Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 3
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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$130,580 median (22% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet New Jersey eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Law and Public Safety~Division of Consumer Affairs~Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Jersey
With a median salary of $130,580, General Contractors in New Jersey earn 22% above the national median of $106,980. New Jersey ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,565Median annual salary
$130,580Hourly estimate
$62.7822% above national median
Difference: +$23,600
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#6 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 Jersey | $130,580 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $135,530 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $103,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $135,200 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New York | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Division of Consumer Affairs • Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
PO Box 45006, Newark, NJ, 7101
Phone: 9735046410
Related Careers in New Jersey
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $97,730 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $57,290 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $61,880 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $82,210 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in New Jersey?
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 Jersey?
New Jersey lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in New Jersey?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in New Jersey.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in New Jersey is $130,580. Salaries range from $75,880 (10th percentile) to $214,020 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
General Contractors in New Jersey earn 22% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $130,580.
How many General Contractors work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 8,580 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to New Jersey 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 Jersey?
The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Division of Consumer Affairs / Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/eac/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in New Jersey?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.