How much does a General Contractor license cost in Tennessee?

Getting a General Contractor license in Tennessee costs $790 upfront (exam fee $340, application fee $250, license fee $200). Renewal runs $250 every 2 years.

How much do licensed general contractors earn in Tennessee?

Licensed general contractors in Tennessee earn a median salary of $58,500/year, compared to $43,200/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a General Contractor license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires 20 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a General Contractor license.

General Contractor Licenses › Tennessee

General Contractor License Cost in Tennessee 2026: $790 Fees, $59K Salary

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

General Contractor License in Tennessee — Key Numbers

$790

Upfront Cost

$59K

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 — Tennessee

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 (Tennessee) $43,200/yr

Salary with license (Tennessee) $58,500/yr

5-year net ROI $76K

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

General Contractor License in Tennessee — What to Know

Tennessee contractor licensing requirements vary — some states require state-level GC licensing, others delegate to counties or municipalities. The $59K median is for experienced licensed GCs. Check your specific county or city requirements, as local jurisdictions sometimes have additional licensing requirements beyond the state level. The exam (where required) typically covers building codes and business practices. Insurance and surety bond requirements add ongoing cost to the license.

Payback Calculator

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Other License Costs in Tennessee

Real Estate Agent → CPA → Registered Nurse →

← All states: General Contractor License Costs

All certifications in Tennessee · Payback period by state

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