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Verified by MN Board of Trades

General Contractor Licensing in Minnesota

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    The license may be a nonresident license.

  6. 6

    Complete the license application online at Sircon.

  7. 7

    - Email a list of all Minnesota-licensed insurance producers affiliated with the agency, including each producer's full name and license number.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Commerce • Licensing Unit

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $117,500 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #12 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.; Complete the license application online at Sircon.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Commerce~Licensing Unit and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $117,500, General Contractors in Minnesota earn 10% above the national median of $106,980. Minnesota ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$117,500

Hourly estimate

$56.49
10% above national median

Difference: +$10,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$77,140
  • P2525th percentile$94,260
  • P50Median$117,500
  • P7575th percentile$151,410
  • P9090th percentile$175,070

State vs National Median

State: $117,500
National: $106,980

Total employment: 5,260 | Annual openings: N/A

General Contractor Salary Ranking

#12 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
Minnesota$117,500Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$113,170Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$96,300Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$113,520Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$101,020No educational requirementsNo 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
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota54LowState-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

Minnesota Department of Commerce • Licensing Unit

85 7th Place East, Suite 600, St. Paul, MN, 55101-3165

Phone: 6512966319

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$86,640Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$57,470Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$64,650Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$83,890Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Minnesota?

Minnesota lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.

What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Minnesota?

The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in Minnesota.

What is the typical General Contractor salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for General Contractors in Minnesota is $117,500. Salaries range from $77,140 (10th percentile) to $175,070 (90th percentile).

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

General Contractors in Minnesota earn 10% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $117,500.

How many General Contractors work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 5,260 General Contractors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Commerce / Licensing Unit. Review agency details at http://www.commerce.state.mn.us/.

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

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