Class A vs. Class B Contractor License: What’s the Difference?

The difference between a Class A vs Class B contractor license comes down to project scope, dollar limits, and the type of work you’re legally allowed to perform. Class A licenses allow contractors to work on large, unrestricted engineering projects, while Class B licenses limit contractors to smaller-scale commercial or residential construction.

Understanding this distinction is critical if you’re deciding which license to pursue—or which license is required for the projects you want to bid.

What Is a Contractor License?

A contractor license is a state-issued credential that authorizes an individual or company to perform construction work legally. Most U.S. states divide licenses into classes to control:

  • Project size and complexity
  • Contract value limits
  • Types of construction allowed

This article focuses on the most common comparison: Class A vs Class B contractor licenses.

Class A vs Class B Contractor License: Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Class A: Large-scale engineering and infrastructure projects with no monetary limit
  • Class B: General building construction with project cost caps

What Can a Class A Contractor Do?

A Class A contractor can perform unlimited-value general engineering work, typically on public infrastructure and heavy civil projects.

Common Class A Project Types

  • Highways and roadways
  • Bridges and overpasses
  • Dams and reservoirs
  • Underground utilities
  • Mass grading and earthwork
  • DOT and federally funded projects

Typical Class A Roles

  • Heavy Civil Project Manager
  • Civil Engineer
  • Estimator (Infrastructure)
  • General Engineering Contractor

Many high-paying infrastructure Jobs require a Class A license. You can browse current openings here:
👉 /jobs/

What Can a Class B Contractor Do?

A Class B contractor is licensed for general building construction, usually with project cost limitations set by the state.

Common Class B Project Types

  • Commercial buildings
  • Tenant improvements
  • Small office or retail construction
  • Residential multi-unit buildings

Limitations of Class B Licenses

  • Restricted contract value (varies by state)
  • Limited eligibility for heavy civil or infrastructure projects
  • Often excluded from DOT or public works contracts

Can a Class B Contractor Do Commercial Work?

Yes, a Class B contractor can perform commercial construction, such as:

  • Retail spaces
  • Office buildings
  • Warehouses

However, they cannot typically perform:

  • Heavy highway construction
  • Bridge or dam projects
  • Large-scale earthwork or utility systems

Those projects almost always require a Class A license.

Do I Need a Class A or Class B License?

The license you need depends on the type and scale of work you want to pursue.

You likely need a Class A license if you want to:

  • Bid on public infrastructure projects
  • Work on highways, bridges, or utilities
  • Remove contract value limits
  • Hire for heavy civil Jobs in engineering and construction

A Class B license may be sufficient if you:

  • Focus on commercial or residential buildings
  • Work on smaller-scale private projects
  • Do not plan to bid on DOT or federal contracts

How Much Experience Is Needed for a Class A License?

Experience requirements vary by state, but Class A licenses generally require more experience than Class B.

Typical Class A Experience Requirements

  • 4–5 years of documented experience
  • Experience must be in general engineering or heavy civil construction
  • Supervisory or project management experience often required

Because of these higher requirements, Class A contractors often command higher Salaries.
See compensation benchmarks here:
👉 /salary-guide/

Contractor License Comparison: Which Is Better?

There is no “better” license—only the right license for your career goals.

  • Class A = Heavy civil, infrastructure, unlimited project size
  • Class B = Building construction, capped project values

If your focus is bridges, highways, utilities, or public works, Class A is the industry standard.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a Class A vs Class B contractor license is a strategic decision that affects the projects you can bid, the roles you qualify for, and your earning potential. For professionals in civil engineering and heavy infrastructure, the Class A license opens significantly more opportunities.

If you work in heavy civil construction, Engineering.Contractors is built specifically for your industry.