Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Virginia, 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 Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Department of Health • Office of Emergency Medical Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$107,000 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia 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. Submit the application to Virginia Department of Health~Office of Emergency Medical Services and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $107,000, General Contractors in Virginia earn 0% above the national median of $106,980. Virginia ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$107,000Hourly estimate
$51.440% above national median
Difference: +$20
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $107,000 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
| Kentucky | $99,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| North Carolina | $104,750 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 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
Virginia Department of Health • Office of Emergency Medical Services
1041 Technology Park Drive, Glen Allen, VA, 23059-4500
Phone: 8048889100
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,770 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $56,320 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $50,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $69,960 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for General Contractor licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Virginia is $107,000. Salaries range from $77,320 (10th percentile) to $187,550 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Virginia earn 0% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $107,000.
How many General Contractors work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 7,020 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Department of Health / Office of Emergency Medical Services. Review agency details at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/education-certification/provider-resources/how-to-become-an-emergency-medical-services-provider-in-virginia/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.