What’s the Highest-Paid Job in Construction, and How Much Do General Contractors Really Make?

The construction industry remains one of the most profitable and resilient sectors in the United States. With billions invested annually in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, skilled professionals continue to find rewarding careers in this fast-growing field. But what are the highest-paid jobs in construction today—and where do general contractors stand on the list?

The Highest-Paid Roles in Construction

Construction salaries vary based on expertise, licensing, location, and project scale. Among the top earners are:

• Construction Managers – Average salary: $104,900 per year
• Elevator and Escalator Installers – Average salary: $106,580 per year
• Chief Estimators and Construction Executives – $160,000+ annually
• General Contractors – Typically $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the type and size of projects they manage

While specialized technicians like elevator installers top some lists, general contractors (GCs) remain among the most versatile and respected professionals in the field—especially when running their own firms.

How Much Do General Contractors Make?

The average general contractor in the U.S. earns between $87,000 and $100,000 annually, according to data from Fieldwire and ZipRecruiter.
However, experienced contractors running successful businesses can exceed $150,000 per year, with bonuses or profit shares from large-scale projects.

Hourly rates often range from $35 to $75, depending on expertise, market demand, and location.

Highest-Paying States for General Contractors

Location plays a major role in earnings. States like California, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts tend to offer higher pay due to higher project costs and cost of living.
For example, a GC managing multi-million-dollar residential or commercial projects in Seattle or Los Angeles may earn significantly more than one handling small home remodels in the Midwest.

What Influences a Contractor’s Pay?

1. Project Type – Commercial and government projects pay more than basic residential jobs.
2. Licensing and Certification – Having the proper credentials and insurance coverage increases client trust and earning potential.
3. Experience and Reputation – Established contractors with proven portfolios command higher fees.
4. Business Ownership – Independent contractors and company owners earn more than salaried employees.
5. Location – Working in metropolitan or high-growth areas generally leads to higher profits.

Tips to Increase Your Earning Potential as a GC

• Build strong client relationships. Word-of-mouth referrals remain the most powerful marketing tool in construction.
• Invest in SEO and your online presence. A strong digital footprint attracts local leads searching for “general contractors near me.”
• Diversify your services. Offering design-build, remodeling, or maintenance packages creates recurring revenue.
• Focus on project efficiency. Effective scheduling and subcontractor management can drastically improve profit margins.

The Bottom Line

General contractors play one of the most critical roles in the construction industry—coordinating teams, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are delivered on time. With the right experience and business strategy, GCs can easily earn six figures or more, making it one of the most lucrative and respected careers in construction.

Whether you’re just starting your career or running a growing firm, the construction industry offers incredible opportunities for those who combine technical skill with business insight.