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Entry Level General Contractor Jobs in California

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Commercial Door Installer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

... general contractors to ensure project deadlines are met. * Maintain a clean and organized work area. * Always adhere to safety standards and protocols. Requirements: * Proven or entry level ...

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Entry Level General Contractor information

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$8

$21

$52

How much do entry level general contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level general contractor in California is $21.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.18 and $21.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level general contractor do?

An entry level general contractor assists in overseeing construction projects from start to finish, working under the supervision of more experienced contractors or project managers. Their responsibilities typically include coordinating with subcontractors, assisting with project scheduling, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and helping manage materials and budgets. They often spend time both in the office and on-site, gaining hands-on experience in construction management. This role provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for advancement in the construction industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level general contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level General Contractor, you need a basic understanding of construction processes, project management fundamentals, and safety regulations, often gained through a high school diploma, relevant coursework, or hands-on experience. Familiarity with construction management software, cost estimation tools, and OSHA safety certifications is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help set candidates apart in coordinating teams and managing tasks. These competencies ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget, laying the groundwork for professional growth in the construction industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level general contractors during their first projects?

Entry level general contractors often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple subcontractors, managing tight project schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Adjusting to the fast-paced construction environment while learning to effectively communicate with team members and clients can also be demanding. However, these experiences provide valuable hands-on learning and help build the skills necessary for career advancement within the construction industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level General Contractor vs Construction Supervisor?

AspectEntry Level General ContractorConstruction Supervisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some experience, possibly a general contractor licenseHigh school diploma, construction management experience, possibly certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees entire projects, manages subcontractors, handles permitsSupervises daily on-site activities, manages workers and safety
Industry UsageUsed by small to medium firms, independent contractorsCommon in large construction projects, employed by companies

While both roles involve overseeing construction activities, an Entry Level General Contractor typically manages entire projects and handles permits, often working independently or in small firms. A Construction Supervisor focuses on daily on-site supervision, ensuring safety and workflow. The roles overlap in work environment and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of General Contractor jobs in California? The most popular types of General Contractor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level General Contractor jobs in California? For Entry Level General Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level General Contractor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level General Contractor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level General Contractor jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level General Contractor job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level General Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,244 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

$63K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Compensation Range

$63,000.00 - $95,400.00 Annual Salary

Job Description Summary:

Swinerton Management & Consulting (SMC) is the professional services organization at Swinerton
SMC is not a builder and provides strategic consulting, program management, project management and construction management services for Owners on their design and construction projects.

Job Description:

The Project Engineer position is an entry-level career position at SMC. The ideal Project Engineer(PE) candidate is an individual with a graduate degree in architecture, engineering or constructionmanagement with a minimum of two (2)years experience representing the Owner/Owner's Teamon a design or construction project.

The successful Project Engineer candidate can support multiple projects concurrently. Thecandidate should have very good written and verbal communication skills and can translatetechnical construction issues into common language so clients can make informed decisions. Agood part of the work is documenting project issues, taking OAC meeting notes, producing DailyReports, overall management of the RFI and submittal process, and meeting coordination.

Key responsibilities include setting up and maintaining project documentation on behalf of anOwner in multiple electronic document platforms (i.e., Procore, E-Builder, etc.). Adherence toOwner procedures and protocols and SMC procedures is needed. Candidates that have experiencebeing an Owner representative is highly preferred.

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer
responsibilities.
Attend and document project meetings (write minutes), including OAC
meetings, Client Stakeholder meetings, and AHJ meetings.
Set up and maintain electronic ling system.
Update and maintain all sets of drawings, specications and logs (RFI,
Submittal, COR, etc.)
Evaluate and understand basic construction means and methods.
Distribute all documents to the General Contractor and other contractors and
vendors hired separately by the Owner, maintain document logs.
Evaluate eld problems and review Contractor generated PCI's and log all
PCI's.
Prepare and maintain PCI logs on the Owner's electronic management
system.
Review, log, and transmit submittals.
Maintain submittal logs.
Perform expediting functions.
Review and log change order submittals.
Maintain progress photo album.
Review contract close out documents (O&M manuals, as-builts, etc.) for
adherence to contract requirements.
Maintain record set drawings.
Document punch list work.

Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Engineering, Construction Management, or Architectural degree, or
completion of Construction Management Certicate Program, or equivalent
Minimum 2 years of construction-related experience, preferably representing
an Owner, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
Construction related internship experience preferred.
Basic estimating and scheduling skills
Basic computer skills
Ability to read and understand plans and specications.
EUective organizational skills
EUective written and verbal English language communication skills. Ability to
present before Owner and Stakeholder groups.
Ability to use independent judgment; self-starting.
Drafting and Advanced computer skills a plus
Knowledge of virtual construction technology systems preferred.
Participate in Project Interviews to secure new work.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

This role is eligible for the following benefits:medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), individual stock ownership, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, bereavement leave, employee assistance program, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, basic term life insurance and AD&D, business travel accident insurance, short and long term disability, financial wellness coaching, educational assistance, Care.com membership, ClassPass fitness membership, and DashPass delivery membership. Voluntary benefits include additional term life insurance, long term care insurance, critical illness and accidental injury insurance, pet insurance, legal plan, identity theft protection, and other voluntary benefit options.