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Verified by LA Board of Trades

General Contractor Licensing in Louisiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Pass the Joint Commission on National Dental Examination.

Exam and processing details

  • National Dental Examination

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $104,510 median (2% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #22 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Dental Examination.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Dentistry and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $104,510, General Contractors in Louisiana earn 2% below the national median of $106,980. Louisiana ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$104,510

Hourly estimate

$50.25
2% below national median

Difference: -$2,470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$66,560
  • P2525th percentile$83,530
  • P50Median$104,510
  • P7575th percentile$134,500
  • P9090th percentile$166,630

State vs National Median

State: $104,510
National: $106,980

Total employment: 5,280 | Annual openings: N/A

General Contractor Salary Ranking

#22 of 50 statesfor General Contractor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Massachusetts$147,750
#2Washington$136,180
#3Alaska$135,630
#4New York$135,530
#5Delaware$135,200

Nearby States Comparison

General Contractor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Louisiana$104,510Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$87,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$93,840Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Texas$99,600Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-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

Official website verified

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

1201 North Third Street, Suite G-136, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802

Phone: 5045688574

Related Careers in Louisiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$65,350Specific course requiredVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$46,020Specific course requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$49,660Specific course requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$69,150Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Louisiana?

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 exams are required for General Contractors in Louisiana?

Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The board typically expects Degree required for General Contractor licensure in Louisiana.

What is the typical General Contractor salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for General Contractors in Louisiana is $104,510. Salaries range from $66,560 (10th percentile) to $166,630 (90th percentile).

How does the General Contractor salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?

General Contractors in Louisiana earn 2% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $104,510.

How many General Contractors work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 5,280 General Contractors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at https://www.lsbd.org/.

How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Louisiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.