Quick answer: The median general contractor in Texas earns $48.78/hr — about $101,470 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $167,000+. To hire one, a general contractor typically bills $105–$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 Texas compares to other states.
General contractor income in Texas (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Texas's ~59,060 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $30.79 | ~$5,337 | ~$64,043 |
| Median (typical) | $48.78 | ~$8,456 | $101,470 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $80.19 | ~$13,900 | ~$166,795 |
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) | $105–$145/hr |
Where Texas ranks
Texas pays general contractors 12% below the national median, ranking 42nd of 51 states — among the lowest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Texas (42nd) | $48.78 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by Texas metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $49.79/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $49.78/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $49.51/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $48.24/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Corpus Christi | $47.37/hr | $105–$140/hr |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $47.33/hr | $105–$140/hr |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area | $46.91/hr | $105–$140/hr |
What common contracting jobs cost in Texas
At Texas billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Texas range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,000–$22,000 |
| Kitchen remodel | $13,000–$44,000 |
| Room addition | $22,000–$79,500 |
| Basement finishing | $17,500–$53,000 |
| Whole-home renovation | $44,000–$176,500 |
| Deck / porch build | $3,500–$13,000 |
| Detached garage build | $17,500–$44,000 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $53,000–$176,500 |
| 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 Texas
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Texas's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $48.78/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Plumber | $28.77/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Electrician | $28.16/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| HVAC technician | $27.77/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| Carpenter | $23.51/hr | $50–$70/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 Texas?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Texas contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Texas, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors make in Texas?
The median general contractor in Texas earns about $101,470 a year ($48.78/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level general contractors earn around $64,000 and the most experienced earn $167,000 or more.
Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year in Texas?
Yes — experienced general contractors in Texas can. The top 10% earn about $167,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own general contractor and billing $105–$145/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Texas?
In 2025, most Texas general contractors bill $105–$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 Texas than nationally?
Texas's median general contractor wage is about 12% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 42nd of 51 states.
Which Texas city pays general contractors the most?
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, at a $49.79/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.