If you are looking for a Home Improvement Contractor salary in the United States, the amount can be quite different from one person to another. A home improvement contractor may work on kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, flooring, roofing, painting, additions, repairs, or full home renovation projects. In 2026, salary estimates for this work vary a lot because some contractors work as employees while others run their own small business and make money from project contracts. Current salary data puts the average Home Improvement Contractor salary in the USA around $110,494 per year on Salary.com, while related home remodeling contractor estimates can be much lower. Location, years of experience, type of remodeling work, project size, licensing, and whether the contractor works for a company or runs a business can all change the actual income. This guide looks at home improvement contractor pay, average salary, hourly rate, salary by state, experience, skills, and other common questions people search when they want to know how much a home improvement contractor makes.
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Home Improvement Contractor Salary in the USA
A Home Improvement Contractor is usually involved in planning, managing, repairing, remodeling, and improving residential properties. The contractor may deal with homeowners directly, prepare estimates, order materials, schedule workers, hire subcontractors, check the work, and make sure the project moves according to the plan. Because of this, the job is not only about physical construction work. A good contractor also needs to understand costs, customers, materials, permits, schedules, and basic business work.
Current salary information shows that the average Home Improvement Contractor salary can be above $100,000 in some salary databases. Salary.com reported an average of about $110,494 per year in September 2026, or around $53 per hour. The same source showed a typical middle range from about $100,653 to $120,607. At the same time, other job-market sources use different job titles such as home remodeling contractor or home renovation contractor and report lower averages. So, when checking a contractor salary, it is better to look at the exact job title and type of work instead of taking one number as fixed.
State Wise Home Improvement Contractor Salary
| State | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,481 |
| Alaska | $119,610 |
| Arizona | $107,665 |
| Arkansas | $99,820 |
| California | $121,875 |
| Colorado | $112,737 |
| Connecticut | $118,085 |
| Delaware | $112,000 |
| Florida | $104,550 |
| Georgia | $106,572 |
| Hawaii | $115,488 |
| Idaho | $103,128 |
| Illinois | $112,627 |
| Indiana | $106,063 |
| Iowa | $105,743 |
| Kansas | $104,500 |
| Kentucky | $103,975 |
| Louisiana | $105,058 |
| Maine | $110,500 |
| Maryland | $113,930 |
| Massachusetts | $120,000 |
| Michigan | $108,000 |
| Minnesota | $111,000 |
| Mississippi | $99,500 |
| Missouri | $106,500 |
| Montana | $106,500 |
| Nebraska | $105,500 |
| Nevada | $109,500 |
| New Hampshire | $114,000 |
| New Jersey | $119,765 |
| New Mexico | $103,500 |
| New York | $117,466 |
| North Carolina | $105,500 |
| North Dakota | $107,000 |
| Ohio | $107,500 |
| Oklahoma | $102,500 |
| Oregon | $113,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $111,500 |
| Rhode Island | $116,000 |
| South Carolina | $103,500 |
| South Dakota | $104,000 |
| Tennessee | $104,500 |
| Texas | $107,776 |
| Utah | $108,500 |
| Vermont | $111,000 |
| Virginia | $113,500 |
| Washington | $116,500 |
| West Virginia | $101,500 |
| Wisconsin | $108,500 |
| Wyoming | $105,500 |
| District of Columbia | $122,000 |
How Much Does a Home Improvement Contractor Make?
The answer to how much does a home improvement contractor make depends on what type of contractor you mean. Someone working for a remodeling company may receive a regular salary or hourly pay. A contractor running his own business may make more from a large project, but the income is not the same as a normal paycheck because there are material costs, labor costs, insurance, tools, transportation, advertising, permits, and other business expenses.
For this reason, a contractor can have a big project and still not keep the full amount paid by the customer. The money charged for a home renovation project is not the same thing as the contractor's personal salary. This is one reason salary numbers on different websites can look very different.
- Employee contractors may receive regular wages or salary.
- Independent contractors may be paid by project or contract.
- Business owners can have higher gross income but also higher expenses.
- Experienced contractors can handle larger and more complicated projects.
