General Contractors

The complete guide for general contractors on the business side of the trade — what you charge, the license you need in your state, and the free tools to quote, invoice, and get paid. General contractors earn a median of $114,990 a year, and whether you need a license depends on your state (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025).

General contractor rates & licensing by state

Pick your state for real hourly-rate data (from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and the license you need — all 50 states:

• Alabama — rates · licensing
• Alaska — rates · licensing
• Arizona — rates · licensing
• Arkansas — rates · licensing
• California — rates · licensing
• Colorado — rates · licensing
• Connecticut — rates · licensing
• Delaware — rates · licensing
• Florida — rates · licensing
• Georgia — rates · licensing
• Hawaii — rates · licensing
• Idaho — rates · licensing
• Illinois — rates · licensing
• Indiana — rates · licensing
• Iowa — rates · licensing
• Kansas — rates · licensing
• Kentucky — rates · licensing
• Louisiana — rates · licensing
• Maine — rates · licensing
• Maryland — rates · licensing
• Massachusetts — rates · licensing
• Michigan — rates · licensing
• Minnesota — rates · licensing
• Mississippi — rates · licensing
• Missouri — rates · licensing
• Montana — rates · licensing
• Nebraska — rates · licensing
• Nevada — rates · licensing
• New Hampshire — rates · licensing
• New Jersey — rates · licensing
• New Mexico — rates · licensing
• New York — rates · licensing
• North Carolina — rates · licensing
• North Dakota — rates · licensing
• Ohio — rates · licensing
• Oklahoma — rates · licensing
• Oregon — rates · licensing
• Pennsylvania — rates · licensing
• Rhode Island — rates · licensing
• South Carolina — rates · licensing
• South Dakota — rates · licensing
• Tennessee — rates · licensing
• Texas — rates · licensing
• Utah — rates · licensing
• Vermont — rates · licensing
• Virginia — rates · licensing
• Washington — rates · licensing
• West Virginia — rates · licensing
• Wisconsin — rates · licensing
• Wyoming — rates · licensing

Pay ranges widely by state — the national median is $55.28/hour, and the top 10% of general contractors earn over $91/hour ($189,000+ a year).

Common general contractor jobs & what they cost

Typical national price ranges for common general contractor jobs, covering labor plus materials. Local prices vary — use the state rate pages above for figures near you.

• Bathroom remodel — $8,000–$25,000
• Kitchen remodel — $15,000–$50,000
• Room addition — $25,000–$90,000
• Basement finishing — $20,000–$60,000
• Whole-home renovation — $50,000–$200,000
• Deck / porch build — $4,000–$15,000
• Detached garage build — $20,000–$50,000
• ADU / in-law unit — $60,000–$200,000
• Structural repair — $5,000–$30,000
• Exterior siding replacement — $8,000–$25,000

Do general contractors need a license?

It depends on your state. Some states require general contractors to hold a state license; others regulate the work locally, or not at all. License names and thresholds vary, so check your state above for the exact requirement before you bid work.

Free general contractor tools & templates

• General contractor invoice template
• General contractor estimate template
• Free invoice generator
• Estimate generator
• Profit-margin calculator

Invoice and get paid faster with BIG INVOICE

General contractors don't invoice from a desk. BIG INVOICE lets you build a professional invoice on the job site and send a PDF before you've packed up — your client gets it in under a minute, and you get paid faster. No seat fees, no learning curve.

Estimates, clients, and reports in one app

Write an estimate, get approval, and convert it to an invoice in one tap. Track every client's history and see what you're owed at a glance. Your first 2 documents are free; Pro is $5.99/mo or $59.99/yr for unlimited.

General contractor FAQ

How much do general contractors charge?

A bathroom remodel typically runs $8,000–$25,000, and bigger jobs like whole-home renovation run $50,000–$200,000. Billed rates vary by state — see general contractor rates by state above.

How much do general contractors make?

The median general contractor earns $114,990 a year ($55.28/hour); the top 10% earn over $189,000 ($91/hour), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Pay varies widely by state.

Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year?

Yes — the top 10% of general contractors earn over $189,000 a year, and shop owners who bill their own rates can earn more.

Is being a general contractor a good career?

General contractors earn a median of $114,990 a year, with the top 10% earning $189,000. Demand for skilled trades is steady, and pay climbs as you gain experience, specialize, or start your own business — a solid path for people who'd rather work with their hands than sit at a desk.

Do general contractors need a license?

It depends on the state — some require a state license, others regulate general contractor work locally. Check your state's licensing page above for specifics.

How do you become a general contractor?

Most general contractors start with hands-on experience — often an apprenticeship or a trade-school program — then get licensed in the states that require it. How long it takes and what's required vary by state; see your state's licensing details above.

Is being a general contractor hard?

General contractors work is physical and hands-on, and no two jobs are identical — so practical problem-solving and careful measuring matter more than advanced math. Most general contractors find the trade demanding but very learnable, and the pay and independence make it worth it.

How do general contractors invoice and get paid?

Most solo general contractors and small crews invoice on-site from their phone the moment the job is done. BIG INVOICE creates a professional PDF in under a minute, with your own payment details attached — no in-app fees, and your first 2 documents are free.

Related trades: electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and carpenters.