What does a General Contractor do?
General contractors are responsible for the overall administration of a construction project and managing the day-to-day activities of the job site operation. They coordinate and supervise the work of subcontractors, trade professionals, and other workers involved in the project and often serve as a liaison between the customer and other parties. They are accountable for ensuring quality standards are met and all work is done safely and according to specifications. They oversee the ordering and delivery of materials and supplies and approve payments to vendors.
General contractors have an extensive background in the construction industry or building trades, including hands-on experience managing all phases of a project. They must have excellent project management skills and in-depth knowledge of all of the trades involved in the project. These roles require strong attention to detail.
General Contractor Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
General Contractor Career Path
Learn how to become a General Contractor, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
General Contractor Insights

“Good experience if you are looking to learn and have a manager who wants to support your career growth.”

“She is a fantastic recruiter and I am lucky that we were able to work together.”

“There aren't any paid holidays and the benefits are way below what is average in the workforce.”

“I do wish that the job came with PTO and the pay was a little higher.”

“Nothing I can think of off the top of my head my entire job is wonderful”

“The pay is decent as a contractor while I was working there but at what cost”

“I miss my call center friends but that is normal life when you work from home.”

“This team was truly one of the most incredible group of people I worked with.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a General Contractor
- Warehouse Manager
- Technical Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Project Manager
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Does how long you stay with a company really matter? I’ve had 3 jobs in the past 3 years and I have doubled my income. Or did I get lucky? I’m about to get another 20% increase with another job offer. Maybe I was overqualified for previous positions? I don’t know. What are your thoughts?