Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Montana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Montana Department of Labor and Industry • Workers' Compensation Regulation Bureau
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$102,820 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Montana Department of Labor and Industry~Workers' Compensation Regulation Bureau and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Montana
With a median salary of $102,820, General Contractors in Montana earn 4% below the national median of $106,980. Montana ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,173Median annual salary
$102,820Hourly estimate
$49.434% below national median
Difference: -$4,160
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#32 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $102,820 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $101,020 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $113,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $97,050 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Idaho | $102,880 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Dakota | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Idaho | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Montana Department of Labor and Industry • Workers' Compensation Regulation Bureau
1805 Prospect Ave, PO Box 8011, Helena, MT, 59604-8011
Phone: 4064447734
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $62,990 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $57,060 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $58,110 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $60,500 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Montana?
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 Montana?
Montana lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Montana?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in Montana.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Montana is $102,820. Salaries range from $70,030 (10th percentile) to $169,990 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Montana compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Montana earn 4% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $102,820.
How many General Contractors work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 1,760 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Montana 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 Montana?
The licensing agency is Montana Department of Labor and Industry / Workers' Compensation Regulation Bureau. Review agency details at https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/construction-contractor-registration.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Montana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.