Application Fee
$25Verified by NH Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in New Hampshire, including $25 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Be actively engaged in the trade for a period of three years prior to the date of application, with experience directly related to the type of license issued
- 2
One year of experience for drilling contractors shall be in drilling water wells in crystalline rocks of the Appalachian region
- 3
Pass an examination prepared and administered by the New Hampshire Water Well Board
- 4
Obtain the appropriate license from the Board
- 5
Education: Specific course required.
- 6
Experience: Work experience required.
- 7
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 8
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 9
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 10
A contractor license is required of any entity or individual engaged in well construction.
- 11
- Be actively engaged in the trade for a period of three years prior to the date of application, with experience directly related to the type of license issued.
- 12
- One year of experience for drilling contractors shall be in drilling water wells in crystalline rocks of the Appalachian region.
- 13
- Pass an examination prepared and administered by the New Hampshire Water Well Board.
- 14
- Obtain the appropriate license from the Board.
- 15
Examination: Written examination required.
Exam and processing details
- Written examination required
Continuing education and program notes
- Not required
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Rotary license | $225 |
| Technical license | $225 |
| Cable Tool license | $150 |
| Point well license | $150 |
| Dug well license | $100 |
| Examination | $10 |
| for each license category - Rotary license | $225 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NH Department of Environmental Services • Water Well Board
- Current Filing Fee
$25
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$106,980 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet New Hampshire eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Written examination required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Be actively engaged in the trade for a period of three years prior to the date of application, with experience directly related to the ty...; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $25; Rotary license: $225).
- 7. Submit the application to NH Department of Environmental Services~Water Well Board and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of $106,980, General Contractors in New Hampshire earn 0% above the national median of $106,980. New Hampshire ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,490Median annual salary
$106,980Hourly estimate
$51.430% above national median
Difference: +$0
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $106,980 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maine | $104,060 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $99,660 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $147,750 | Specific course required | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 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
NH Department of Environmental Services • Water Well Board
29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95, Concord, NH, 03302
Phone: 6032711974
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $78,960 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $58,460 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $59,890 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $66,750 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in New Hampshire is $106,980.
How does the General Contractor salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
General Contractors in New Hampshire earn 0% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $106,980.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is NH Department of Environmental Services / Water Well Board. Review agency details at https://www.des.nh.gov/about/boards-and-committees/water-well-board/licensing.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in New Hampshire?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.