Quick answer: The median general contractor in Maine earns $52.92/hr — about $110,070 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $173,000+. To hire one, a general contractor typically bills $115–$160 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 Maine compares to other states.
General contractor income in Maine (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Maine's ~1,460 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $32.04 | ~$5,554 | ~$66,643 |
| Median (typical) | $52.92 | ~$9,172 | $110,070 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $83.07 | ~$14,399 | ~$172,786 |
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) | ~$53/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $115–$160/hr |
Where Maine ranks
Maine pays general contractors 4% below the national median, ranking 26th of 51 states — right around the national middle:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Maine (26th) | $52.92 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by Maine metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn | $56.67/hr | $125–$170/hr |
| Portland-South Portland | $56.38/hr | $125–$170/hr |
| Bangor | $54.44/hr | $120–$165/hr |
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area | $48.97/hr | $110–$145/hr |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area | $43.82/hr | $95–$130/hr |
What common contracting jobs cost in Maine
At Maine billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Maine range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,500–$24,000 |
| Kitchen remodel | $14,500–$48,000 |
| Room addition | $24,000–$86,000 |
| Basement finishing | $19,000–$57,500 |
| Whole-home renovation | $48,000–$191,500 |
| Deck / porch build | $4,000–$14,500 |
| Detached garage build | $19,000–$48,000 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $57,500–$191,500 |
| Structural repair | $5,000–$28,500 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $7,500–$24,000 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in Maine
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Maine's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $52.92/hr | $115–$160/hr |
| Electrician | $36.24/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Plumber | $30.77/hr | $70–$90/hr |
| HVAC technician | $30.37/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.88/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 Maine?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Maine contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Maine, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors make in Maine?
The median general contractor in Maine earns about $110,070 a year ($52.92/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level general contractors earn around $67,000 and the most experienced earn $173,000 or more.
Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year in Maine?
Yes — experienced general contractors in Maine can. The top 10% earn about $173,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own general contractor and billing $115–$160/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Maine?
In 2025, most Maine general contractors bill $115–$160 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $53/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do general contractors earn more in Maine than nationally?
Maine's median general contractor wage is about 4% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 26th of 51 states.
Which Maine city pays general contractors the most?
Lewiston-Auburn, at a $56.67/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state for general contractors.
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.