Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Division of Mine Safety • Energy and Environment Cabinet
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$99,620 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to Division of Mine Safety~Energy and Environment Cabinet and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $99,620, General Contractors in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $106,980. Kentucky ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$99,620Hourly estimate
$47.897% below national median
Difference: -$7,360
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $99,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $99,600 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $96,440 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $76,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $107,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Missouri | $104,350 | Varies by state board | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $108,570 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Division of Mine Safety • Energy and Environment Cabinet
300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5027826276
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,320 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $39,940 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Carpenter | $50,860 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Kentucky?
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 is the typical General Contractor salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Kentucky is $99,620. Salaries range from $56,480 (10th percentile) to $185,660 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $99,620.
How many General Contractors work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 2,330 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Division of Mine Safety / Energy and Environment Cabinet. Review agency details at https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Mining/Mine-Safety/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.