How much does a General Contractor license cost in Washington?

Getting a General Contractor license in Washington 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 Washington?

Licensed general contractors in Washington earn a median salary of $78,000/year, compared to $57,600/year without the license.

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

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

General Contractor Licenses › Washington

General Contractor License Cost in Washington 2026: $790 Fees, $78K Salary

Getting a General Contractor license in Washington costs $790 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.5 months.

General Contractor License in Washington — Key Numbers

$790

Upfront Cost

$78K

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 — Washington

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 (Washington) $57,600/yr

Salary with license (Washington) $78,000/yr

5-year net ROI $101K

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

General Contractor License in Washington — What to Know

Washington requires state-level contractor licensing, which typically includes a trade exam, financial responsibility documentation, and proof of insurance. The $78K median for licensed contractors in Washington reflects strong construction demand in the state's metros. Licensed GCs in Washington can pull permits, take on unlimited-value projects, and hire subcontractors directly. The exam covers building codes, contract law, and business practices. Insurance and bonding requirements add to the ongoing cost beyond the license fee itself.

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