Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for speech-language pathologist 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 Speech-Language Pathologist in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$87,420 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $87,420, Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina earn 8% below the national median of $95,410. North Carolina ranks #24 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
$87,420Hourly estimate
$42.038% below national median
Difference: -$7,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpeech-Language Pathologist Salary Ranking
#24 of 50 statesfor Speech-Language Pathologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $116,000 |
| #2 | New York | $108,870 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $108,230 |
| #4 | Colorado | $108,070 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $104,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Speech-Language Pathologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $87,420 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $94,370 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $82,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $99,100 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $91,880 | 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 Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
P.O. Box 16885, Greensboro, NC, 27416
Phone: 3362721828
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 Speech-Language Pathologist 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 Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Speech-Language Pathologists.
What education do you need to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Speech-Language Pathologist licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Speech-Language Pathologist salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina is $87,420. Salaries range from $60,230 (10th percentile) to $125,430 (90th percentile).
How does the Speech-Language Pathologist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina earn 8% below the national median of $95,410, with a state median of $87,420.
How many Speech-Language Pathologists work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 5,160 Speech-Language Pathologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Speech-Language Pathologist 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 Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Review agency details at http://www.ncboeslpa.org/index.htm.
How often do you renew a Speech-Language Pathologist license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.