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Income of general contractors: A State-by-State Breakdown
The income of general contractors can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and the scale of projects they undertake. In this blog post, we will explore general contractors’ average and top-end salaries across the United States. Please note that the figures provided are for general contractors working as home service providers and not as artists or other professionals.
Factors Affecting General Contractor Salaries
Before diving into the state-by-state breakdown, it’s important to understand the factors that can impact a general contractor’s salary.
Independent General Contractors vs. General Contractors Working for a Contracting Business
The distinction between independent general contractors and those working for a contracting business can greatly impact a general contractor’s salary. Independent general contractors who run their own successful businesses have more control over their income potential. They can set their own rates, choose which projects to take on and determine their workload. As a result, successful independent general contractors can make significantly more than general contractors employed by a contracting business, who often have set salaries and limited control over their workload and project selection.
Experience
Experience plays a significant role in determining a general contractor’s income. As general contractor gains experience and a reputation for quality work, they can often charge higher rates and secure larger, more lucrative projects.
Location
The cost of living and demand for general contractors in a given location can also impact salaries. States with higher costs of living and strong demand for construction services typically offer higher salaries for general contractors.
Type of Work
The specific type of work a general contractor does can influence their income as well. For example, a general contractor specializing in high-end residential projects or commercial construction may earn more than one who focuses on smaller-scale residential projects.
State-by-State Breakdown of General Contractor Salaries
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Top-End Hourly Rate | Average Yearly Income | Top-End Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Alaska | $30 | $45 | $62,400 | $93,600 |
| Arizona | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Arkansas | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| California | $35 | $50 | $72,800 | $104,000 |
| Colorado | $30 | $45 | $62,400 | $93,600 |
| Connecticut | $32 | $47 | $66,560 | $97,760 |
| Delaware | $28 | $43 | $58,240 | $89,440 |
| Florida | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| Georgia | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Hawaii | $30 | $45 | $62,400 | $93,600 |
| Idaho | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Illinois | $28 | $43 | $58,240 | $89,440 |
| Indiana | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Iowa | $24 | $39 | $49,920 | $81,120 |
| Kansas | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Kentucky | $24 | $39 | $49,920 | $81,120 |
| Louisiana | $26 | $41 | $54,080 | $85,280 |
| Maine | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| Maryland | $30 | $45 | $62,400 | $93,600 |
| Massachusetts | $32 | $47 | $66,560 | $97,760 |
| Michigan | $26 | $41 | $54,080 | $85,280 |
| Minnesota | $28 | $43 | $58,240 | $89,440 |
| Mississippi | $24 | $39 | $49,920 | $81,120 |
| Missouri | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Montana | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Nebraska | $24 | $39 | $49,920 | $81,120 |
| Nevada | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| New Hampshire | $28 | $43 | $58,240 | $89,440 |
| New Jersey | $31 | $46 | $64,480 | $95,680 |
| New Mexico | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| New York | $32 | $47 | $66,560 | $97,760 |
| North Carolina | $26 | $41 | $54,080 | $85,280 |
| North Dakota | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Ohio | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| Oklahoma | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Oregon | $28 | $43 | $58,240 | $89,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| Rhode Island | $30 | $45 | $62,400 | $93,600 |
| South Carolina | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| South Dakota | $24 | $39 | $49,920 | $81,120 |
| Tennessee | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| Texas | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| Utah | $26 | $41 | $54,080 | $85,280 |
| Vermont | $27 | $42 | $56,160 | $87,360 |
| Virginia | $28 | $43 | $58,240 | $89,440 |
| Washington | $30 | $45 | $62,400 | $93,600 |
| West Virginia | $24 | $39 | $49,920 | $81,120 |
| Wisconsin | $26 | $41 | $54,080 | $85,280 |
| Wyoming | $25 | $40 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
Please note that the figures provided in the table are estimates and may not represent the exact income for every general contractor in each state. Factors such as experience, type of work, and demand for services in a specific area can cause variations in income.
Gauge the earning potential
In conclusion, general contractor salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of work they do. By understanding these factors and the state-by-state breakdown of salaries, you can better gauge the earning potential for general contractors in the United States.