- Location can change both customer demand and labor costs.
Home Improvement Contractor Hourly Rate
The home improvement contractor hourly rate also depends on the type of job and how the contractor is paid. Salary.com currently puts its national average for the occupation at about $53 per hour, while other sources covering home remodeling and renovation jobs show lower hourly numbers. This difference is normal because the job titles are not always measuring exactly the same work.
Hourly pay is also not always how a contractor earns money. A residential contractor may quote a complete bathroom renovation, kitchen remodel, deck project, basement finishing job, or home addition at a fixed project price. In that case, the contractor's final income depends on how well the project was estimated and managed.
What Does a Home Improvement Contractor Do?
A home improvement contractor can have a different daily routine depending on the projects. One day may be spent meeting a homeowner and preparing an estimate, while another day can involve checking workers at a job site. Contractors often become the person who connects the homeowner with different trades and makes sure the work keeps moving.
Common work can include planning renovation jobs, checking measurements, ordering materials, scheduling workers, communicating with customers, reviewing project costs and handling problems that come up during construction. Small contractors may personally do some of the hands-on work too, especially when they are starting out.
- Prepare project estimates and work plans.
- Talk with homeowners about renovation needs.
- Schedule subcontractors and workers.
- Order construction and remodeling materials.
- Check job quality and project progress.
- Keep track of project costs and deadlines.
- Coordinate repairs, remodeling and home upgrades.
Home Remodeling Contractor Salary
The home remodeling contractor salary can be different from a general home improvement contractor salary because remodeling work can include many types of residential projects. Kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, room additions, basement finishing and whole-home renovation are common examples. ZipRecruiter reported a September 2026 average of about $62,696 per year for the related Home Remodeling Contractor title, showing why it is important to check the exact job title when comparing salary figures.
Someone doing smaller residential remodeling jobs may earn less than a contractor managing large renovation projects. On the other hand, an experienced contractor who has a strong local customer base may earn money through multiple projects and may not fit a simple employee salary model.
Home Renovation Contractor Salary and Income
A home renovation contractor salary can increase as the contractor becomes better at estimating, customer communication, project management and handling larger jobs. Renovation work can also be seasonal in some locations, so yearly income may not be the same every month.
Experience matters, but it is not the only thing. A contractor who knows how to control material waste, schedule workers properly and finish projects without expensive delays may have a very different income from someone doing the same type of work with poor project planning.
- Years of residential construction experience
- Type and size of renovation projects
- Local housing and remodeling demand
- Licensing and trade requirements
- Project management ability
- Customer referrals and repeat business
- Ability to estimate labor and material costs
Home Improvement Contractor Starting Salary
The home improvement contractor starting salary is usually lower than what an experienced contractor can make. A person who is new to this field may first work with an established remodeling company, construction company or another contractor. This gives them a chance to learn how estimates are made, how materials are ordered and how customers are handled before starting their own contracting business.
There is no single starting salary for every home improvement contractor. A new worker doing hands-on remodeling work may be paid more like a construction trade worker, while someone starting as a project coordinator or assistant contractor can have a different pay structure. Once the person gains experience and starts managing complete residential projects, the income can change quite a lot.
- New contractors may start with smaller repair and remodeling jobs.
- Working under an experienced contractor can help build practical skills.
- Customer communication becomes important when handling projects directly.
- Learning estimating can have a big effect on future income.
- Starting a contracting business also brings business expenses.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary by Experience
Experience can make a noticeable difference in home improvement contractor pay. A contractor with only a few months of experience may not have the same customer base or project knowledge as someone who has been doing residential remodeling for 10 or 15 years. Experienced contractors usually know more about common construction problems, material prices, subcontractors and realistic project timelines.
