Overview
General contractors oversee construction projects, coordinate subcontractors, and are legally responsible for code compliance. Most states require a license, bond, and insurance.
Contractor registration required.
^ TopLicense tiers and what each allows
| License | What you can do | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Contractor | Training level. Work under supervision. No independent work. | Registration only |
| Licensed Contractor | Install, repair, and maintain systems under supervision or independently in most states. | Yes. State licensing exam (~$75 fee) |
| General Contractor | Full independent work, supervise others, pull permits, design systems. | Yes. Advanced state exam |
Step-by-step path
Register as an apprentice
Register with Wyoming Contractors Registration before starting work. This is required to legally accumulate supervised hours toward your journeyman qualification. Some states charge a small registration fee.
Accumulate 0 hours of supervised experience
Work under a licensed journeyman or master general contractor. This takes approximately 0 years at full-time hours. Your employer is required to verify your hours when you apply for the journeyman exam.
Pass the journeyman licensing exam
The exam covers varies by state requirements and state-specific rules. Exam fee is $75. Most candidates study 4-8 weeks using a state-approved prep guide before sitting for the test.
Apply for your journeyman license
Submit your application to Wyoming Contractors Registration after passing the exam. License fee is $120. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Your employer's verification of your hours is required at this stage.
Renew annual
Your Wyoming license renews annual. Renewal fee is $120. Some states require continuing education at renewal. Always renew on time to avoid a lapse in licensure.
Fee summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apprentice registration | Varies (check board) |
| Journeyman exam | $75 |
| Journeyman license | $120 |
| License renewal (annual) | $120 |
Salary by experience level
Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; Wyoming wages are approximately $97,050/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).
| Stage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $20–$35/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $35–$60/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $60–$120/hr | Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility |
Realistic timeline: start to licensed
Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Experience accumulation | 2–4 years | Document verifiable construction management or field experience. |
| Business entity setup | 2–4 weeks | Form LLC or corporation, get EIN, open business bank account. |
| Bond and insurance | 1–2 weeks | Obtain surety bond and general liability insurance — required before licensing. |
| Exam preparation | 4–12 weeks | Study construction law, codes, business practices using NASCLA prep materials. |
| License application processing | 2–6 weeks | Submit application, proof of experience, bond, and insurance; board reviews and issues license. |
Union vs. independent path
General contractors typically come from a management background rather than a union trade path, though many start in union trades before moving into project management. Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.
| Union (AGC) | Non-union / independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry path | Most start as project managers, superintendents, or estimators | Some start in trade (carpenter, mason, etc.) then move to GC |
| Training | Degree in construction management, or apprenticeship-to-management path | Self-directed or employer training |
| Wages | Salary-based; highly variable by project size | Contract-based; per-project revenue |
| Bonding requirement | Required regardless of union status | Required regardless of union status |
| Licensing body | State contractor's board | State contractor's board |
| Reciprocity | NASCLA exam accepted in 20+ states | NASCLA exam accepted in 20+ states |
Transferring your license from another state
General contractor licensing has better cross-state portability than most trades. The NASCLA exam is accepted in 20+ states, meaning one exam can qualify you in multiple states. Some states have bilateral reciprocity agreements. Always verify with the specific state board.
If you currently hold a general contractor license in another state and want to work in Wyoming, contact the Wyoming Dept. of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety / trade boards directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.
Electrical work is one of the most complex subcontracted trades — licensed general contractors benefit from understanding it. See the Electrician license guide for Wyoming.
Plumbing licensing varies significantly by state and affects what GCs can self-perform. See the Plumber license guide for Wyoming.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- PSI Exams — Schedule your contractor exam Most states use PSI for general contractor licensing exams. Create an account, select your state, and register. candidate.psiexams.com
- Pearson VUE — Contractor licensing exams Some states use Pearson VUE for contractor licensing exams. home.pearsonvue.com
- NASCLA — Multi-state contractor licensing NASCLA exams are accepted in 20+ states. Pass once, get licensed in multiple states. nascla.org
General Contractor Jobs in Wyoming
Current openings near you — updated daily.
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