Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified General Appraiser" which applies to the appraisal of all types of real property
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$87,160 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing~Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $87,160, General Contractors in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $106,980. Arkansas ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$87,160Hourly estimate
$41.9019% below national median
Difference: -$19,820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#49 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $87,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $104,350 | Varies by state board | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Mississippi | $93,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $104,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $99,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $96,310 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | 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. |
| Mississippi | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | 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
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
900 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5012961843
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $50,290 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $43,830 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $46,320 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $52,970 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Arkansas?
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 Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for General Contractor licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Arkansas is $87,160. Salaries range from $42,590 (10th percentile) to $130,650 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $87,160.
How many General Contractors work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 2,020 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing / Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Review agency details at http://www.arkansas.gov/alcb.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.