Foreman vs. General Contractor: What Are the Differences?

A foreman is a construction worker who supervises and coordinates the activities of other workers on a construction site. A general contractor is a businessperson who is responsible for the overall management of a construction project, from start to finish. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties, responsibilities, and skills of a foreman and a general contractor. We also provide information on the education and training required for each position.

What is a Foreman?

Foremen are responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of a team of workers. They typically work in construction, manufacturing or other labor-intensive industries. Foremen typically have several years of experience working in their field, and they use their knowledge to oversee the work of their team, ensure safety standards are met and provide guidance when needed. Foremen typically report to a supervisor or manager, and they may be responsible for training new employees.

What is a General Contractor?

A General Contractor is a professional who is responsible for the overall coordination of a construction project. They hire and manage all of the subcontractors who will work on the project, and they are responsible for the quality of their work. General Contractors also handle the purchase of all materials needed for the project. They create the construction schedule and budget, and they make sure that the project stays on track. General Contractors are typically hired by the owner of the property being constructed.

Foreman vs. General Contractor

Here are the main differences between a foreman and a general contractor.

Job Duties

Foremen are responsible for overseeing a small group of employees, usually between two and six. They’re in charge of assigning tasks to these employees and ensuring they complete them effectively and on time. Foremen may assign themselves some of these tasks as well, depending on the detail level required for the job and their role in the company.

General contractors have more responsibility than foremen because they oversee entire projects rather than small teams. They’re responsible for planning each stage of a project, from estimating costs to designing plans and selecting materials. General contractors also hire subcontractors when additional expertise is needed for a project.

Job Requirements

Foremen typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a vocational program in construction management or a related field. Many foremen start their careers as entry-level construction workers before being promoted to supervisory roles. Some companies also offer training programs that teach aspiring foremen the necessary skills for the job.

General contractors usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or a related field. They might also need to complete an internship or apprenticeship to gain experience in the field. After completing their education and training, general contractors must obtain a license from their state before they can start their own business or work for another company.

Work Environment

Foremen typically work in construction sites, where they oversee the workers and ensure that projects are completed on time. They may also travel to different job sites as needed. General contractors usually have an office or a workshop where they manage their employees and plan new projects. They may visit construction sites occasionally to monitor progress and provide feedback to foremen.

Skills

Both foremen and general contractors need to have excellent communication skills. Foremen often act as the link between management and workers on a construction site, so they need to be able to relay information clearly and concisely. They also need to be able to listen to workers’ concerns and feedback and relay that information to management. General contractors need to be able to communicate with their clients to understand their needs and wants for a project and then develop a plan to meet those expectations.

Both foremen and general contractors need to have strong organizational skills. Foremen need to be able to keep track of workers, materials and deadlines to ensure a construction project stays on schedule. General contractors need to be able to juggle multiple projects at one time and ensure each is progressing according to plan.

General contractors benefit from having business skills, such as marketing, budgeting and accounting. These skills enable them to find new clients, manage their finances and estimate the costs of projects. Foremen do not typically need to have these skills, but they can benefit from understanding basic business concepts.

Salary

The average salary for a foreman is $58,461 per year, while the average salary for a general contractor is $69,149 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of work you’re doing, your location and your experience level.