Application Fee
See agencyVerified by RI Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Rhode Island
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
RI Department of Education • Office of Educator Quality and Certification
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$103,500 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to RI Department of Education~Office of Educator Quality and Certification and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Rhode Island
With a median salary of $103,500, General Contractors in Rhode Island earn 3% below the national median of $106,980. Rhode Island ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,294Median annual salary
$103,500Hourly estimate
$49.763% below national median
Difference: -$3,480
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#29 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $103,500 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $147,750 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $118,680 | Specific course 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
RI Department of Education • Office of Educator Quality and Certification
255 Westminster St, Providence, RI, 02903-3400
Phone: 4012224600
Related Careers in Rhode Island
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $63,010 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $50,690 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $60,510 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $72,790 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Rhode Island?
The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in Rhode Island.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Rhode Island is $103,500. Salaries range from $76,880 (10th percentile) to $177,730 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Rhode Island earn 3% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $103,500.
How many General Contractors work in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island employs approximately 420 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Rhode Island from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in Rhode Island?
The licensing agency is RI Department of Education / Office of Educator Quality and Certification. Review agency details at https://ride.ri.gov/teachers-administrators/educator-certification-0.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Rhode Island?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.