Contractors in North Carolina
Browse contractors by city or trade across North Carolina.
Cities in North Carolina
All Trades
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical
Roofing
Painting
Landscaping
Pest Control
Handyman
General Contracting
Contractor Market in North Carolina
Top Trades by Contractor Volume
Plumbing
37,190
contractors
$66–$90/hr
typical shop rate
Handyman
36,762
contractors
$61–$82/hr
typical shop rate
General Contracting
32,890
contractors
$144–$195/hr
typical shop rate
Electrical
31,086
contractors
$68–$92/hr
typical shop rate
Painting
11,572
contractors
$57–$77/hr
typical shop rate
Contractor Licensing in North Carolina
| Trade | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrical | NC requires Electrical Contractor License through NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Must pass written exam covering NEC, state regulations, and business law. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. $75 application fee, $100 exam fee. Licenses renewed annually by December 31 with $75 fee and 8 hours continuing education. |
| General Contracting | North Carolina requires General Contractor license (unlimited or limited based on project value). Must pass PSI exam covering business law, safety, and trade knowledge. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. License renewal every year with 8 hours continuing education. Bond requirements vary by classification. |
| Handyman | North Carolina requires no state license for handyman work under $30,000 per project. For electrical work over $10,000, plumbing over $10,000, or HVAC work, must hold appropriate trade license. No handyman-specific exam required for general work under threshold. |
| Painting | North Carolina requires painting contractors to obtain a state license for projects over $30,000. Must pass the NC Painting Contractor examination covering business law, safety, and trade knowledge. License renewal required every 3 years with continuing education. For projects under $30,000, no state license required but local business license may be needed. |
| Pest Control | NC requires Pesticide Applicator License through NC Department of Agriculture. Must pass Core exam plus category-specific exams (7A for general pest, 7F for fumigation). Commercial applicators need business license. Certified Applicator must supervise unlicensed technicians. Renewal every 3 years with continuing education credits. |
| Plumbing | NC requires state plumbing license through NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Must pass written exam, provide experience documentation (4 years apprenticeship or equivalent), and maintain continuing education. Licenses renewed annually. |
| Roofing | North Carolina General Contractor License required for roofing work over $30,000. Must pass business law exam and trade exam, provide financial statements, maintain $7,500 surety bond. License renewal every year with 8 hours continuing education. Specialty contractor license available for roofing-only work. |
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North Carolina Resources
RENTAL MARKET DATA
North Carolina Rental Markets
Median rent, cap rates, and home value data for every zip code in North Carolina.
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COMPLIANCE & PERMITS
North Carolina Contractor Compliance
Licensing requirements, permit guides, and compliance resources for North Carolina contractors.
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FINANCING
North Carolina Business Financing
County-level financing guides for contractors and small businesses across North Carolina.
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