Quick answer: The median general contractor in Rhode Island earns $50.00/hr — about $103,990 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $177,000+. To hire one, a general contractor typically bills $110–$150 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit — and more in higher-cost metros like Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
Here's the full picture: what general contractors earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Rhode Island compares to other states.
General contractor income in Rhode Island (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Rhode Island's ~450 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $29.47 | ~$5,108 | ~$61,298 |
| Median (typical) | $50.00 | ~$8,666 | $103,990 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $85.27 | ~$14,780 | ~$177,362 |
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) | ~$50/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $110–$150/hr |
Where Rhode Island ranks
Rhode Island pays general contractors 10% below the national median, ranking 37th of 51 states — in the lower-middle nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Rhode Island (37th) | $50.00 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
What common contracting jobs cost in Rhode Island
At Rhode Island billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Rhode Island range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,000–$22,500 |
| Kitchen remodel | $13,500–$45,000 |
| Room addition | $22,500–$81,500 |
| Basement finishing | $18,000–$54,500 |
| Whole-home renovation | $45,000–$181,000 |
| Deck / porch build | $3,500–$13,500 |
| Detached garage build | $18,000–$45,000 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $54,500–$181,000 |
| Structural repair | $4,500–$27,000 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $7,000–$22,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in Rhode Island
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Rhode Island's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $50.00/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Plumber | $36.77/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Electrician | $35.62/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| HVAC technician | $32.39/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.25/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 Rhode Island?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Rhode Island contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Rhode Island, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors make in Rhode Island?
The median general contractor in Rhode Island earns about $103,990 a year ($50.00/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level general contractors earn around $61,000 and the most experienced earn $177,000 or more.
Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year in Rhode Island?
Yes — experienced general contractors in Rhode Island can. The top 10% earn about $177,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own general contractor and billing $110–$150/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Rhode Island?
In 2025, most Rhode Island general contractors bill $110–$150 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $50/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do general contractors earn more in Rhode Island than nationally?
Rhode Island's median general contractor wage is about 10% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 37th 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.