What is the average salary for a general contractor?
Maddy Osman • 
Before we get into the specifics of a general contractor salary, let’s talk first about the role of a general contractor. Also known as a building manager, a general contractors main job is to oversee the entire project and day-to-day operations.
Key responsibilities of a general contractor include:
- Applying for building permits
- Providing materials and equipment
- Overseeing subcontractors
- Managing client communications
A general contractor often manages multiple projects for different clients at once, and therefore tends to earn a higher salary. So what is the average general contractor salary?
Average general contractor salary
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a general contractor in the United States in 2025 is $87,561 per year. Broken down further, this translates to an hourly wage of about $42. Total annual compensation, including bonuses and other incentives, typically ranges from $115,000 to $125,000, though it can vary depending on experience, location, and company size.
There are many factors that influence your salary as a general contractor, in particular, the local economy or region you live in. For example, general contractors in the Northeast region of the United States typically earn higher salaries. Keep in mind that it’s important to consider the cost of living in your area when comparing general contractor salaries across different regions.
Finally, the scale and complexity of your projects can also affect your salary. Large commercial projects that require you to manage more resources and teams usually pay more than smaller home renovation projects.
Comparing a general contractor salary to other construction careers
Specialized roles in construction services typically have lower average salaries, but they also have fewer management responsibilities. Here’s how the average general contractor salary compares to other roles.
Plumber vs. General contractor salary
Plumbers repair and install pipes responsible for water and gas delivery in residential and commercial buildings. To become a plumber, you need a high school diploma or GED, a state plumbing license, and usually an apprenticeship under a master plumber. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for plumbers (including pipefitters and steamfitters) was $62,970 in May 2024, corresponding to an hourly wage of about $30.27. On the higher end, the top 10% of these professionals earned more than $105,150 per year
Electrician vs. General contractor salary
Electricians design, install, and maintain electrical systems for all types of buildings. Similar to plumbers, electricians with more experience and certifications can earn higher salaries. To pursue a career as an electrician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED and an apprenticeship to earn your journeyman license. The BLS reports the median electrician salary as $62,350 per year or $29.97 per hour in May 2024. Entry-level electricians earned around $39,430 annually, while the top 10% made over $106,030 per year.
Construction project manager vs. General contractor salary
Construction project managers, or construction managers, collaborate with project owners from the beginning of a project. Typically, they are brought in for large commercial projects. Unlike general contractors, construction managers have a collaborative relationship with the project owner, and they partake in the pre-construction design phase of projects. When the project begins, construction managers oversee the work done by subcontractors.
In addition to relevant work experience, most employers require construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree. Common degrees include engineering, construction management, and construction science. Certification is not required to work as a construction manager, but it’s generally helpful. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction managers was $106,980 in May 2024 (about $51.43 per hour). The highest-earning construction managers earn more than $176,990 annually.
For more information on general contractor salaries, check out this blog post on the best states for construction management jobs in the United States.
Maddy Osman is a Contributor at Hourly. Hourly is a people platform that helps small businesses save time and money by seamlessly connecting the dots between workers’ compensation insurance, time cards and payroll.
