Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Iowa, 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 Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Bureau of Radiological Health • Health & Human Services • IDPH Regulatory Programs
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,300 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Iowa 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 state examinations.
- 5. Submit the application to Bureau of Radiological Health~Health & Human Services~IDPH Regulatory Programs and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $96,300, General Contractors in Iowa earn 10% below the national median of $106,980. Iowa ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$96,300Hourly estimate
$46.3010% below national median
Difference: -$10,680
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#46 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $96,300 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $117,500 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $113,170 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $108,570 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $104,350 | Varies by state board | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $96,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $113,520 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Minnesota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Bureau of Radiological Health • Health & Human Services • IDPH Regulatory Programs
321 E. 12th Street, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5153808752
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $70,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,400 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $54,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,830 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Iowa?
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 education do you need to become a General Contractor in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Iowa is $96,300. Salaries range from $50,710 (10th percentile) to $149,990 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Iowa earn 10% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $96,300.
How many General Contractors work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 2,200 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Bureau of Radiological Health / Health & Human Services / IDPH Regulatory Programs. Review agency details at https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/radiological-health.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.