License Requirements in North Carolina
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in North Carolina (NC). 69 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 69 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a North Carolina Department, Board, or licensing Authority. Renewal periods, Continuing Education Hours, and Application Fees vary by trade — see each trade page for the specifics.
| Trade | License Required | Median Salary |
|---|
| 🚨Alarm Installer |
Required |
$44,960 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$85,845 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$44,224 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Required |
$32,963 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Required |
$38,952 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$31,670 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$57,224 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$49,120 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$74,890 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$39,265 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$123,859 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$30,670 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Required |
$58,475 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Required |
$55,485 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Required |
$57,408 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$72,890 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$49,146 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$37,618 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Required |
$51,290 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$94,226 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Not Required |
$72,661 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$35,714 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$58,751 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$60,241 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Required |
$66,890 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Required |
$77,850 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Not Required |
$44,463 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Required |
$46,890 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$53,976 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$54,120 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Not Required |
$45,218 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$54,120 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Not Required |
$52,522 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$63,084 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Required |
$51,354 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$42,513 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$54,951 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Required |
$41,869 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$45,871 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Not Required |
$42,789 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$62,983 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$31,188 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Required |
$40,710 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$37,120 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$36,947 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$37,076 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$58,953 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Required |
$58,107 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$49,670 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Required |
$62,670 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Required |
$53,672 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Required |
$54,418 |
| 📨Process Server |
Not Required |
$35,576 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$92,588 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$67,537 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Not Required |
$46,110 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$47,120 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$56,432 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$72,890 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$71,723 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Required |
$40,120 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$37,471 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$56,773 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Required |
$32,733 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$45,006 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Required |
$54,206 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Not Required |
$39,155 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$53,709 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Required |
$43,856 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$49,413 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Required |
$39,357 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$61,085 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Required |
$35,346 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$40,240 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$49,146 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$49,146 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$44,120 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Required |
$48,244 |
Common questions about North Carolina licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in North Carolina?
69 of the 79 trades on this page require a North Carolina state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in North Carolina?
Most occupational licenses in North Carolina are issued by the relevant state Department or licensing Board listed on each individual trade page. Renewal periods are typically 1–3 years and most boards require Continuing Education Hours between renewals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to North Carolina?
Reciprocity varies by trade. North Carolina accepts some out-of-state licenses by endorsement after Experience and Exam verification — check the trade-specific page for the exact policy.
Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with the relevant North Carolina licensing board.