Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Trades
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers in California
Estimated timeline: 2-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
must be at least 18 years of age
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California.
- 4
License Application Fee: $450.
- 5
Initial License Fee: Sole Owner $200 for 2 years.
- 6
Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience
- must be at least 18 years of age.
- 7
Exam Requirement: Business/law exam and trade exam.
- 8
Exam Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$42,700 median (10% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (must be at least 18 years of age; Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (License Application Fee: $450.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Contractors State License Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $42,700, Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workerss in California earn 10% above the national median of $38,860. California ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$42,700Hourly estimate
$20.5310% above national median
Difference: +$3,840
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationHelpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $51,980 |
| #2 | New York | $47,310 |
| #3 | Washington | $45,840 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $45,760 |
| #5 | Colorado | $45,240 |
Nearby States Comparison
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $42,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2-18 years |
| Oregon | $41,300 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $39,610 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $43,270 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 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
Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827
Phone: 8003212752
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $84,910 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $63,370 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Carpenter | $74,820 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $101,160 | Varies by state board | 1-6 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers salary in California?
The median annual salary for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workerss in California is $42,700. Salaries range from $33,390 (10th percentile) to $57,860 (90th percentile).
How does the Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers salary in California compare to the national average?
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workerss in California earn 10% above the national median of $38,860, with a state median of $42,700.
How many Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workerss work in California?
California employs approximately 10,690 Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers license to California 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 Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workerss in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Contractors State License Board. Review agency details at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.