Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Business
Real Estate Agent Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate agent in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Agent in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Real Estate Commission • Education and Licensing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,840 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Real Estate Commission~Education and Licensing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $47,840, Real Estate Agents in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $56,320. North Carolina ranks #38 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
$47,840Hourly estimate
$23.0015% below national median
Difference: -$8,480
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Agent Salary Ranking
#38 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Agent median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $97,440 |
| #2 | Alaska | $85,800 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $85,170 |
| #4 | Vermont | $82,630 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $79,790 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Agent licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $47,840 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $61,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $56,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $56,190 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $49,990 | Specific course required | State exam required | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Real Estate Commission • Education and Licensing
1313 Navaho Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27609-7460
Phone: 9198753700ext193
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $87,990 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,870 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $80,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $93,590 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Real Estate Agent 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 Real Estate Agents in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Agents.
What is the typical Real Estate Agent salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Agents in North Carolina is $47,840. Salaries range from $26,160 (10th percentile) to $113,730 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Agent salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Real Estate Agents in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $56,320, with a state median of $47,840.
How many Real Estate Agents work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 10,140 Real Estate Agents according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent 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 Real Estate Agents in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Real Estate Commission / Education and Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.ncrec.gov/Resources/LicenseLaw.
How often do you renew a Real Estate Agent license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.