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How to hire a contractor assistant

Contractor assistant hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring contractor assistants in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a contractor assistant is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per contractor assistant on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 21,056 contractor assistants in the US, and there are currently 12,816 job openings in this field.
  • New York, NY, has the highest demand for contractor assistants, with 8 job openings.

How to hire a contractor assistant, step by step

To hire a contractor assistant, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a contractor assistant:

Here's a step-by-step contractor assistant hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a contractor assistant job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new contractor assistant
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a contractor assistant do?

A contractor assistant is responsible for overseeing construction operations under the supervision of the general contractor, from the initial designs to the final touches, ensuring that the final output meets the client's specifications, requirements, and budget goals. Contractor assistants evaluate the costs and expenses and monitor the financial transactions for the project. They also coordinate with the client for updates and other adjustments as needed without compromising the project deliverables. Additionally, a contractor assistant may perform administrative and clerical duties on top of site visits, depending on the general contractor's needs.

Learn more about the specifics of what a contractor assistant does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The contractor assistant hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A contractor assistant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, contractor assistants from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents contractor assistant salaries for various positions.

    Type of Contractor AssistantDescriptionHourly rate
    Contractor Assistant$15-22
    Field SupervisorField supervisors are referred to as the generals for various industries such as engineering, construction, and energy. These supervisors oversee and manage field staff's performance... Show more$14-28
    Prestressed Concrete LabourPrestressed concrete labor works at construction sites where they are in charge of handling and processing prestressed concrete materials into structural forms. They typically coordinate with managers and engineers to learn the construction plans and guidelines, design and build structures, prepare materials, and perform corrective measures when necessary... Show more$12-20
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Drywall Installation
    • Purchase Orders
    • Administrative Tasks
    • Contract Terms
    • Construction Sites
    • Sheetrock
    • Contract Administration
    • SharePoint
    • Payroll
    • Construction Projects
    • Government Contracts
    • HVAC
    • Contract Modifications
    • Manual Labor
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage and decide all remodel activities.
    • Construct undergrounds for new homes, complete water systems in copper, pex and cpvc.
    • Remodel bathrooms, install windows and doors, roofing, siding, fencing, landscaping, and general house repairs.
    • Certificate in upnor PEX water line install.
    • Install new 3/4 PVC condensate drains for all coils
    • Experience working with various PVC and metal pipe materials and fittings.
    More contractor assistant duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your contractor assistant job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A contractor assistant salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, contractor assistants' average salary in arkansas is 41% less than in illinois.
    • Seniority. Entry-level contractor assistants earn 28% less than senior-level contractor assistants.
    • Certifications. A contractor assistant with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a contractor assistant's salary.

    Average contractor assistant salary

    $39,453yearly

    $18.97 hourly rate

    Entry-level contractor assistant salary
    $33,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025

    Average contractor assistant salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$52,298$25
    2Illinois$51,898$25
    3Massachusetts$49,200$24
    4Hawaii$46,851$23
    5New York$46,687$22
    6Washington$44,740$22
    7Texas$43,198$21
    8Oregon$41,335$20
    9Florida$40,460$19
    10Utah$39,716$19
    11New Jersey$39,134$19
    12District of Columbia$38,228$18
    13Oklahoma$36,976$18
    14Virginia$36,448$18
    15Ohio$35,345$17
    16Pennsylvania$34,306$16
    17North Carolina$32,472$16

    Average contractor assistant salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1University of California-Berkeley$48,326$23.23
    2Institute for Energy Research$47,459$22.82
    3Washington State University$44,054$21.18
    4United States Institute of Peace$43,199$20.77
    5Rutgers University$43,015$20.681
    6Griffiths Corporation$42,217$20.30
    7Penguin Random House$42,011$20.20
    8SAIC$41,592$20.001
    9Carle Foundation$41,167$19.79
    10Bertelsmann$40,304$19.38
    11Xator$39,939$19.20
    12Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers$39,930$19.20
    13Global Consulting Inc.$39,661$19.07
    14First American Financial$39,585$19.03
    15Boston Planning & Development Agency$39,557$19.02
    16Richemont North America, Inc.$39,289$18.89
    17University of Virginia$39,265$18.88
    18Texas Christian University$39,155$18.82
    19The State of Oregon$39,125$18.811
    20National Veterinary Associates$39,023$18.76
  4. Writing a contractor assistant job description

    A good contractor assistant job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a contractor assistant job description:

    Contractor assistant job description example

    Supports the contracting function of Permanente Affiliated Provider Services. Collects data and provides analysis for an array of projects and areas. Maintains the affiliated provider contract files, contract database, prototype agreement database and other information on the shared server. Acts as the primary interface between the contracting area and the claims administration department.Essential Functions:- Manages all aspects of the affiliated provider contract database.- Oversees contract document management, including prototype contract agreements, letters of agreement, amendments, cover letters, and file protocols.- Collects and analyzes data (from OCPS and other sources, focus reports) for use by contract staff during negotiations.- Assists in the development of project RFP's, implementation plans, and communication efforts.- Advises contracts staff of the impact of various payment methodologies on the CAD payment adjudication processes.- Supports the SCPMG contract provider credentialing program.- Represents Permanente Affiliated Provider Services on various committees and work groups related to contract documentation, credentialing and claims administration.

    Basic Qualifications:Experience- N/A.Education- Bachelor-s degree in health care or a related field OR four (4) years of experience in a directly related field.- High School Diploma or General Educatioin Development (GED) required.License, Certification, Registration- N/A. Additional Requirements:- Ability to collect and analyze cost/utilization data, utilizing analytical/quantitative skills.- Ability to work with a variety of internal and external personnel at various levels of responsibility, utilizing interpersonal skills.- Project/time management skills.- Strong communication (verbal and written) skills.- Strong computer skills.- Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.

    Preferred Qualifications:- Minimum one (1) year of health care experience preferred.- Knowledge of contracting and claims processes preferred.
    COMPANY: KAISER

    TITLE: Contracts Specialist Assistant

    LOCATION: Pasadena, California

    REQNUMBER: 1071284

    External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right contractor assistant for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your contractor assistant job on Zippia to find and recruit contractor assistant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting contractor assistants requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new contractor assistant

    Once you've selected the best contractor assistant candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    To prepare for the new contractor assistant first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a contractor assistant?

There are different types of costs for hiring contractor assistants. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new contractor assistant employee.

You can expect to pay around $39,453 per year for a contractor assistant, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for contractor assistants in the US typically range between $15 and $22 an hour.

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