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Veterinarian Licensing in North Carolina

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite)
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: No exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Department of Revenue • Taxpayer Assistance

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $123,430 median (2% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 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 123,430, Veterinarians in North Carolina earn 2% below the national median of $125,510. North Carolina ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$123,430

Hourly estimate

$59.34
2% below national median

Difference: -$2,080

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$75,610
  • P2525th percentile$96,450
  • P50Median$123,430
  • P7575th percentile$158,710
  • P9090th percentile$200,420

State vs National Median

State: $123,430
National: $125,510

Total employment: 2,950 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinarian Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California158,950
#2Washington155,060
#3New Jersey148,550
#4West Virginia134,290
#5Vermont134,240

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$123,430Varies by state boardNo exam required6-24 months
Virginia$124,110Varies by state boardNo exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$125,420Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Georgia$115,220Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
South Carolina$126,720Varies 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.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
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 Department of Revenue • Taxpayer Assistance

3301 Terminal Drive, Suite 125, Raleigh, NC, 27604

Phone: 9197077500

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$79,460Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$80,350Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$59,390Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,710Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Veterinarian 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 Veterinarians in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.

What is the typical Veterinarian salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Veterinarians in North Carolina is 123,430. Salaries range from $75,610 (10th percentile) to $200,420 (90th percentile).

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

Veterinarians in North Carolina earn 2% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of 123,430.

How many Veterinarians work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 2,950 Veterinarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinarian 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 Veterinarians in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Department of Revenue / Taxpayer Assistance. Review agency details at https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/privilege-license-tax.