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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physician Assistant in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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 North Carolina eligibility requirements for Physician Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Medical Board (Occupational License's) and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
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 | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $135,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $113,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $109,990 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $119,190 | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant 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 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. 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.
How often do you renew a Physician Assistant license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.