Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 3 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
A license to practice pharmacy in North Carolina may be obtained by graduating from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy, obtaining 1,500 hours of internship credit (for Pharm.D.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$136,000 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Pharmacist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to NC Board of Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $136,000, Pharmacists in North Carolina earn 1% below the national median of $137,480. North Carolina ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$136,000Hourly estimate
$65.381% below national median
Difference: -$1,480
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#27 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $165,150 |
| #2 | Alaska | $163,200 |
| #3 | Oregon | $163,120 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,020 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $154,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $136,000 | Specific course required | State exam required | 3 months |
| Virginia | $137,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $131,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Georgia | $132,400 | Degree required | State exam required | 9 months |
| South Carolina | $135,900 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Board of Pharmacy
6015 Farrington Rd, Ste. 201, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517
Phone: 9192461050ext208
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pharmacists in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Pharmacist licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in North Carolina is $136,000. Salaries range from $93,330 (10th percentile) to $165,980 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in North Carolina earn 1% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $136,000.
How many Pharmacists work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 11,440 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pharmacists in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://www.ncbop.org/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.