Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TX Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Texas, 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 Texas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).
- 6
When buying or refinancing real property, mortgage lenders frequently require an appraisal performed by a license holder.
- 7
A separate appraiser license is issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for those who appraise real estate for property tax purposes.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified General Appraiser is a person certified by TALCB to perform real property appraisals
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$99,600 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
- 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: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of $99,600, General Contractors in Texas earn 7% below the national median of $106,980. Texas ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$99,600Hourly estimate
$47.887% below national median
Difference: -$7,380
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $99,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $96,310 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $87,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $104,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $100,580 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | 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
Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
PO Box 12188, Austin, TX, 78711-2188
Phone: 5129363001
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,660 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $48,150 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $62,110 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas 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 Texas?
The board typically expects Degree required for General Contractor licensure in Texas.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Texas?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Texas is $99,600. Salaries range from $62,280 (10th percentile) to $165,400 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Texas compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Texas earn 7% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $99,600.
How many General Contractors work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 51,960 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Texas 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 Texas?
The licensing agency is Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Review agency details at https://www.talcb.texas.gov/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Texas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.