The two most common reasons that people switch from being employed full-time to contracting are 1) to be their own boss, and 2) to make more money.
Contractor
Description
General contractors are the battalion commanders of home reno and construction—organizing, managing, and occasionally calming down the chaos so your renovation doesn’t look like a modern art protest. As Project CEOs, they budget, schedule, hire subs, keep sites safe, and deliver the build without blowing timelines (or your blood pressure).
Responsibilities
- Scope, bid, and budget projects; select and manage subcontractors
- Coordinate schedules, handle change orders, and ensure code/safety compliance
- Report progress to owners/clients; solve on-site problems fast
Pay range (U.S.)
- Median: $106,980 (May 2024)
- Typical range (10th–90th): $65,160 – $176,990
Self-employed GCs often sit at the high-variance end.
Requirements
- Typically a bachelor’s (construction, engineering, business) or years of trade experience (common for self-employed GCs)
- Some states require a license; optional credentials like CCM, AC/CPC help credibility
Workforce Size in the United States
- 520,900 jobs (2023); 9% projected growth through 2033 (faster than average).