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General Contractor License Cost in Minnesota 2026: $790 Fees, $65K Salary

Getting a General Contractor license in Minnesota costs $790 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.6 months.

General Contractor License in Minnesota — Key Numbers

$790
Upfront Cost
$65K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$250
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.6 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

General Contractor License Cost Breakdown — Minnesota

Exam fee $340
Application fee $250
Initial license fee $200
Total upfront $790
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $250
CE hours required per cycle 20 hours
Salary without license (Minnesota) $48,000/yr
Salary with license (Minnesota) $65,000/yr
5-year net ROI $84K

Licensing body: Minnesota Contractors Licensing Board. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

General Contractor License in Minnesota — What to Know

Minnesota contractor licensing varies by trade — general contractors, electricians, and plumbers typically have separate licensing tracks. The $65K median for licensed GCs in Minnesota represents experienced contractors managing residential and commercial projects. Licensing allows you to pull permits and take on projects above the state's unlicensed threshold. Many Minnesota GCs start with a specific trade license (electrician, HVAC, plumbing) before adding a general contractor license.

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