Quick answer: The median general contractor in Ohio earns $49.03/hr — about $101,980 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $161,000+. To hire one, a general contractor typically bills $110–$145 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 Ohio compares to other states.
General contractor income in Ohio (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Ohio's ~16,130 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $31.63 | ~$5,483 | ~$65,790 |
| Median (typical) | $49.03 | ~$8,498 | $101,980 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $77.60 | ~$13,451 | ~$161,408 |
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) | ~$49/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $110–$145/hr |
Where Ohio ranks
Ohio pays general contractors 11% below the national median, ranking 41st of 51 states — among the lowest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Ohio (41st) | $49.03 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by Ohio metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $50.58/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $50.34/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Akron | $49.34/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Cleveland | $48.77/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Toledo | $48.13/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $47.15/hr | $105–$140/hr |
| North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) | $45.23/hr | $100–$135/hr |
What common contracting jobs cost in Ohio
At Ohio billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Ohio range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,000–$22,000 |
| Kitchen remodel | $13,500–$44,500 |
| Room addition | $22,000–$80,000 |
| Basement finishing | $17,500–$53,000 |
| Whole-home renovation | $44,500–$177,500 |
| Deck / porch build | $3,500–$13,500 |
| Detached garage build | $17,500–$44,500 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $53,000–$177,500 |
| Structural repair | $4,500–$26,500 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $7,000–$22,000 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in Ohio
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Ohio's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $49.03/hr | $110–$145/hr |
| Electrician | $31.11/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Plumber | $30.45/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| HVAC technician | $30.06/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.24/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 Ohio?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Ohio contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Ohio, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors make in Ohio?
The median general contractor in Ohio earns about $101,980 a year ($49.03/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level general contractors earn around $66,000 and the most experienced earn $161,000 or more.
Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year in Ohio?
Yes — experienced general contractors in Ohio can. The top 10% earn about $161,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own general contractor and billing $110–$145/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Ohio?
In 2025, most Ohio general contractors bill $110–$145 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $49/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do general contractors earn more in Ohio than nationally?
Ohio's median general contractor wage is about 11% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 41st of 51 states.
Which Ohio city pays general contractors the most?
Columbus, at a $50.58/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.