Building contractors direct and oversee employees and manage construction projects, having overall responsibility for all activities. They oversee the completion of all construction in accordance with the architect’s drawings and building codes.

Employment of building contractors is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations, as the level and complexity of construction activity continues to grow.

Building contractors should be flexible and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. They should be decisive and work well under pressure, particularly when faced with unexpected delays. The ability to coordinate several major activities at once, while analyzing and resolving specific problems, is essential. Good oral and written communication skills are also important, as are leadership skills.

They must be able to establish a good working relationship with many different people, including owners, other managers, design professionals, supervisors, and craft workers.

Because the average construction project is made up of many different types of employees, equipment, materials, and activities, the building contractor must possess a wide variety of skills and knowledge. These include being able to read and interpret architectural/engineering drawings and specifications; understanding and complying with numerous local and state building codes, legal requirements, and construction standards; understanding and adherence to a variety of construction contract conditions and requirements; efficiently estimating cost and scheduling all or a part of a project; and the performance of management duties required to effectively coordinate and communicate with all members of the construction process.

Although higher education, such as a bachelor’s degree, is desirable, the construction industry remains one of the few industries where a person may start with little formal education and still succeed. Practical industry experience is very important, whether through internships, cooperative education programs, or tenure in the industry. Experience in architecture, engineering, construction design and techniques, and business management are also helpful.

The work environment of a building contractor is varied, ranging from work in comfortable permanent offices to working on the project site in a small temporary office.

Construction managers must be "on call", often 24 hours a day, to deal with delays, bad weather, or emergencies at the site. Most work more than a standard 40-hour week because construction may proceed around-the-clock. This type of work schedule can go on for days, even weeks, to meet special project deadlines, especially if there are delays.