How to Become a Licensed Contractor in Kentucky

If you’re considering moving to Kentucky or starting your contracting career there, we’re here to help.

To become a contractor in Kentucky, you’ll need to be licensed either with the state or your municipality. Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors are licensed by the state and may also be required to register in their city. General, building, and other specialty contractors are licensed by their municipality or city. 

This article will break down:

  • State licensing for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors
  • Contractor licenses in Louisville
  • Contractor licenses in Lexington
  • Contractor licenses in Frankfort
  • Contractor licenses in Bowling Green
  • KY contractor salaries

Kentucky State Contractor Licenses

The only state-issued contractor licenses available are for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors in Kentucky. These are overseen by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction. 

Electrical Contractor License

Licensed electrical contractors in KY must be or employ master electricians. Master electricians have at least 8 years of professional electrical experience, pass the Master’s Electrician’s Exam, and have had their master’s license application approved. 

When applying for your Electrical Contractor License, you’ll need to:

  • Be 18+
  • First, take and pass the Business and Law Exam No. 231
  • Hold liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance (or a notarized waiver, if applicable)
  • Complete the application
  • Include a passport-sized photo
  • Pay a $200 application fee 

Reciprocal licenses are also available for licensed contractors from Ohio and Louisiana.

Master HVAC Contractor License

Master HVAC contractors can apply for licensure after working for at least 2 years as a KY journeyman mechanic under a master HVAC contractor. 

When applying, you will have to:

  • Be 18+
  • First, take and pass the plumbing contractor’s exam
  • Hold general liability insurance of $500,000 and property damage insurance for $300,000
  • Complete the application
  • Include a passport-sized photo
  • Include proof of your experience in the form of W-2s, an affidavit from your supervising contractor, or a copy of your out-of-state license
  • Pay the prorated application fee (listed on page 3 of the application)

Plumbing Contractor License

Kentucky does not offer a plumbing contractor license, but it allows licensed master plumbers to work in the scope of a contractor by approving plumbing plans, undertaking plumbing work, and hiring other journeyman plumbers to work under them. 

Master plumbers must first work as licensed journeyman plumbers for at least 2 years. To apply for a master license, they should then:

  • Be 18+
  • Take and pass the plumbing contractor’s exam
  • Have general liability insurance of $250,000
  • Have Worker’s Comp, if applicable
  • Complete the application
    • Include proof of work experience
  • Attach a passport-sized photo
  • Pay the $250 application fee 

KY Contractors in Louisville

Louisville requires all contractors to be “duly identified” by the city before performing any contractor work. 

You will need to start an application with the Division of Construction Review, have it approved, and maintain your identification annually to legally work as a contractor in Louisville.

The city offers the following contractor licenses:

  • Type A: for building contractors, $125 fee, requires 6 hours of Continuing Education 
  • Type B: for limited identification building contractors who can only have ONE permit approved per year, applied for each year/permit, $50 fee
  • Electrical Contractors: must have their state license and be identified
  • Plumbing Contractors: must have their state master’s license and be identified
  • HVAC Contractors: must have their state license and be identified
  • Additional license requirements for manufactured fireplace appliance, commercial refrigeration appliance, fire detection, fire suppression, moving, and wrecking contractors can be found here

To begin the application process, call the office of the Division of Construction Review at 502-574-3321. After speaking with someone about your intent, you’ll be able to complete the Contractor Identification License Application. 

KY Contractors in Lexington

Contractors in Lexington must register with the city before performing any contracting work. 

Lexington lays out very direct and simple requirements for contractors in the area. 

First, you’ll need either a Home Office Certificate for Home Based Business or a Certificate of Occupancy for a business location. The former costs $10 and the latter costs $25. You can apply for these online or at the Lexington office:

Building Inspection

101 E. Vine Street, 2nd Floor

Lexington, KY 40507

Next, you’ll need to apply for your occupational business license. This process is done in person at:

Revenue

200 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor

Lexington, KY 40507

Before going to the office, give them a call at 859-258-3340 to get a list of any required documents you’ll have to bring.

Finally, you’ll need to get the appropriate liability and Worker’s Comp insurance. The following certificate holder should be listed:

LFUCG

Division of Building Inspection

200 E. Main St.

Fax a Lexington, KY 40507

Fax your insurance information to the Division of Building Inspection at 859-258-3780 OR email it to jconnor@lexingtonky.gov. 

KY Contractors in Frankfort

Frankfort does not issue licenses for contractors; however, contractors must have a valid business license number to apply for permits in the city. Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors and subcontractors will need the appropriate state-issued license to work on any contracting projects in Frankfort.

There are two business license applications: one for home offices and the other for business offices (in Frankfort). There is also an alternative application if your business is not located in the city. Each application requires you to fill out legal information on your business and pay a $60 application fee. 

Once your business is licensed, you’ll be able to apply for the appropriate permits to complete your work. 

KY Contractors in Bowling Green

Any general contractor or specialty contractor in Bowling Green-Warren County must have a license. 

Applicants will show proof of liability insurance, proof of compliance with unemployment and Worker’s Comp, provide all tax numbers, pay a $250 fee (or $100 for specialty contractors), and renew licenses annually. 

For more information, see here.

Contractor Salaries in Kentucky 

The average general contractor in Kentucky makes $93,834 per year – right on par with the national average. Since KY’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average, this benefits contractors in the Bluegrass State.

Contractors can increase their salary through years of experience, licensure, additional certifications, and by working available overtime. 

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