Application Fee
See agencyVerified by OH Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Ohio
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Ohio, 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 Ohio
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Tied to business.
- 6
Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Ohio Department of Commerce • Division of Industrial Compliance
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,440 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#44 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Ohio eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work 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. Submit the application to Ohio Department of Commerce~Division of Industrial Compliance and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Ohio
With a median salary of $96,440, General Contractors in Ohio earn 10% below the national median of $106,980. Ohio ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,256Median annual salary
$96,440Hourly estimate
$46.3710% below national median
Difference: -$10,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#44 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $96,440 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $103,610 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $103,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $76,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $99,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $99,600 | Degree 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | 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
Ohio Department of Commerce • Division of Industrial Compliance
6606 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068
Phone: 6146442223
Related Careers in Ohio
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $78,870 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,010 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $58,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $70,890 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Ohio?
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 Ohio?
Ohio lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Ohio?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in Ohio.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Ohio?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Ohio is $96,440. Salaries range from $57,470 (10th percentile) to $150,350 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Ohio compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Ohio earn 10% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $96,440.
How many General Contractors work in Ohio?
Ohio employs approximately 14,900 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Ohio 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 Ohio?
The licensing agency is Ohio Department of Commerce / Division of Industrial Compliance. Review agency details at https://www.com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Ohio?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.