Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in North Carolina, including See agency 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 North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
General Contractors Offer Or Bid For A Fixed Fee, Wage, Or Price To Undertake Construction Or Supervise Or Manage The Construction Of Any Building, Highway, Public Utilities, Grading, Or Improvement Of Structure Where The Cost Of The Project Is $40,000 Or.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| lic Utilities, Grading, Or Improvement Of Structure Where The Cost Of The Project | $40,000 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$104,750 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet North Carolina 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: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (lic Utilities, Grading, Or Improvement Of Structure Where The Cost Of The Project: $40,000).
- 7. Submit the application to NC Licensing Board for General Contractors and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $104,750, General Contractors in North Carolina earn 2% below the national median of $106,980. North Carolina ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$104,750Hourly estimate
$50.362% below national median
Difference: -$2,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $104,750 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $107,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Georgia | $101,360 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| South Carolina | $104,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Replaced.
- 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
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
5400 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27612
Phone: 9195714183
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $69,320 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,530 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $47,630 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $65,830 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in North Carolina?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in North Carolina is $104,750. Salaries range from $65,330 (10th percentile) to $172,150 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
General Contractors in North Carolina earn 2% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $104,750.
How many General Contractors work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 17,100 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Replaced. 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. Review agency details at https://nclbgc.org/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.