Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification requirements of Act 98 of 1990 and Chapter 36 of Title 49, pertaining to the appraisal of residential and nonresidential real property utilized in connection with feder
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Certified Real Estate Appraisers Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$103,990 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Certified Real Estate Appraisers Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $103,990, General Contractors in Pennsylvania earn 3% below the national median of $106,980. Pennsylvania ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$103,990Hourly estimate
$50.003% below national median
Difference: -$2,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $103,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $135,530 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $130,580 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $135,200 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $128,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $76,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $96,440 | No educational requirements | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Jersey | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Delaware | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Certified Real Estate Appraisers Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177834866
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,240 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $49,790 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $59,240 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,180 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for General Contractor licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Pennsylvania is $103,990. Salaries range from $74,950 (10th percentile) to $171,940 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Pennsylvania earn 3% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $103,990.
How many General Contractors work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 5,490 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Certified Real Estate Appraisers Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/CertifiedRealEstateAppraisers/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.