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K-12 Teacher Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,400 median (21% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of 49,400, K-12 Teachers in North Carolina earn 21% below the national median of $62,340. North Carolina ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$49,400

Hourly estimate

$23.75
21% below national median

Difference: -$12,940

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,320
  • P2525th percentile$46,880
  • P50Median$49,400
  • P7575th percentile$59,100
  • P9090th percentile$61,460

State vs National Median

State: $49,400
National: $62,340

Total employment: 44,040 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington99,110
#2California98,190
#3Rhode Island86,900
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5New York82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$49,400Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Virginia$62,270Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
Tennessee$52,690Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Georgia$63,490Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
South Carolina$59,370Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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 Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

121 Edinburgh South Drive, Ste 209, Cary, NC, 27511

Phone: 9197366123

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Librarian$59,860Degree required6-24 months
School Counselor$57,100No educational requirements6-24 months
Architect$87,990Degree required6-24 months
Audiologist$79,460Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in North Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.

What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in North Carolina?

The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in North Carolina is 49,400. Salaries range from $39,320 (10th percentile) to $61,460 (90th percentile).

How does the K-12 Teacher salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

K-12 Teachers in North Carolina earn 21% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 49,400.

How many K-12 Teachers work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 44,040 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher 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 K-12 Teachers in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.nccosmeticarts.com/licensees.aspx.