Contractor Careers & Programs | How to Become a Contractor

Anyone who ever built, added to or renovated a home is likely well acquainted with the role of contractors. Contractors manage and coordinate construction work in residential homes or massive commercial properties, either independently, or as a part of a construction business. Because their decisions can impact the construction soundness and safety, the proper training pays off. Here's what it takes to launch and advance a contracting career.

What Does a Contractor Do?

Contractors oversee all aspects of construction, from design and planning to building supervision. They might budget for materials and labor, manage workers, and serve as liaisons between clients and construction teams.

Contractor Careers Basics

One could think of self-employed contractors as a ‘one stop shop' for construction building, maintenance and repair. They work with homeowners, business owners, large contracting firms or factories by assuming hands-on or managerial tasks. Contractors also work with construction workers and other trade professionals.

Contractor Careers In-Depth

Contractors ensure projects are completed on time and under budget. They spend much of their behind the scenes working with wholesalers or other entities to secure the proper materials, permits and workforce. They keep clients up-to-date on the project, respond to emergencies or setbacks, and coordinate work with architects, plumbers, carpenters and electricians. Contractors also handle worker safety, permits building code verification.

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Contractor Salaries & Job Growth

Contractor Salaries Across the US

Contractor earnings vary widely across the United States: geography, experience, educational attainment, and certification play a role. This tool helps readers identify average earnings by state.

Contractor Job Growth

Buildings are always needed – and old ones are often in need of repair and maintenance – giving a reasonably steady place in the workforce. The following highlights job growth projections for the construction industry.

Steps to Becoming a Contractor

While contractors benefit from being savvy builders, that alone does not ensure success in the field. Readers who are serious about lifelong careers in construction can follow a few clear steps to get there.

Contractor Degrees & Concentrations

Not all contractors perform the same work or duties. With so many degree paths available, there is bound to be one that fits your professional goals, scheduling needs and more.

Preparing for a Contractor Career: Degrees & Schools

On-the-job training offers plenty of practical contracting experience, but may not cover some of the finer points of the field, including construction regulations and code. The following learning options can fill in the gaps.

• Vocational/Trade School

Trade schools combine classroom instruction with hands-on work and frequently offer co-op programs for high school students interested in construction work or management.

• Military

A background in military construction and engineering can go a long way toward securing employment as a construction manager: veterans are often specifically sought out in the construction trades.

• Community College

These two-year schools offer construction-relevant certificates and associate degrees ideal for aspiring independent contractors who want to apply their knowledge quickly or move on to higher degrees.

• 4-year schools

Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees--a standard requirement corporate construction managers. Many programs are offered at least partly online.

Types of Contractor Degrees

Working as a contractor requires a particular skillset an, in some cases, formal education. Here are the most common educational paths for those determined to pursue contractor careers.

Contractor Certificate

These programs typically take one year or less to complete and are designed to teach students specialized information, enhance their skills or prepare them for degree programs. Programs at this level are available in a wide variety of areas, including construction management, construction engineering technology, building systems, OSHA Outreach and more. Below are a few of the classes one might take in a certificate program.

Associate Contractor Degree

Construction management is perhaps the most common associate degree for aspiring contractors. Programs take about two years to complete and may be available entirely online. Some programs require general education courses, but applied associate degrees offer targeted courses, thus allowing students to enter the workforce faster. Those who plan on pursuing bachelor's degrees may want to enroll in a more academic program.

Typical associate-level construction management courses:

Contractor Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree can give construction managers an edge in the workforce. Large construction firms increasingly prefer professionals with several years of on-the-job experience and/or a relevant bachelor's degree. The degree requires about four years of full-time study, though those who are working full-time jobs might be pleased to learn that many programs can be taken completely online. Common classes students can expect at the bachelor's degree level:

Contractor Career Concentrations

New and budding contractors have a huge number of options open to them. Formal certificate, associate degrees and bachelor's degree usually translate well to another area of construction, including the following careers, with salaries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Landscape Architect

These designers work with clients to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces in residential areas, large subdivisions, commercial buildings, college campuses, recreational facilities and other sites.

Green Building Contractor

These construction managers are trained to focus great buildings with reclaimed, sustainable and otherwise environmentally-friendly materials. As environmental issues take center stage, more construction managers will find that this area of construction grows in demand.

Building Inspector

This job involves inspecting buildings during and after construction to ensure they meet all building codes, local ordinances, zoning requirements and contract specifications.

Master Carpenter

Master carpenters are exceptionally skilled professionals highly sought after by companies, private businesses and homeowners. Their work varies based on their particular expertise. For instance, a master carpenter might build and fit kitchen cabinets, work on decks and outdoor areas, or build additions to homes and businesses.

Cost Estimators

These highly-trained professionals estimate the time, money, labor and materials required to complete a project. Cost estimators work in a variety of industries, including construction.

Components of a Successful Contractor Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools & Technology

Successful contractors often have certain skills and traits. They are also familiar with certain tools and technologies that serve them--and their clients--well.

Skills

Tools and Technology

Credentials

Contractor credentials and certificates often voluntary, but some states do expect them for abatement issues, like removing lead or asbestos. The credentials a contractor pursues depend heavily upon the work they tend t perform. For example, the LEED Green Associate is great for those who are into green building, while the Certified Welding Supervisor is obviously for those who are working in the welding field. Registered Roof Consultant, Commercial Mechanical Inspector, and Master Ground Water Contractor are a few other examples.

Most credentials are awarded by associations or organizations that cater to that particular field. Contractors should look into the associations that support their profession to learn more.

Related Careers at a Glance

What do related occupations make?

Where a contractor works can have a great effect on salary. Use the salary tool below to compare the wages of contractors in your state to those in other locations.

Contractor Career & Training Resources

Related Resources

Become Team

Contributing Writer

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