000
  • P2525th percentile$46,320
  • P50Median$53,910
  • P7575th percentile$75,090
  • P9090th percentile$81,440

State vs National Median

State: $53,910
National: $63,780

Total employment: 2,110 | Annual openings: N/A

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking

#37 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Hawaii$135,870
#2New Jersey$89,030
#3Utah$81,170
#4Virginia$80,670
#5Oregon$79,890

Nearby States Comparison

Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$53,910Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$80,670Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$45,660Degree requiredState exam required1-18 years
Georgia$58,830Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$51,440Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board

PO Box 10912, Raleigh, NC, 27605

Phone: 9195683014

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$52,980Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$79,460Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina?

The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina is $53,910. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $81,440 (90th percentile).

How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $53,910.

How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 2,110 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to North Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board. Review agency details at https://www.ncbmft.org/.

How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in North Carolina?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.