Application Fee
$200.00Verified by GA Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Georgia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Georgia, including $200.00 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 Georgia
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Is at least 21 years of age
- 2
Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and
- 3
Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractoror other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;
- 4
Has at least two years of proven experience working as or in the employment
- 5
Experience: Work experience required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
- Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in the employment of a general contractoror other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;
- 8
- Has at least two years of proven experience working as or in the employment.
- 9
Proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division
- and has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of at least two projects falling within the residential-basic category in the two years immediately preceding application.
- 10
Application: $200.00.
- 11
Examination:.
Exam and processing details
- Type
- Computer-based When: Annually Where: Check with PSI licensure (http://www.psiexams.com) Repeats: 2
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $200.00 |
| Testing/Renewals | $106.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
- Current Filing Fee
$200.00
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$101,360 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Is at least 21 years of age; Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college and has at least one year of proven experience working as or in...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Type: Computer-based When: Annually Where: Check with PSI licensure (http://www.psiexams.com) Repeats: 2.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division; and has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and...; Application: $200.00.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $200.00; Testing/Renewals: $106.00).
- 7. Submit the application to State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Georgia
With a median salary of $101,360, General Contractors in Georgia earn 5% below the national median of $106,980. Georgia ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,339Median annual salary
$101,360Hourly estimate
$48.735% below national median
Difference: -$5,620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $101,360 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| North Carolina | $104,750 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $104,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Florida | $103,320 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $92,620 | Varies by state board | State exam 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Florida | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: No new Licenses.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858
Phone: 4782072440
Related Careers in Georgia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $77,880 | Degree required | 5-18 years |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,800 | Degree required | 5-18 years |
| Carpenter | $50,530 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $64,290 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Georgia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for General Contractors in Georgia?
Georgia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Georgia?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Georgia is $101,360. Salaries range from $63,850 (10th percentile) to $165,240 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Georgia compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Georgia earn 5% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $101,360.
How many General Contractors work in Georgia?
Georgia employs approximately 7,840 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Georgia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No new Licenses. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in Georgia?
The licensing agency is State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Georgia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.