Quick answer: General contractors in Colorado typically bill $130–$180 per hour (2025). The median general contractor earns $60.02/hr ($124,830/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a general contractor charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what general contractors earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Colorado compares to other states.
General contractor income in Colorado (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Colorado's ~12,550 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $37.58 | ~$6,514 | ~$78,166 |
| Median (typical) | $60.02 | ~$10,402 | $124,830 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $92.04 | ~$15,954 | ~$191,443 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a general contractor takes home. What a general contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median general contractor wage (earned) | ~$60/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $130–$180/hr |
Where Colorado ranks
Colorado pays general contractors 9% above the national median, ranking 14th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Colorado (14th) | $60.02 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by Colorado metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $62.38/hr | $135–$185/hr |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | $61.95/hr | $135–$185/hr |
| Boulder | $60.79/hr | $135–$180/hr |
| Greeley | $56.90/hr | $125–$170/hr |
| Colorado Springs | $54.04/hr | $120–$160/hr |
| Grand Junction | $52.50/hr | $115–$160/hr |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $50.96/hr | $110–$155/hr |
What common contracting jobs cost in Colorado
At Colorado billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Colorado range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $8,500–$27,000 |
| Kitchen remodel | $16,500–$54,500 |
| Room addition | $27,000–$97,500 |
| Basement finishing | $21,500–$65,000 |
| Whole-home renovation | $54,500–$217,000 |
| Deck / porch build | $4,500–$16,500 |
| Detached garage build | $21,500–$54,500 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $65,000–$217,000 |
| Structural repair | $5,500–$32,500 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $8,500–$27,000 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in Colorado
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Colorado's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $60.02/hr | $130–$180/hr |
| HVAC technician | $31.35/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Plumber | $30.40/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $30.21/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Electrician | $29.92/hr | $65–$90/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free general contractor estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do general contractors need a license in Colorado?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Colorado contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Colorado, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Colorado?
In 2025, most Colorado general contractors bill $130–$180 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $60/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average general contractor salary in Colorado?
The median general contractor in Colorado earns about $124,830 a year ($60.02/hr). Entry-level general contractors earn around $78,000 and the most experienced earn $191,000 or more.
Do general contractors earn more in Colorado than nationally?
Yes — Colorado's median general contractor wage is about 9% above the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 14th of 51 states.
Which Colorado city pays general contractors the most?
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area, at a $62.38/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.