Start a Handyman Business in Oregon
Oregon requires CCB contractor license for work over $1,000—but provides clear path to licensing.
Oregon has strict contractor licensing through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Work over $1,000 requires CCB license. Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) endorsement is designed for handyman services—limited to $40K/year gross sales and $5K per project. 16-hour pre-license training and exam required. LLC costs $100 with $100/year annual report. Bond ($15K) and insurance ($100K) required. Oregon provides clear compliance path.
Important Notices
CCB License Required Over $1,000
Oregon requires CCB contractor license for ANY work over $1,000. No handyman exemption above this threshold.
No Advertising Without License
Oregon law prohibits advertising handyman services without CCB license, even for work under $1,000.
RLC Limits Apply
Residential Limited Contractor: Max $40K/year gross sales, max $5K per project. Must upgrade if exceeding.
Important Notices
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Hand Tools Quality set essential | $300 | $800 |
| Power Tools Drill, saw, sander, etc. | $400 | $1,500 |
| Work Vehicle Truck or van (may already own) | $0 | $5,000 |
| CCB Pre-License Training 16 hours required | $70 | $200 |
| CCB Exam Fee PSI testing | $75 | $75 |
| CCB License Application Initial fee | $325 | $325 |
| Surety Bond (RLC) $15,000 bond annual premium | $150 | $400 |
| General Liability Insurance $100K minimum required | $400 | $1,000 |
| OR LLC Filing Secretary of State | $100 | $100 |
| Annual Report Due on anniversary date | $100 | $100 |
| City Business License Portland ~$100 | $50 | $150 |
| Total | $1,970 | $9,650 |
Licenses & Limits
CCB Pre-License Training
Approved educator required
16 hours
CCB Exam
70% passing score
Schedule after training
CCB License Application
RLC endorsement for handyman
3-4 weeks processing
Surety Bond
$15,000 bond required for RLC
Same day
General Liability Insurance
$100K per occurrence minimum
Same day
OR LLC Formation
Oregon Secretary of State
2-3 days
Annual Report
Filed online
Due on anniversary
Licenses & Limits
Portland
650K (metro 2.5M)Largest market. Older homes. $50-80/hour.
Eugene
175K (metro 380K)College town. $45-70/hour.
Salem
180K (metro 430K)State capital. $45-65/hour.
Bend
100K (metro 200K)High-end market. $50-75/hour.
Medford
85K (metro 220K)Southern Oregon. $40-60/hour.
Handyman Costs in Other States
View all 50 statesOregon Handyman Tips
RLC for Handyman Work
Residential Limited Contractor endorsement is designed for part-time/handyman work. Lower bond/insurance than full license.
Training Investment Pays Off
16-hour training ($70-200) prepares you for exam AND teaches Oregon business requirements.
Track Sales Carefully
RLC has $40K/year gross sales limit. If exceeding, must immediately upgrade to full RGC license.
No Advertising Loophole
Even if doing small jobs under $1K, you cannot advertise without CCB license. Word-of-mouth only for unlicensed work.
Oregon Handyman Tips
Understand CCB Requirements
Oregon requires CCB license for work over $1,000. No exceptions for 'handyman work' above this threshold.
Complete 16-Hour Training
Pre-license training covers Oregon laws, business practices. Choose CCB-approved educator ($70-200).
Pass CCB Exam
Schedule exam with PSI after training. 70% passing score required. Open-book with NASCLA guide.
Register Your Business
File LLC with OR Secretary of State ($100) or register sole proprietorship.
Get Bond and Insurance
RLC requires $15,000 surety bond and $100,000 liability insurance.
Apply for CCB License
Submit application ($325) with proof of training, bond, and insurance.
Set Pricing
Portland: $50-80/hour. Eugene: $45-70/hour. Remember RLC limits: $40K/year, $5K/project.
Track Your Limits
RLC limits gross sales to $40K/year and projects to $5K. Upgrade license if exceeding.