License Cost Rankings

Contractor license costs vary dramatically from state to state — the same trade can cost under $100 to get licensed in one state and over $1,000 in another. These rankings break down the total initial licensing cost (application fee + license fee + exam fee) for every state that requires a license, sorted from cheapest to most expensive.

Use these rankings to compare costs before expanding into a new state, budget for your licensing investment, or simply understand where your state falls on the national scale. Keep in mind that these totals cover fees only — you will also need to budget for surety bonds, insurance, study materials, and continuing education.