Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Colorado, 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 Colorado
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Be at least 18 years old, complete 180 hours of approved coursework and have at least 3,000 hours of real es.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Real Estate
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$113,520 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Real Estate and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $113,520, General Contractors in Colorado earn 6% above the national median of $106,980. Colorado ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$113,520Hourly estimate
$54.586% above national median
Difference: +$6,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $113,520 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Wyoming | $97,050 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Nebraska | $96,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $103,760 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $96,310 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $100,580 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $110,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $99,900 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Mexico | 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Real Estate
1560 Broadway Ste 925, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038942166
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $81,020 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $59,340 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $59,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $78,940 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for General Contractors in Colorado?
Colorado 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 Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Colorado is $113,520. Salaries range from $69,030 (10th percentile) to $175,730 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Colorado earn 6% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $113,520.
How many General Contractors work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 13,150 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Colorado 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Real Estate. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.