General Contracting Contractors in Phoenix, Arizona

Avg. Hourly Wage

$56.17/hr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Avg. Annual Wage

$116,834/yr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensed Establishments

905

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

Fall through early spring (October-March) when heat subsides and outdoor work becomes tolerable

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

3-7 business days for initial quotes, longer during peak season

Estimate

Common Job Costs

ServiceCost Range
Kitchen remodel$25,000 – $75,000
Bathroom renovation$15,000 – $45,000
Room addition$40,000 – $120,000
Whole house renovation$80,000 – $250,000
Garage construction$20,000 – $50,000

Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) license required. Must pass business management and trade knowledge exams, provide financial statements showing $75,000+ net worth, obtain surety bond, and maintain 4 hours continuing education annually. License classes include CR-11 (commercial) and CR-6 (residential) with specific dollar thresholds.

Permit Requirements

City of Phoenix requires permits for most structural work, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC modifications. Permit costs range from $50-500+ depending on project scope. Plans must be submitted and approved before work begins.

Inspection Schedule

Typically includes foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing/HVAC), insulation, and final inspections. Schedule inspections 24 hours in advance through Phoenix Development Services.

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, professional liability recommended. Bonding requirements vary by license class from $7,500 to $1,000,000.

How to Get Licensed

  1. 1

    Meet prerequisites

    Demonstrate minimum 4 years construction experience or equivalent education. Gather financial statements showing required net worth ($75,000+ for most classifications).

  2. 2

    Register for exams

    Schedule business management and trade knowledge exams through PSI Services. Study materials available from Arizona ROC. Exams cost approximately $75 each.

  3. 3

    Pass required examinations

    Pass both business management exam (covering laws, contracts, safety) and trade-specific exam with 70% or higher score. Retake allowed with additional fees.

  4. 4

    Submit application

    Complete ROC application with required documentation, financial statements, experience verification, and applicable fees. Include surety bond certificate.

  5. 5

    Obtain surety bond

    Secure required surety bond amount based on license classification (typically $7,500-$1,000,000). Bond must remain active throughout license period.

  6. 6

    Receive license

    Upon approval, receive contractor license number and wallet card. License must be displayed on vehicles and job sites. Renewal required every two years with continuing education.

About This Market

Phoenix general contracting runs hot and heavy with 905 licensed outfits competing across the metro. Demand stays strong from population growth and aging housing stock, but summer heat kills productivity and drives up costs. Residential remodels and additions dominate the work, with commercial following close behind. Material costs spike due to desert shipping premiums and summer storage issues.

Get your ROC license sorted first - Arizona doesn't mess around with unlicensed work. Summer months separate the pros from the pretenders, so plan your crew scheduling and job sequencing around heat. City of Phoenix permit process moves steady but expect delays during peak season. Keep your bonding current and insurance tight - liability claims hit hard in this market. Focus on fall booking and maintain strong supplier relationships for material consistency.

Data Sources:

Median hourly wage: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage StatisticsNumber of licensed establishments: U.S. Census Bureau County Business PatternsLicensing requirements: Arizona Registrar of ContractorsPermit requirements: City of Phoenix Development ServicesInsurance minimums: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for general contracting in Phoenix?
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) license is mandatory. You need CR-6 for residential work under $1 million or CR-11 for unlimited commercial work. Both require exams and financial qualifications per Arizona ROC regulations.
How much do general contractors make in Phoenix?
Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows median hourly wage of $56.17 ($116,834 annually) for construction managers in Arizona. Actual contractor profits vary widely based on overhead, project mix, and business efficiency.
When is peak season for general contractors in Phoenix?
October through March when temperatures drop below 90°F consistently. Summer work is possible but productivity drops significantly, driving up labor costs and project timelines due to heat restrictions.
What permits are required for general contracting work in Phoenix?
City of Phoenix Development Services requires permits for structural changes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and projects over certain square footage. Permit costs range $50-500+ depending on scope per city fee schedule.
How long does it take to get licensed as a general contractor in Arizona?
Arizona ROC licensing typically takes 4-8 weeks after application submission, assuming you pass required exams and meet financial requirements. Exam scheduling can add 2-4 weeks to the timeline during busy periods.

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