General Contractor Licensing Guide
State-by-state licensing requirements, exams, fees, and renewal rules for general contractors across all 50 states.
Registered → Licensed → General Contractor
| Stage | Typical range | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $20–$35/hr | — |
| Journeyman | $35–$60/hr | $98,000/yr |
| Master / Contractor | $60–$120/hr | Higher by 20–50% |
The AGC (Associated General Contractors) or local building trades councils offers a structured apprenticeship through the AGC education or local building trades apprenticeship. Programs are typically tuition-free and pay wages from day one. Learn more →
Comparing trades? See the trade comparison guide →