Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Physician Assistant Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician assistant in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physician Assistant in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Medical Board (Occupational License's)
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$128,540 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of 128,540, Physician Assistants in North Carolina earn 4% below the national median of $133,260. North Carolina ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$128,540Hourly estimate
$61.804% below national median
Difference: -$4,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Assistant Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Physician Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 163,020 |
| #2 | California | 161,080 |
| #3 | Washington | 156,990 |
| #4 | New York | 152,650 |
| #5 | Oregon | 149,130 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $128,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $135,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $113,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $109,990 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $119,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | 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 | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-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
NC Medical Board (Occupational License's)
P.O. Box 20007, Raleigh, NC, 27619
Phone: 9193261109ext272
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,350 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $59,390 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,710 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physician Assistants in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physician Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician Assistant licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Physician Assistant salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in North Carolina is 128,540. Salaries range from $99,460 (10th percentile) to $161,480 (90th percentile).
How does the Physician Assistant salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in North Carolina earn 4% below the national median of $133,260, with a state median of 128,540.
How many Physician Assistants work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 8,520 Physician Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistants in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Medical Board (Occupational License's). Review agency details at https://www.ncmedboard.org/licensure/licensing.