However, experience alone does not guarantee a higher salary. A contractor's location, type of projects and business model are also important. Someone working on small repair jobs in a lower-cost market may have a very different income from a contractor managing expensive whole-house renovations in a large metro area.
| Experience Level | Typical Income Pattern |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Lower starting pay |
| 1–3 Years | Growing project-based income |
| 4–7 Years | More established earning potential |
| 8–15 Years | Higher-value project opportunities |
| 15+ Years | Experienced contractor or business-owner income |
Home Improvement Contractor Salary for Self-Employed Contractors
The self-employed home improvement contractor salary is a little different from a normal employee salary. If a contractor owns a remodeling business, the business may collect a large amount from customers, but that does not mean all of that money becomes personal income. Materials, subcontractor payments, insurance, tools, vehicles, advertising, office costs and taxes can take a part of the revenue.
This is why people searching for home improvement contractor income should look at both revenue and profit. A contractor with many projects can have high business revenue but still have a lower personal take-home amount if project costs are high.
- Customer payments are business revenue, not automatically personal salary.
- Material costs can take a large part of a remodeling budget.
- Subcontractor and worker payments must be included in project costs.
- Insurance and business licenses can add regular expenses.
- Tools, trucks and fuel can also reduce business profit.
Home Improvement Contractor Pay by Project
Many residential contractors do not use an hourly wage for the complete project. Instead, they give the homeowner a project estimate. For example, a contractor may quote a price for a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, deck installation or room addition. The final income from that project depends on the amount charged and the total cost of completing the work.
This is why home improvement contractor pay can be difficult to compare with a normal hourly job. Two contractors can charge customers similar amounts but keep different profits because their labor, material and subcontractor costs are different.
A contractor also needs to think about unexpected work. Old wiring, water damage, structural problems or damaged materials can sometimes be discovered after a remodeling project has started. Good estimating and a clear contract can help reduce these problems.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in California
California is one of the states where the reported Home Improvement Contractor salary is relatively high in current Salary.com data. Its September 2026 estimate is around $121,875 per year. California also has a large residential housing market and many different types of home renovation work, but contractors need to consider local business costs and applicable state and local requirements.
Pay can also be different between major metro areas and smaller communities. A contractor working around expensive housing markets may handle larger renovation budgets, while operating costs can also be higher.
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
- Home additions and room conversions
- General residential repairs
- Flooring and interior renovation
- Exterior home improvement projects
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Texas
The Home Improvement Contractor salary in Texas is estimated at around $107,776 per year in the current Salary.com state data. Texas has many residential markets, from large cities to growing suburban areas, so contractor opportunities can vary by location.
Texas contractors may work on remodeling, repairs, additions, outdoor projects and other residential improvements. The actual income depends on the contractor's business size, experience and type of customers. Someone working independently can also have a different income pattern from someone employed by a remodeling company.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Florida
Current Salary.com data puts the estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Florida at about $104,550 per year. Florida has a large residential property market and ongoing demand for repair and improvement work. Contractors may work on interior renovations as well as exterior projects.
Home improvement work in Florida can include kitchen remodeling, bathroom upgrades, flooring, painting, additions and property repairs. Local demand can change from one city to another, so a statewide salary figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed pay amount.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in New York
The reported Home Improvement Contractor salary in New York is around $117,466 per year in the current Salary.com estimate. New York has very different housing markets, so contractor income can vary significantly between New York City, surrounding suburbs and other parts of the state.
Contractors working on higher-value renovation projects may have larger project budgets, but operating expenses can also be higher. Labor costs, insurance, transportation and local requirements all need to be considered when looking at contractor income.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in New Jersey
For New Jersey, current Salary.com data shows an estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary of about $119,765 per year. Residential remodeling is performed across suburban and urban communities, with contractors handling projects ranging from smaller repairs to larger home renovations.
The amount a contractor actually makes can depend on the type of customers, project size and whether the contractor is working independently or for another company. A contractor who manages several subcontractors may have a different income structure than someone who personally performs most of the work.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Alaska
The current Salary.com estimate for a Home Improvement Contractor salary in Alaska is around $119,610 per year. Alaska's construction environment can be different from many other states because of weather, location and transportation issues. These factors can affect both project pricing and contractor operating costs.
