North Carolina requires a state-level social worker license. The licensing authority is State Board of Social Work. The median salary is $53,709 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
North Carolina requires a social worker to hold a state license. Help individuals and families cope with problems, access resources, and navigate social services systems. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Social Work.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Bachelor's (BSW) or Master's (MSW) degree in social work + supervised clinical hours for LCSW |
| Experience Details | Bachelor's (BSW) or Master's (MSW) degree in social work + supervised clinical hours for LCSW |
North Carolina requires passing the North Carolina ASWB Licensing Exam (Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical level) with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $260.
| Exam Name | North Carolina ASWB Licensing Exam (Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical level) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | ASWB Licensing Exam (Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical level) |
| Application Fee | $260 |
Getting licensed as a social worker in North Carolina takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $260 and renewal fees of $260 every 2 years. Continuing education of 30 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $260 |
| License Renewal | $260 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 30 hours |
Social Workers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $53,709, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in North Carolina |
| National average | $58,380 |
Yes — North Carolina requires a state-level social worker license. Help individuals and families cope with problems, access resources, and navigate social services systems.
The required exam is the North Carolina ASWB Licensing Exam (Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical level). You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $260.
The median annual salary for social workers in North Carolina is $53,709. The national median is $58,380.
North Carolina requires 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.