CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by NV Board of Trades

General Contractor Licensing in Nevada

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Nevada

Estimated timeline: 10 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    1) Have four years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee or contractor in the specific classification in which he/she is applying.

  6. 6

    The experience must have been obtained within the preceding 10 years.

  7. 7

    Training received at an accredited college or university may be used to satisfy a portion of the required experience.

  8. 8

    3) Possess good character and provide 4 reference certificates from individuals with firsthand knowledge of the applicant's experience.

  9. 9

    4) Pass the Contractors Management Survey (CMS) exam.

  10. 10

    5) Pass the applicable trade exam, if required for the specific license.

Exam and processing details

  • exam provider sets the fee.

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificates from individuals with firsthand knowledge of the applicant's experience

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    State Contractors' Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $104,530 median (2% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #21 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (3) Possess good character and provide 4 reference certificates from individuals with firsthand knowledge of the applicant's experience.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required exam provider sets the fee..
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; 3) Possess good character and provide 4 reference certificates from individuals with firsthand knowledge of the applicant's experience.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to State Contractors' Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Nevada

With a median salary of $104,530, General Contractors in Nevada earn 2% below the national median of $106,980. Nevada ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 10 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$104,530

Hourly estimate

$50.25
2% below national median

Difference: -$2,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$76,300
  • P2525th percentile$84,600
  • P50Median$104,530
  • P7575th percentile$132,280
  • P9090th percentile$164,200

State vs National Median

State: $104,530
National: $106,980

Total employment: 4,420 | Annual openings: N/A

General Contractor Salary Ranking

#21 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
Nevada$104,530Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required10 years
Oregon$126,660Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$102,880No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Utah$99,900Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Arizona$110,120Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
California$129,000Varies by state boardState-approved exam2-18 years

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
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
California78HighBoard-specific review 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

State Contractors' Board

9670 Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Reno, 89521-3953

Phone: 7756881141

Related Careers in Nevada

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$97,690Degree required2-18 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$47,570Degree required2-18 years
Carpenter$62,240Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$76,560Specific course required1 month

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 10 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for General Contractors in Nevada?

Nevada lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.

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

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

What is the typical General Contractor salary in Nevada?

The median annual salary for General Contractors in Nevada is $104,530. Salaries range from $76,300 (10th percentile) to $164,200 (90th percentile).

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

General Contractors in Nevada earn 2% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $104,530.

How many General Contractors work in Nevada?

Nevada employs approximately 4,420 General Contractors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Nevada 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 Nevada?

The licensing agency is State Contractors' Board. Review agency details at http://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/.

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

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