Overview
Delaware requires a state-issued license to work independently as a general contractor. Licensing is administered by Delaware Division of Revenue / local jurisdictions. Requirements include supervised experience, a written exam, and payment of licensing fees.
Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Division of Revenue / local jurisdictions before beginning your application, as rules can change.
^ TopLicense tiers and what each allows
| License | What you can do | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Contractor | Basic business registration. Required to work legally. | Business registration |
| Licensed Contractor | Authorized for residential and light commercial projects. | Exam + insurance |
| General Contractor | Full commercial and large-scale project authority. | Advanced exam + bonding |
Step-by-step path
Register your business
Register your contracting business with the Delaware Division of Revenue and obtain a business license.
Obtain liability insurance and bonding
Delaware requires contractors to carry general liability insurance. Bond requirements vary by project type and jurisdiction.
Check local licensing requirements
Delaware does not have a single statewide contractor license — requirements vary by county and municipality. Check with your local jurisdiction.
Pass required trade exams
Some jurisdictions require passing a business and law exam or trade-specific exam. Verify with your local licensing office.
Renew annually
Business licenses renew annually with the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Fee summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application / registration | Varies (check board) |
| Licensing exam | Varies |
| License issuance | Varies (check board) |
| License renewal (annual) | Varies (check board) |
Salary by experience level
Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; Delaware wages are approximately $135,200/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).
| Stage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $20–$35/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $35–$60/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $60–$120/hr | Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility |
Realistic timeline: start to licensed
Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Experience accumulation | 2–4 years | Document verifiable construction management or field experience. |
| Business entity setup | 2–4 weeks | Form LLC or corporation, get EIN, open business bank account. |
| Bond and insurance | 1–2 weeks | Obtain surety bond and general liability insurance — required before licensing. |
| Exam preparation | 4–12 weeks | Study construction law, codes, business practices using NASCLA prep materials. |
| License application processing | 2–6 weeks | Submit application, proof of experience, bond, and insurance; board reviews and issues license. |
Union vs. independent path
General contractors typically come from a management background rather than a union trade path, though many start in union trades before moving into project management. Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.
| Union (AGC) | Non-union / independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry path | Most start as project managers, superintendents, or estimators | Some start in trade (carpenter, mason, etc.) then move to GC |
| Training | Degree in construction management, or apprenticeship-to-management path | Self-directed or employer training |
| Wages | Salary-based; highly variable by project size | Contract-based; per-project revenue |
| Bonding requirement | Required regardless of union status | Required regardless of union status |
| Licensing body | State contractor's board | State contractor's board |
| Reciprocity | NASCLA exam accepted in 20+ states | NASCLA exam accepted in 20+ states |
Transferring your license from another state
General contractor licensing has better cross-state portability than most trades. The NASCLA exam is accepted in 20+ states, meaning one exam can qualify you in multiple states. Some states have bilateral reciprocity agreements. Always verify with the specific state board.
If you currently hold a general contractor license in another state and want to work in Delaware, contact the Delaware Division of Revenue / professional licensing boards directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.
Electrical work is one of the most complex subcontracted trades — licensed general contractors benefit from understanding it. See the Electrician license guide for Delaware.
Plumbing licensing varies significantly by state and affects what GCs can self-perform. See the Plumber license guide for Delaware.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- PSI Exams — Schedule your contractor exam Most states use PSI for general contractor licensing exams. Create an account, select your state, and register. candidate.psiexams.com
- Pearson VUE — Contractor licensing exams Some states use Pearson VUE for contractor licensing exams. home.pearsonvue.com
- NASCLA — Multi-state contractor licensing NASCLA exams are accepted in 20+ states. Pass once, get licensed in multiple states. nascla.org
General Contractor Jobs in Delaware
Current openings near you — updated daily.
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