FAQs

From Longman Business Dictionary ˌgeneral conˈtractor the main contractor on a project, who is responsible for fulfilling the conditions of a contract, and usually employs smaller subcontractors to do some or most of the work → contractor.

As the general contractor, you bear the responsibility for making sure the job gets done to specifications. Plans and specifications can include architectural, engineering, and development plans, government building codes and ordinances, as well as general standards of construction processes applicable to builders.

Average general contractor salary

According to TradesmanCE.com, general contractors with an established business at the higher end of the payscale can expect an average base salary of $70,000 to $95,000 per year. Broken down further, this translates to an hourly wage of roughly $50, or a daily rate of $500.

General Contractor

They are in charge of actually building the building. General Contractors have their own employees who typically fill the roles of project manager and Construction Superintendent.

Some general contractors lean on their work experience to gather the necessary skills and know-how to become licensed, or they will work through a trade school or association to complete an apprenticeship. In these cases, becoming a general contractor takes anywhere from three to five years.