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General Contractor Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ...

Carpenter

Ames, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Woodruff Construction is a general contractor founded in 1956 which offers award-winning design-build, construction management and project development services and is driven by strong Core Values:

Story Construction, which is a 100% employee-owned general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder with offices in Ames and Sioux City, IA. As an employee of Story Construction, you'll ...

Story Construction, which is a 100% employee-owned general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder with offices in Ames and Sioux City, IA. As an employee of Story Construction, you'll ...

Story Construction, which is a 100% employee-owned general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder with offices in Ames and Sioux City, IA. As an employee of Story Construction, you'll ...

Concrete Craftpeople

Ames, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ...

Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ...

Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each ...

Accounts Payable Specialist

Iowa Center, IA

$21 - $26.75/hr

Company Overview Founded in 1979, Lemartec is a national General Contractor / Construction Management Firm and MasTec's Vertical construction arm. As a MasTec company, we maintain international ...

Accounts Payable Specialist

Iowa Center, IA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Company Overview Founded in 1979, Lemartec is a national General Contractor / Construction Management Firm and MasTec's Vertical construction arm. As a MasTec company, we maintain international ...

Accounts Payable Specialist

Iowa Center, IA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Company Overview Founded in 1979, Lemartec is a national General Contractor / Construction Management Firm and MasTec's Vertical construction arm. As a MasTec company, we maintain international ...

Accounts Payable Specialist

Iowa Center, IA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Company Overview Founded in 1979, Lemartec is a national General Contractor / Construction Management Firm and MasTec's Vertical construction arm. As a MasTec company, we maintain international ...

Accounts Payable Specialist

Iowa Center, IA

$21 - $26.75/hr

Company Overview Founded in 1979, Lemartec is a national General Contractor / Construction Management Firm and MasTec's Vertical construction arm. As a MasTec company, we maintain international ...

Accounts Payable Specialist

Iowa Center, IA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Company Overview Founded in 1979, Lemartec is a national General Contractor / Construction Management Firm and MasTec's Vertical construction arm. As a MasTec company, we maintain international ...

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General Contractor information

See Ames, IA salary details

$13

$29

$50

How much do general contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for general contractor in Ames, IA is $29.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $35.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a general contractor?

General contractors are professionals or companies responsible for overseeing and managing construction projects from start to finish. They coordinate and supervise subcontractors, source materials, handle permits, and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. General contractors serve as the main point of contact between clients and all parties involved in the construction process, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general contractor?

To thrive as a General Contractor, you need a solid understanding of construction methods, project management, budgeting, and building codes, often supported by a relevant degree or significant hands-on experience. Familiarity with construction management software, estimating tools, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help manage subcontractors, clients, and complex timelines effectively. These abilities are crucial for delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget while maintaining quality standards.

What are some common challenges a general contractor might face when managing multiple subcontractors on a large construction project?

General Contractors often encounter challenges in coordinating schedules, ensuring consistent communication, and maintaining quality standards across multiple subcontractors. Delays from one subcontractor can impact the entire project timeline, so effective project management and contingency planning are essential. Additionally, General Contractors must regularly monitor progress, address conflicts or misunderstandings promptly, and ensure that all work complies with safety and regulatory requirements. Strong leadership and organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering successful projects.

How much do most general contractors make?

Most general contractors earn a median annual salary of around $97,000, with salaries typically ranging from $60,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Experienced contractors with specialized skills or working on large projects tend to earn higher wages. Certification and strong management skills can also influence earning potential.

What does a general contractor usually do?

A general contractor oversees construction projects from start to finish, coordinating labor, materials, and schedules to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. They manage subcontractors, obtain permits, and ensure safety and building codes are followed, often requiring project management skills and relevant certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of General Contractor jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of General Contractor jobs in Ames, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to General Contractor jobs in Ames, IA?

For General Contractor jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching General Contractor jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for General Contractor jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for General Contractor jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most General Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various General Contractor job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,798 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

General Application

Ames, IA • On-site


Woodruff Construction
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good training


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Why you should join our team:
Do you want to be an employee-owner? Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each individual is challenged to be his or her best, and we are continually searching for goal-driven candidates to join our team. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and encourage those with a wide range of backgrounds to inquire about our job opportunities.

We serve the regions of Ames, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Waterloo and Spencer, and are driven by our strong Core Values:

  • FAMILY comes first
  • SERVICE to others
  • PURPOSE in everything we do
  • DEPENDABILITY to do what's right
  • ENJOYMENT of our work

The Woodruff Difference:
We offer a variety of unique perks for our employee-owners:

  • New hire tool kit provided, including 5 hi-vis shirts
  • Main working hours of 7:00-3:30 Monday-Friday
  • Most jobsites stay within a 60-mile radius in your region
  • $500 stay-on bonus after 60 days
  • Career-advancement programs
  • Company-sponsored outings and events


How Will You Build Your Future With Us?
If you are interested in applying to Woodruff Construction, but do not see a position of interest, please fill out a general application here.  

Benefits:
At Woodruff, we attribute our success to the investment and retention of our quality employees. Woodruff values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Competitive pay with weekly direct deposit
  • Work/Life balance - paid time off, holidays, volunteer time off, parental leave, and bereavement
  • 100% Employee Owned, you can become an employee-owner after only one year of service!
  • Competitive benefits - including medical, dental and vision, flexible spending account, and disability
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education
  • Personalized career path
  • Employee assistance program

Job Type: Full-time



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