Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 2-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Tied to business.
- 5
Experience requirements: Have 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years if a sole proprietor or responsible managing employee.
- 6
Exam in the appropriate classification.
- 7
$50 for application.
- 8
For entities: $355 for 2-year license, $150 for recovery fund, $10 for education fund, and $148 for biennial compliance resolution fund
- license renewal every 2 years is $190.
Exam and processing details
- in the appropriate classification.
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| For entities | $355 |
| license renewal every 2 years | $190 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Contractors License Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al every 2 years
- Salary Position
$122,910 median (15% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required in the appropriate classification..
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; $50 for application.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (For entities: $355; license renewal every 2 years: $190).
- 7. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Contractors License Board and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al every 2 years; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $122,910, General Contractors in Hawaii earn 15% above the national median of $106,980. Hawaii ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$122,910Hourly estimate
$59.0915% above national median
Difference: +$15,930
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122,910 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 2-18 years |
| 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 |
| Washington | $136,180 | Specific course required | State exam required | 2-5 years |
| Alaska | $135,630 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Contractors License Board
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $83,200 | Specific course required | 2 years |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $50,560 | Specific course required | 2 years |
| Carpenter | $85,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $69,560 | Degree required | 2-12 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Hawaii?
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 exams are required for General Contractors in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Hawaii?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Hawaii is $122,910. Salaries range from $46,790 (10th percentile) to $172,220 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Hawaii earn 15% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $122,910.
How many General Contractors work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 2,910 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Contractors License Board. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al every 2 years.