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Surgical Technologists Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surgical technologists in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Surgical Technologists in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $58,710 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 49 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Surgical Technologists licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NC Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $58,710, Surgical Technologistss in North Carolina earn 7% below the national median of $62,830. North Carolina ranks #36 among 49 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$58,710

Hourly estimate

$28.23
7% below national median

Difference: -$4,120

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,740
  • P2525th percentile$50,850
  • P50Median$58,710
  • P7575th percentile$64,490
  • P9090th percentile$74,060

State vs National Median

State: $58,710
National: $62,830

Total employment: 3,720 | Annual openings: N/A

Surgical Technologists Salary Ranking

#36 of 49 statesfor Surgical Technologists median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$81,120
#2Connecticut$80,590
#3Oregon$79,410
#4Alaska$79,040
#5Massachusetts$78,300

Nearby States Comparison

Surgical Technologists licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$58,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$63,460Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$56,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$60,880Degree requiredState exam required5-18 years
South Carolina$60,780Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NC Board of Nursing

4516 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC, 27607

Phone: 9842387632

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$52,980Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$79,460Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologists 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 Surgical Technologistss in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Surgical Technologistss.

What education do you need to become a Surgical Technologists in North Carolina?

The board typically expects Degree required for Surgical Technologists licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical Surgical Technologists salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Surgical Technologistss in North Carolina is $58,710. Salaries range from $45,740 (10th percentile) to $74,060 (90th percentile).

How does the Surgical Technologists salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

Surgical Technologistss in North Carolina earn 7% below the national median of $62,830, with a state median of $58,710.

How many Surgical Technologistss work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 3,720 Surgical Technologistss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Surgical Technologists license to North Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Surgical Technologistss in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.ncbon.com/.

How often do you renew a Surgical Technologists license in North Carolina?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.