Contractors in Alaska may need to plan carefully around seasonal conditions and material availability. Because of these differences, the statewide salary estimate should not be treated as the exact income for every contractor.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Colorado
Salary.com currently estimates the Home Improvement Contractor salary in Colorado at about $112,737 per year. Contractors in Colorado can work on many types of residential projects, including remodeling, additions, repairs and home upgrades.
Demand and pay can differ between larger metro areas and smaller communities. Experience with project management, estimating and different construction trades can help a contractor take on more complicated work.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Connecticut
The estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Connecticut is around $118,085 per year in current Salary.com data. Contractors may work on residential renovations, repairs and larger remodeling projects throughout the state.
As with other states, the reported average is only a starting point for understanding pay. A contractor's actual earnings can change based on project size, business expenses, experience and the local customer market.
Skills That Can Increase Home Improvement Contractor Income
A contractor does not only need construction skills. The people who manage their own projects also need basic business and customer skills. Being able to give a realistic estimate and finish a job close to the agreed timeline can be very important for repeat customers.
- Project estimating: Knowing labor and material costs helps create better quotes.
- Customer service: Homeowners want clear communication during a renovation.
- Scheduling: Workers and subcontractors need to be organized properly.
- Construction knowledge: Understanding different trades helps with job-site decisions.
- Budget management: Keeping project costs under control can protect profit.
- Problem solving: Remodeling projects often have unexpected issues.
- Business skills: Marketing, contracts and basic accounting are useful for self-employed contractors.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Massachusetts
The estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Massachusetts is around $120,000 per year based on current salary data. Contractors in the state can work on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions, repairs and other residential renovation projects.
Actual pay can be different depending on the city, type of project and whether the contractor works for a remodeling company or operates a business. Contractors who handle larger projects may have a different income pattern than those mainly doing small home repairs.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Maryland
Current salary estimates put the Home Improvement Contractor salary in Maryland at around $113,930 per year. Residential contractors can find work in home remodeling, repairs, additions and property improvement projects.
Experience with estimating, scheduling and subcontractor management can be useful for contractors who want to move into larger residential projects. Local demand and the type of housing in an area can also affect the amount contractors can charge.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Illinois
The estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Illinois is about $112,627 per year in current Salary.com data. Contractors in Illinois may work on everything from smaller repair jobs to larger kitchen, bathroom and whole-home renovation projects.
Income can vary between the Chicago area and smaller communities. A contractor's actual earnings will also depend on business expenses, project pricing and the number of jobs completed during the year.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Georgia
The current estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Georgia is around $106,572 per year. Georgia has residential construction and remodeling activity across both growing metro areas and smaller communities.
Contractors may handle home repairs, remodeling, additions, flooring, painting and other improvement work. Contractors who build a strong local customer base may get additional work through referrals and repeat customers.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Indiana
Salary.com estimates the Home Improvement Contractor salary in Indiana at about $106,063 per year. Contractors can work on residential remodeling, maintenance, repair and renovation projects.
For smaller contractors, keeping material costs under control can make a big difference in the final income. A project with a large customer price does not always mean the contractor keeps a large amount after expenses.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Iowa
The estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Iowa is around $105,743 per year. Contractors in the state may work on general home improvement, remodeling and repair projects for homeowners.
Local housing demand, project size and the contractor's experience can all change the actual amount earned. Self-employed contractors should also account for insurance, tools, transportation and other business expenses.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Kentucky
Current estimates put the Home Improvement Contractor salary in Kentucky at around $103,975 per year. Residential contractors can work on many different home projects, including repairs, renovations and property upgrades.
A contractor with experience in several trades may be able to manage more types of jobs. Customer referrals can also become an important source of new projects for an established local contractor.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary in Louisiana
The estimated Home Improvement Contractor salary in Louisiana is around $105,058 per year. Contractors may work on general residential improvement, remodeling and repair jobs across the state.
The actual pay can change based on location, project type and whether the contractor is an employee or a business owner. Contractors should also consider the costs involved in running a business when calculating their real income.
Do Home Improvement Contractors Need a License?
Licensing requirements for home improvement contractors are not exactly the same everywhere in the United States. Some states have statewide contractor licensing rules, while other requirements can depend on the type of work, project value or local government. A contractor may also need separate permits for certain remodeling work.
