NAICS Code for Contractors
There is no single NAICS code for “contractors.” NAICS codes classify an establishment by the type of work performed. Most construction contractors are in NAICS Sector 23 – Construction, especially: NAICS 236 (general contractors / building construction) and NAICS 238 (specialty trade contractors).
If a business performs multiple services, use the code that best matches its primary activity (the activity representing the largest share of work or revenue).
Quick contractor type → NAICS code reference
Use this as a fast starting point, then confirm fit on the detailed code page (definitions, included/excluded activities, and related classifications).
| If you’re a… | Start with… | Common codes |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor / whole-building projects New builds, major remodels, coordinating subs |
NAICS 236 |
236118 (Residential Remodelers) 236220 (Commercial/Institutional) 236115 (New Single-Family) 236116 (New Multifamily) |
| Electrician | 238210 | 238210 (Electrical Contractors) |
| Plumber / HVAC | 238220 | 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, A/C) |
| Roofer | 238160 | 238160 (Roofing Contractors) |
| Painter / wall covering | 238320 | 238320 (Painting/Wall Covering) |
| Flooring | 238330 | 238330 (Flooring Contractors) |
| Landscaping contractor Ongoing landscape services (not excavation/site prep) |
NOT Sector 23 | 561730 (Landscaping Services) |
How to choose the correct NAICS code for a contractor
Quick rule: choose the code that best describes the establishment’s primary activity.
- Match the work: identify the main service delivered (electrical, plumbing, roofing, remodeling, site prep, etc.).
- Pick the primary activity: if multiple services are offered, select the one representing the largest share of work or revenue.
- Use 236 vs 238: 236 for whole-building/general construction; 238 for trade-specific specialty work.
For licensing, bid packages, SBA programs, or vendor onboarding, your NAICS code should reflect the primary economic activity at the establishment.
Contractor classification decision tree
Use this quick path when you’re not sure whether you’re 236, 238, or outside Construction.
1) Are you delivering whole-building projects?
New builds or major remodels where you manage the full project scope (often coordinating subs).
Start with: NAICS 236 (Construction of Buildings)
2) Are you a trade specialist?
Electrical, plumbing/HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, masonry, glazing, etc.
Start with: NAICS 238 (Specialty Trade Contractors)
3) Are you providing services “under contract” (not construction trades)?
Examples: landscaping services, food service contractors, remediation, temp staffing, consulting.
Start with: the service’s sector (often 56, 72, or 54)
If you do more than one thing, choose the code that represents the largest share of work or revenue.
⚠️ Common mistake: “Home improvement contractor”
If you manage whole-house remodel projects, you’re often 236118 (Residential Remodelers). If you focus on one trade (like cabinets, painting, flooring, or roofing), you’re usually a 238xxx specialty contractor.
⚠️ Landscaping ≠ Construction (most of the time)
Ongoing landscaping service is 561730 (Landscaping Services). Land clearing/excavation/site prep is construction: 238910 (Site Preparation Contractors).
NAICS codes for construction contractors (Sector 23)
Most trade and building contractors are classified in NAICS Sector 23 – Construction. The most common contractor groupings are 236 (Construction of Buildings) and 238 (Specialty Trade Contractors).
General contractors and building construction (NAICS 236)
Whole-building projects and general construction delivery (new build or major remodels), often coordinating subcontractors.
- 236115 – New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)
- 236116 – New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)
- 236117 – New Housing For-Sale Builders
- 236118 – Residential Remodelers
- 236210 – Industrial Building Construction
- 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Specialty trade contractors (NAICS 238)
Trade-specific work such as electrical, plumbing/HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, masonry, and site preparation.
- 238210 – Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
- 238220 – Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- 238160 – Roofing Contractors
- 238140 – Masonry Contractors
- 238910 – Site Preparation Contractors
- 238320 – Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
- 238330 – Flooring Contractors
- 238990 – All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
▶ View all contractor-related NAICS codes (25+ organized by category)
Use this expanded list when you already know the trade or need broader construction-related categories.
| Category | NAICS code | Common contractor type |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation / structure / exterior | 238110, 238120, 238130, 238140, 238150, 238160, 238170, 238190 | Concrete, steel/precast, framing, masonry, glazing, roofing, siding, exterior specialty trades |
| Building finishing | 238310, 238320, 238330, 238340, 238350, 238390 | Drywall/insulation, painting, flooring, tile, finish carpentry, other finishing trades |
| Site preparation | 238910 | Demolition, excavation, land clearing, site prep |
| Other construction-related | 237120, 237990 | Pipeline-related construction; heavy/civil engineering work |
Note: “Contractor” is also used for many non-construction service businesses. See the next section for common examples.
Non-construction contractor examples
Not every “contractor” belongs in Construction (Sector 23). If the work is primarily service delivery (not building trades), the correct NAICS code may be in another sector.
Common non-construction “contractor” searches
- 722310 – Food Service Contractors
- 561730 – Landscaping Services
- 562910 – Remediation Services
- 561320 – Temporary Help Services
- 541613 – Marketing Consulting Services
Use these codes when the “contractor” is delivering a service under contract rather than performing construction trades.
Manufacturing vs. contracting
If the business primarily manufactures products (rather than installs/repairs/builds), it usually belongs in NAICS 31–33 (Manufacturing), not Sector 23.
For most contractor searches, start with Sector 23 first, then check service sectors if the work is not construction.
Related classification questions
- Browse the hierarchy: NAICS Sector 23 – Construction
- Popular “catch-all”: NAICS 238990 – All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- Need step-by-step help? How Do I Find My NAICS Code?
- Compare systems: SIC vs NAICS: What’s the difference?
FAQ
- Is there one NAICS code for all contractors?
No. “Contractor” is a label. NAICS codes are assigned based on the work performed. - What is the NAICS code for general contractors?
General contractors typically start in NAICS 236, such as 236118 (Residential Remodelers) or 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction). - What is the NAICS code for electrical contractors?
238210 – Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors. - What if a contractor performs multiple activities?
Choose the code that best matches the establishment’s primary activity (largest share of work or revenue). - Can a contractor have multiple NAICS codes?
Many businesses can map to multiple possible codes, but most forms and datasets require selecting one primary NAICS that best represents the main activity at the establishment.
Next steps
Start with NAICS Sector 23 – Construction, then select the most specific code that matches the contractor’s work (general construction = 236; trade-specific = 238).
Citation
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