Quick answer: The median general contractor in District of Columbia earns $60.78/hr — about $126,430 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $210,000+. To hire one, a general contractor typically bills $135–$180 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, 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 District of Columbia compares to other states.
General contractor income in District of Columbia (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for District of Columbia's ~1,250 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $38.76 | ~$6,718 | ~$80,621 |
| Median (typical) | $60.78 | ~$10,536 | $126,430 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $100.81 | ~$17,474 | ~$209,685 |
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) | ~$61/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $135–$180/hr |
Where District of Columbia ranks
District of Columbia pays general contractors 10% above the national median, ranking 12th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| District of Columbia (12th) | $60.78 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
What common contracting jobs cost in District of Columbia
At District of Columbia billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical District of Columbia range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $9,000–$27,500 |
| Kitchen remodel | $16,500–$55,000 |
| Room addition | $27,500–$99,000 |
| Basement finishing | $22,000–$66,000 |
| Whole-home renovation | $55,000–$220,000 |
| Deck / porch build | $4,500–$16,500 |
| Detached garage build | $22,000–$55,000 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $66,000–$220,000 |
| Structural repair | $5,500–$33,000 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $9,000–$27,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in District of Columbia
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against District of Columbia's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $60.78/hr | $135–$180/hr |
| Plumber | $48.57/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| HVAC technician | $40.57/hr | $90–$120/hr |
| Electrician | $37.97/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.67/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 District of Columbia?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See District of Columbia contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in District of Columbia, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors make in District of Columbia?
The median general contractor in District of Columbia earns about $126,430 a year ($60.78/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level general contractors earn around $81,000 and the most experienced earn $210,000 or more.
Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year in District of Columbia?
Yes — experienced general contractors in District of Columbia can. The top 10% earn about $210,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own general contractor and billing $135–$180/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do general contractors charge per hour in District of Columbia?
In 2025, most District of Columbia general contractors bill $135–$180 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $61/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do general contractors earn more in District of Columbia than nationally?
Yes — District of Columbia's median general contractor wage is about 10% above the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 12th of 51 states.
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. Updated August 2026.