No State License Required

General Contractor License in New York

New York does not require a state-level general contractor license. The median salary is $92,670 per year.

Last updated 2026-05-08

Experience
— months
Exam Fee
Passing Score
—%
Avg Salary
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What are the general contractor license requirements in New York?

01

New York does not require a general contractor to hold a state license. New York does not require a state-level general contractor license. Check with local jurisdictions for any local requirements. Licensing is administered by the State Contractors Board.

What exam do you need for a general contractor license in New York?

02

New York requires passing the General Contractor licensing exam with a minimum score of —%. The application fee is —.

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How do you get a general contractor license in New York?

03

Getting licensed as a general contractor in New York takes 0 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.

1
Register with the state
Register with State Contractors Board before beginning work.
2
Accumulate required experience
Complete — months of supervised work experience.
3
Apply for the exam
Submit your application and — fee through the state portal.
4
Pass the exam
questions, —% to pass.
5
Receive your license
After passing, your license will be issued. Renew every 2 years.

How much does a general contractor license cost in New York?

04

The total cost includes an exam application fee of — and renewal fees of — every 2 years.

FeeAmount

How much do general contractors make in New York?

05

General Contractors in New York earn a median salary of $92,670, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024. Once licensed, general contractors in New York handle projects with real cost variation by region — see what remodeling work costs in New York.

25th Percentile
Median
$92,670
75th Percentile
Mean (average)— / year
Entry level (10th pct)
Top earners (90th pct)
Total employed— in New York
National average$80,560

Frequently Asked Questions

07

Is a license required to work as a general contractor in New York?

No — New York does not require a state-level general contractor license. New York does not require a state-level general contractor license. Check with local jurisdictions for any local requirements.

How much do general contractors make in New York?

The median annual salary for general contractors in New York is $92,670. The national median is $80,560.

How long does it take to get a general contractor license in New York?

The fastest path takes approximately 0 months. The typical path takes 0 months including experience requirements.

Related

Data last verified April 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with the State Contractors Board.