Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Education
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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher 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 State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,400 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$49,400Hourly estimate
$23.7521% below national median
Difference: -$12,940
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $49,400 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $62,270 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $63,490 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $59,370 | 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 State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
121 Edinburgh South Drive, Ste 209, Cary, NC, 27511
Phone: 9197366123
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 K-12 Teacher 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 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. 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.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.