General Contracting contractors in
Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Tulsa. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Oklahoma requires Residential Builder License for projects over $50,000 or Commercial General Contractor License for commercial work. Must pass PSI exam, provide financial statements, maintain $15,000 surety bond. License renewal every 3 years with 6 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Tulsa requires building permits for structural work, additions, electrical/plumbing modifications. Permit fees range $50-500+ based on project value. Separate trade permits required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC work.
Inspection Schedule
Foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before drywall, electrical/plumbing rough-in inspections, insulation inspection, final inspection. Schedule 24-48 hours in advance through City of Tulsa.
Insurance Minimums
Oklahoma requires $50,000 general liability minimum. Most clients expect $1-2 million coverage. Workers compensation required for employees. Bonding typically 10% of project value for larger jobs.
How to Get Licensed
Meet eligibility requirements
Must be 18+ years old, have high school diploma or equivalent, and provide 4 years construction experience OR 2-year construction degree plus 2 years experience. Submit experience verification forms from previous employers.
Complete pre-license education
Take approved 60-hour pre-license course covering Oklahoma construction law, business practices, and safety regulations. Course must be completed within 2 years of application.
Pass PSI examination
Schedule and pass the PSI contractor examination covering construction knowledge, business law, and Oklahoma regulations. Exam fee is $75, scheduled through PSI online portal.
Submit license application
File complete application with Oklahoma Construction Industries Board including experience documentation, education certificates, financial statements showing $15,000 net worth, and $250 application fee.
Obtain surety bond and insurance
Secure $15,000 surety bond from approved bonding company and provide proof of general liability insurance meeting state minimums before license issuance.
Receive license and maintain compliance
License valid for 3 years. Maintain continuing education requirements (6 hours every 3 years), keep bond and insurance current, and renew before expiration to avoid penalties.
About This Market
Tulsa's general contracting market runs steady with solid demand from oil industry money and population growth around Broken Arrow and Owasso. Competition's fierce with 389 licensed outfits statewide, but good contractors stay busy. Kitchen remodels, additions, and storm damage work drive most residential revenue. Commercial stays active with healthcare and energy sector projects. Costs track below national average but material transport from Dallas adds 8-12% to supplies. Storm season from March-June creates surge demand for roofing and siding repair work that smart contractors bank on. Weather delays are part of the game here with frequent spring storms and summer heat that kills productivity. Oklahoma's licensing isn't a joke - the PSI exam has a 65% pass rate and they actually check your financials. Local inspectors know their stuff and don't rubber stamp anything. Peak season runs March through October when weather cooperates, but interior work keeps crews busy year-round. Tulsa permitting moves reasonably fast if you know the process, but they're strict on code compliance especially after the tornado rebuilds. Keep your insurance current and bond capacity ready - commercial clients here expect it. Material costs fluctuate with oil prices since everything affects this market. Build relationships with local suppliers and stay flexible on scheduling around weather.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
- Number of licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsOklahoma Construction Industries Board
- Permit requirementsCity of Tulsa Development Services
- Insurance minimumsOklahoma Statutes Title 59
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for general contracting in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma requires a Residential Builder License for residential projects over $50,000 or a Commercial General Contractor License for commercial work. Both require passing a PSI examination and maintaining a $15,000 surety bond, per Oklahoma Construction Industries Board regulations.
How much do general contractors make in Tulsa?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, general contractors in Oklahoma earn a median wage of $53.24 per hour or $110,739 annually. Actual income varies based on project types, overhead costs, and business volume.
What permits are required for home additions in Tulsa?
Tulsa requires building permits for all structural additions, with fees typically ranging $200-800 based on project value. Separate permits needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC modifications, issued by City of Tulsa Development Services.
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Oklahoma?
The licensing process typically takes 6-8 weeks after exam passage. This includes application processing, financial review, and bond verification by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. The PSI exam can be scheduled within 2-3 weeks of application.
What insurance coverage do general contractors need in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma mandates $50,000 general liability minimum, but industry standard is $1-2 million coverage. Workers compensation required for any employees. Most commercial clients require additional umbrella policies and performance bonds per project specifications.
General Contracting contractors in Tulsa
No contractors listed yet.
Run your general contracting business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.