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General Contractor Licensing in North Dakota

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for General Contractor in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND Secretary of State

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $101,020 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Dakota eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to ND Secretary of State and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of $101,020, General Contractors in North Dakota earn 6% below the national median of $106,980. North Dakota ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$101,020

Hourly estimate

$48.57
6% below national median

Difference: -$5,960

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,150
  • P2525th percentile$77,520
  • P50Median$101,020
  • P7575th percentile$131,240
  • P9090th percentile$175,170

State vs National Median

State: $101,020
National: $106,980

Total employment: 1,100 | Annual openings: N/A

General Contractor Salary Ranking

#34 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
North Dakota$101,020No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$117,500Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$113,520Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Montana$102,820No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana54LowState-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

ND Secretary of State

600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 108, Bismarck, ND, 58505-0500

Phone: 7013282900

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Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$77,900Degree requiredVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$51,400Degree requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$58,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$74,970No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Dakota?

North Dakota lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.

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

The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical General Contractor salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for General Contractors in North Dakota is $101,020. Salaries range from $60,150 (10th percentile) to $175,170 (90th percentile).

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

General Contractors in North Dakota earn 6% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $101,020.

How many General Contractors work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 1,100 General Contractors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my General Contractor license to North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND Secretary of State. Review agency details at https://sos.nd.gov/.

How often do you renew a General Contractor license in North Dakota?

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