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North Carolina esthetician license — 600 training hours, exam info, fees, and how to apply. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Esthetician
2 sources cited · Last verified 2026-03-21 · Every number on this page links to its official source
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
61% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
600
Training Hours
No
Has Master?
Yes
Written Exam
Yes
Practical Exam
Varies
Total Fees
8 hrs
CE Hours
Training Program
VerifiedRequired Training Hours
600 hours
Program Accreditation
Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Apprenticeship Alternative
Topics Covered
Required Hours
600 hours
VerifiedAdditional Requirements
Required Hours
Not specified
VerifiedExam Information
VerifiedWritten Exam
RequiredPractical Exam
RequiredExam Provider
NIC (administered by DL Roope)
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Services
Restricted Services
Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser Treatments
Advanced Services Supervision
Laser and advanced procedures require physician supervision or are restricted to medical professionals
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Contact board for current fee schedule | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
8
CE Hours Required
—
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Required
Contact board for current fee schedule
Regulatory Board
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Hours Comparison Required for Transfer
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require estheticians to meet the destination state's training hour requirements when transferring a license. If your original state required fewer hours, additional training may be needed.
North Carolina requires 8 hours of CE annually (not biennially) and offers a temporary 6-month employment permit for graduates awaiting their exam. CE exemptions exist for practitioners 60+ with 10+ years of experience.
North Carolina requires 600 hours of esthetician training
Annual license renewal (on or before October 1)
8 hours CE required annually (at least 50% must broaden professional knowledge)
CE exemption for 60+ years old with 10+ consecutive years of practice
Temporary 6-month employment permit available before exam
There is no interstate compact for estheticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#9 of 51
Salary
#16 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Skincare Specialists (SOC 39-5094)
Entry Level
$33,590
25th percentile
Median
$46,120
+11% vs. national avg ($41,560)Experienced
$56,510
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,170 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Esthetician income often includes tips and product sales commissions not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Skincare Specialists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+12.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+8,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
9,400
per year (avg.)
72,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Cosmetology Career Ladder+4% salary growth potential
You are here
Esthetician
$46,120
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
Nail tech program (300-600 hours)
$34,810
You are here
Esthetician
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
$46,120
Cosmetology program (1,000-1,600 hours)
$36,140
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Estimated total: 26–48 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the esthetician licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
North Carolina requires 600 hours of training to become a licensed esthetician. Both written and practical exams are required. All licensing is managed through the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Cosmetology.