Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Business
Real Estate Broker Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate broker in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 2
One generally becomes a broker by first becoming a provisional broker and satisfying the Post licensing education requirements to terminate the provisional status of the license.
Exam and processing details
- State 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
$62,660 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (One generally becomes a broker by first becoming a provisional broker and satisfying the Post licensing education requirements to termina...).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State 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 $62,660, Real Estate Brokers in North Carolina earn 13% below the national median of $72,280. 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
$62,660Hourly estimate
$30.1313% below national median
Difference: -$9,620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Broker Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Broker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa | $116,920 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $112,180 |
| #3 | New York | $94,170 |
| #4 | New Jersey | $92,890 |
| #5 | Connecticut | $90,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Broker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $62,660 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $55,660 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $66,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $72,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $54,300 | 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 | 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 | 43 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. |
| 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 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 Broker 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 Brokers in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Brokers.
What is the typical Real Estate Broker salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Brokers in North Carolina is $62,660. Salaries range from $32,250 (10th percentile) to $137,390 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Broker salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Real Estate Brokers in North Carolina earn 13% below the national median of $72,280, with a state median of $62,660.
How many Real Estate Brokers work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 1,330 Real Estate Brokers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Broker 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 Real Estate Brokers 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 Broker license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.