All contractors and subcontractors in Nebraska must be registered with the NE Department of Labor. This online process requires Workman’s Compensation Insurance, paying a licensing fee, and completing an online application.
Let’s dive into how you can become a contractor in Nebraska today.
Do You Need a Contractor’s License in Nebraska?
General contractors (GCs), subcontractors, and specialty contractors are all required to register their business with the state before working on any property. As per Nebraska statutes, contractors are defined as any individual, firm, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or another group of persons completing construction work.
Construction work in this context includes new work, additions, alterations, rebuilds, repairs, and installations.
For more information on determining whether you’re an employee or a subcontractor, see here.
Exemptions
You do not need a contractor’s license if you’re working on your own property. Contractors who earn less than $5,000 annually also do not need a license.
Registering as a Contractor in Nebraska
To register as a contractor, you’ll need to create an account online. If you have multiple businesses or operate under multiple names, you’ll need separate applications for each name.
All businesses will have to designate a Registered Agent. This is a person or entity that is designated to receive your official mail and notifications, such as lawsuits, tax documents, etc. This Agent should reside within the area you’re working in at all times.
Applicants can be their own Registered Agents if they have a small business. Larger businesses can designate an owner, partner, employee, etc.
Most applicants will need to pay a $25 annual registration fee. If you’re self-employed (as a sole proprietorship) and do not pay more than $3,000 annually to employees then you are exempt from paying this fee.
Within your application, you will need to show proof of Worker’s Compensation and other insurance coverage.
Renewals
The Department of Labor will send out annual renewal letters. You will renew your registration online on the same portal you used to initially apply.
Non-Resident Contractors
Non-resident contractors do not have a permanent residence or place of business in Nebraska, but they can also apply for a contractor’s license.
For projects valued at over $10,000, you’ll log on to your online account and select the “File New Project Permit” option on the dashboard.
Contractor Salaries
Contractor salaries are affected by the type of contracting work you do, where you work, and how experienced you are. Below are some of the most common types of contractors and their average annual salary in the U.S., as per Indeed.
- General contractors are the main individual coordinating large-scale construction projects. They often hire employees, subcontractors, and apprentices. Average salary: $86,974
- Excavators set up the foundation for projects. Average salary: $88,304
- Glazier contractors work with all the glass installed throughout a project. Average salary: $60,801
- Painters can often be contractors with a specialization or classification in painting. Average salary: $60,690
- Electrical contractors oversee all the installation, fixing, and maintenance of electrical appliances and wirings on construction projects. Average salary: $55,624
- Plumbing contractors work with pipes and sewage systems. Average salary: $52,773