General Contractor License Cost in Rhode Island 2026: $790 Fees, $66K Salary
Getting a General Contractor license in Rhode Island costs $790 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.5 months.
General Contractor License in Rhode Island — Key Numbers
$790
Upfront Cost
$66K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$250
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.5 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
General Contractor License Cost Breakdown — Rhode Island
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 (Rhode Island)
$48,960/yr
Salary with license (Rhode Island)
$66,300/yr
5-year net ROI
$86K
Licensing body: Rhode Island Contractors Licensing Board. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
General Contractor License in Rhode Island — What to Know
Rhode Island contractor licensing varies by trade — general contractors, electricians, and plumbers typically have separate licensing tracks. The $66K median for licensed GCs in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island GCs start with a specific trade license (electrician, HVAC, plumbing) before adding a general contractor license.