Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor 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 School Counselor in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
License Type: Tied to business.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,100 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $57,100, School Counselors in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $65,140. North Carolina ranks #43 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
$57,100Hourly estimate
$27.4512% below national median
Difference: -$8,040
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $94,320 |
| #2 | Washington | $83,930 |
| #3 | Alaska | $80,020 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,840 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $77,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
School Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $57,100 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $63,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $57,400 | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| 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 Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
7001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699
Phone: 9198140640
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,160 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,860 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,340 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor 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 School Counselors in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.
What education do you need to become a School Counselor in North Carolina?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for School Counselor licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in North Carolina is $57,100. Salaries range from $38,580 (10th percentile) to $74,840 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
School Counselors in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $57,100.
How many School Counselors work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 9,630 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor 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 School Counselors in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners. Review agency details at https://barbers.nc.gov/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.