CostGuide

Home & Repair

General Contractor cost in the US

Nationally, General Contractor runs about 18% of the project cost. This fee does not move much with local prices, so it looks similar in every city.

Typical cost

Most people pay about

18%

of the project cost

Fair price range: 10% to 30%

On the low end
10%
On the high end
30%

This is a percentage fee, so it does not change with local prices. Not a quote.

How prices have moved

Up 3.1%past year

Up 23.9%over five years

How prices for services other than rent have moved nationally, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (Services less rent of shelter, CUUR0000SASL2RS), through August 2026. It tracks price change, not the dollar prices on this page.

What moves the price

  1. Project size
  2. License and insurance
  3. Management hours
  4. Change orders
  5. Material markup

Ways to pay less

  1. Lock a detailed scope
  2. Limit change orders
  3. Buy fixtures yourself
  4. Pay on a draw schedule
  5. Check references

General Contractor in every city

Typical estimate for each city. Open one for the full range.

District of Columbia
Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Rhode Island
South Dakota

Questions people ask

General Contractor: what does it cost?

Across the US, General Contractor typically costs about 18% of the project cost, with most prices between 10% and 30%.

Is this a quote?

No. These figures are estimates built from national price data and each city's cost of living. A local pro will price your actual job.