A general contractor, or GC, is a licensed professional who oversees and manages construction projects from start to finish. If you’re thinking about becoming a general contractor, you’re essentially stepping into the role of project leader—the person responsible for bringing together labor, materials, and planning to turn blueprints into finished buildings.
As a GC, you won’t just swing a hammer or pour concrete—you’ll be in charge of organizing the entire job. That includes hiring and coordinating subcontractors (like electricians, plumbers, and framers), scheduling each phase of the project, ordering materials, handling permits, and making sure the work meets all safety and building code standards.
You’ll also be the main point of contact for the client, ensuring the job stays on budget and gets completed on time.
Becoming a general contractor is ideal for someone who has hands-on experience in construction and wants to take the next step in their career—managing bigger jobs, earning higher pay, and possibly running their own company.
It’s a great path if you’re organized, confident in your knowledge of the trades, and ready to take on more responsibility. From managing small remodels to overseeing large commercial builds, a general contractor plays a key role in shaping the built environment—and your leadership will be what makes it all happen.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor is in charge of overseeing the entire construction process. That means they don’t just swing a hammer—they’re responsible for organizing all the moving parts of a job.
Here are some of their core responsibilities:
- Planning and Scheduling: They create a timeline for the project and make sure everything stays on track.
- Hiring Subcontractors: GCs bring in specialists like electricians, plumbers, roofers, and painters.
- Ordering Materials: They make sure the right materials arrive on time and within budget.
- Permits and Inspections: General contractors handle the legal side of construction—making sure work is up to code.
- Problem Solving: If unexpected issues pop up (and they often do), the GC is the one to find solutions and keep the job moving.
In short, they’re the main point of contact between the client and the entire construction team.
Do General Contractors Do the Work Themselves?
Sometimes they do—but often, they don’t. Many general contractors start out in a specific trade, like carpentry or framing, and work their way up.
While they may handle some parts of the project, they usually delegate tasks to licensed subcontractors and focus on managing the overall workflow.
For large projects, a GC might not do any physical labor at all. Instead, they oversee progress, solve issues, inspect quality, and communicate with the client or property owner.
When Do You Need a General Contractor?
You typically need a general contractor when a construction or renovation project involves multiple trades or stages of work. For example:
- Building a new home or structure
- Major remodels (like kitchens or additions)
- Commercial or multi-unit construction
- Projects that require permits and inspections
Smaller jobs—like painting a room or fixing a leak—usually don’t require a GC. But as soon as you’re juggling multiple crews or dealing with permits, a general contractor can save you time, money, and stress.
What Is the Role of the General Contractor?
The role of a general contractor is to manage and oversee all aspects of a construction or renovation project.
They act as the project leader, coordinating everything from scheduling and hiring to budgeting and compliance.
General contractors are responsible for:
- Planning the project timeline and making sure tasks are completed in the right order
- Hiring and supervising subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, framers, and painters
- Ordering materials and supplies so the crew has what they need on time
- Ensuring work meets building codes and safety regulations
- Handling permits and inspections with local authorities
- Communicating with the client to keep them informed and updated
- Solving unexpected issues that can delay or impact the project
In short, the general contractor ensures the job gets done correctly, safely, on time, and within budget—from day one to final inspection. Whether for a small home remodel or a large commercial build, their role is essential to a successful outcome.
What Is the Point of a General Contractor?
The point of a general contractor is simple: to make your construction project easier, safer, and more organized. Whether you’re building a home, remodeling a kitchen, or managing a large commercial job, a general contractor brings experience, structure, and coordination to the process.
Instead of you having to hire multiple subcontractors, juggle permits, schedule deliveries, and solve problems on the fly, the general contractor takes care of all of that.
They act as the main point of contact, so everything—from the framing to the finishing—is handled professionally and efficiently.
Ultimately, the point of hiring a general contractor is to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and up to code—without you having to manage every little detail.
How Does a General Contractor Make Money?
A general contractor (GC) makes money by charging a fee for managing and coordinating construction projects. This fee is typically added on top of the total cost of labor, materials, and subcontractors. There are a few common ways GCs earn income:
- Percentage of the Project Cost: Most GCs charge a markup—usually 10% to 20%—on the total project cost. For example, if a remodel costs $100,000, the GC might earn $10,000 to $20,000 for managing it.
- Flat Fee: Some general contractors offer a set price for the entire project, based on the estimated scope of work.
- Cost-Plus Pricing: In this model, the GC charges for the actual costs of labor and materials plus an agreed-upon profit margin or fee.
- Self-Performed Work: If the GC performs part of the labor (like framing, demo, or finish carpentry), they’ll also earn from that hands-on work—similar to a subcontractor.
General contractors take on a lot of risk and responsibility—so their earnings reflect their role in keeping everything on schedule, solving problems, managing teams, and ensuring the job is done right.
How Much Do Most General Contractors Make?
The income of a general contractor can vary widely depending on their experience, location, and the size or type of projects they manage. That said, here’s a general breakdown:
- Entry-level or small-scale residential GCs typically earn $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
- Experienced general contractors running mid-size jobs can make $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
- Top-performing GCs, especially those working in commercial construction or owning their own contracting business, can earn $100,000 to $250,000+ per year.
On average, most general contractors in the U.S. make between $60,000 and $120,000 per year, according to labor statistics and construction industry reports.
Factors that affect a GC’s income include:
- Type of projects (residential vs. commercial)
- Whether they’re self-employed or employed by a firm
- Their profit margin per job
- Location (GCs in California, New York, and Texas often earn more)
- The number of projects they complete in a year
So while there’s no “one-size-fits-all” salary, the potential for strong earnings—especially for licensed, experienced contractors—is definitely there.
The Bottom Line
If you’re serious about building a long-term career in construction, becoming a general contractor is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. It gives you the opportunity to step up as a leader, run your own projects, and even build your own business.
While the role comes with a lot of responsibility, it also comes with the freedom to shape your future on your terms.
Whether your goal is to manage crews, grow a construction company, or simply take control of your career, learning what it means to be a general contractor is the first step.
Keep gaining experience, stay curious, and be willing to take on challenges—because the projects you manage will be a reflection of the skills and reputation you build along the way.
