Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in California
Estimated timeline: 2-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
must be at least 18 years of age
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California.
- 4
License Application Fee: $450.
- 5
Initial License Fee: Sole Owner $200 for 2 years.
- 6
Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience
- must be at least 18 years of age.
- 7
Exam Requirement: Business/law exam and trade exam.
- 8
Exam Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$129,000 median (21% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#7 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (must be at least 18 years of age; Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (License Application Fee: $450.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Contractors State License Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $129,000, General Contractors in California earn 21% above the national median of $106,980. California ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$129,000Hourly estimate
$62.0221% above national median
Difference: +$22,020
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $129,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2-18 years |
| Oregon | $126,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $104,530 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 10 years |
| Arizona | $110,120 | Varies by state board | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827
Phone: 8003212752
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $84,910 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $63,370 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Carpenter | $74,820 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $101,160 | Varies by state board | 1-6 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in California?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in California is $129,000. Salaries range from $81,070 (10th percentile) to $205,060 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in California compare to the national average?
General Contractors in California earn 21% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $129,000.
How many General Contractors work in California?
California employs approximately 35,790 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Contractors State License Board. Review agency details at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.