This means someone planning to become a home improvement contractor should check the rules for the state and local area where they plan to work. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other specialized work may have additional licensing requirements.
- Check state contractor licensing requirements.
- Check city or county requirements before starting work.
- Understand which projects require permits.
- Check requirements for specialized trades.
- Keep required business and insurance documents current.
Education and Experience for a Home Improvement Contractor
There is not one college degree that is required for every home improvement contractor. Many people enter this field through hands-on construction work, apprenticeships, trade experience or by working with an established contractor. Learning the practical side of construction can be especially useful.
Business knowledge is also important for someone who wants to run a contracting company. Estimating, bookkeeping, contracts, customer service and scheduling may become part of the daily work once a contractor starts taking projects directly from homeowners.
How to Become a Home Improvement Contractor
People interested in becoming a home improvement contractor often start by gaining experience in residential construction or one of the skilled trades. There is no single path that works for everybody, but learning the basic construction work first can make later project management easier.
- Learn basic residential construction and repair work.
- Gain hands-on experience with an experienced contractor or construction company.
- Learn how estimates, materials and project schedules work.
- Check your state's contractor licensing and registration rules.
- Get any required license, registration or permits.
- Learn basic business, accounting and customer service skills.
- Start with manageable projects and build a local customer base.
What Affects Home Improvement Contractor Salary?
There are several things that can change a contractor's income. Two people with the same job title may earn very different amounts because they work in different markets or handle different types of projects. This is especially true when comparing an employee with a self-employed contractor.
- Location: Salary and project prices can differ between states and cities.
- Experience: Experienced contractors often have more knowledge and customer connections.
- Project size: Large renovations can have much bigger budgets than small repairs.
- Specialization: Certain remodeling skills can open different project opportunities.
- Business model: Employee pay and business-owner income are not calculated the same way.
- Operating costs: Labor, materials, insurance, vehicles and tools reduce business profit.
- Customer base: Repeat customers and referrals can provide more steady work.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary vs Construction Manager Salary
Home improvement contractors and construction managers can work around the same residential construction projects, but the jobs are not identical. A contractor may work directly with homeowners and take responsibility for completing a remodeling contract. A construction manager may manage construction activities for a company, developer or project owner.
Because these are different occupations, salary figures for construction managers should not simply be used as the salary for a home improvement contractor. When researching home improvement contractor salary, it is better to use data that matches the actual contractor job title and work arrangement.
Is Home Improvement Contracting a Good Career?
Home improvement contracting can provide different career paths. A person can work for an established remodeling company, become an independent contractor or eventually operate a larger residential construction business. The work can also be hands-on and customer-facing, which is not a fit for every person.
Income can be attractive in some markets, but self-employed contractors also take on business risks and expenses. The number of projects, cost of materials, customer payments and unexpected job problems can all affect yearly income. So it is better to look at the complete business picture instead of only the advertised salary.
Home Improvement Contractor Salary: Final Overview
The average Home Improvement Contractor salary in the USA can vary widely depending on the source and exact meaning of the job title. Current Salary.com data places the national estimate around $110,494 per year, or about $53 per hour, while related home remodeling contractor data from other job-market sources can show substantially different figures. This difference happens because contractor work is not always a standard salaried occupation.
For someone working as an employee, salary can be compared more easily. For a self-employed contractor, income needs to be looked at after materials, labor, insurance, tools, transportation, advertising and other business costs. State, experience, project size, specialization and customer demand also play a major role.
If you are researching how much a home improvement contractor makes, the best approach is to look at your exact location, work arrangement and type of residential construction work. The state salary figures in this guide provide a useful starting point, but actual contractor pay can be higher or lower depending on the individual situation.
Sources for Home Improvement Contractor Salary Data
Salary figures in this article are based mainly on current salary estimates from Salary.com, with related job-title information considered from other salary and job-market sources. Salary estimates can change as market conditions, location and reporting methods change, so these numbers should be treated as estimates rather than guaranteed wages.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Construction and related occupational information