Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AL Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Alabama, 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 General Contractor in Alabama
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Experience: Work experience required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 3
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| public properties where the cost of the undertaking including labor and materials | $50,000 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$92,620 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (public properties where the cost of the undertaking including labor and materials: $50,000).
- 7. Submit the application to State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $92,620, General Contractors in Alabama earn 13% below the national median of $106,980. Alabama ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$92,620Hourly estimate
$44.5313% below national median
Difference: -$14,360
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor General Contractor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | $147,750 |
| #2 | Washington | $136,180 |
| #3 | Alaska | $135,630 |
| #4 | New York | $135,530 |
| #5 | Delaware | $135,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
General Contractor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $92,620 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Georgia | $101,360 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Florida | $103,320 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $93,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Florida | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
P.O. Box 303605, Montgomery, AL, 36130
Phone: 3342422230
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $86,780 | Varies by state board | 2-18 years |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $45,710 | Varies by state board | 2-18 years |
| Carpenter | $47,880 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $61,500 | Varies by state board | 12 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Alabama?
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 General Contractors in Alabama?
Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Alabama is $92,620. Salaries range from $57,050 (10th percentile) to $161,010 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Alabama earn 13% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $92,620.
How many General Contractors work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 7,520 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in Alabama?
The licensing agency is State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. Review agency details at https://www.hblb.alabama.gov/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.