🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 3% growth · Average

Roofer / Roofing Contractor

Roofers install and repair the systems that keep buildings weathertight — from shingles on family homes to flat commercial roofing systems. Strong demand from constant storm damage, aging housing stock, and new construction makes this a stable career with significant self-employment potential.

$48,110 Median Salary

157K US Jobs

1–3 years Training

$0–$1,500 Typical Cost

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💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Roofers typically earn $20–$38 per hour, or $42,000–$79,000 annually. Union commercial roofers on large commercial projects earn $35–$55 per hour with full benefits. Roofing foremen and superintendents earn $55,000–$90,000. Roofing business owners who operate independent residential companies with multiple crews earn $80,000–$200,000+ based on volume and market. Storm restoration roofers working with insurance adjusters after major weather events earn premium rates during surge periods. Geographic market affects wages — Florida, Texas, and storm-prone markets sustain high roofing demand.

Entry Level

$33,000

Median

$48,110

Experienced

$72,000

Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

Projected Growth (10yr)

Average

157K

Total US Jobs

Active positions nationwide

NRCA Certification + State Contractor License

Required Credential

NRCA Certification + State Contractor License

Roofers install and repair roofing systems on residential and commercial buildings using asphalt shingles, metal, TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, and other roofing materials. The BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth for roofers driven by new construction activity, a large existing housing stock requiring replacement, and storm damage repair work that creates surge demand following major weather events. Commercial flat roofing — TPO and EPDM membrane installation — and metal roofing are growing segments as energy efficiency requirements drive adoption of reflective and durable roofing systems. Union roofers through UFCW Roofers Local unions access excellent wages on commercial projects.

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program

On-the-Job Training or Apprenticeship

Program Length

1–3 years

Typical Tuition

$0–$1,500

Work Setting

Residential homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities

Roofing apprenticeships through United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local unions typically run two to three years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction in roofing systems, safety, and material application. Non-union roofers learn through employer on-the-job training under experienced roofers. OSHA 10 construction safety certification and fall protection training are required for all commercial and residential roofing work. Manufacturer certifications — GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred — provide residential roofing credentials that support marketing and warranty authorization. Commercial roofing certifications from NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) support advancement in commercial flat roofing.

🏆 Credential Required: NRCA Certification + State Contractor License

☀️ Day in the Life

A Roofer begins the morning at a residential re-roofing job — a 2,400 sq ft house with a 6:12 pitch that needs a complete tear-off and re-roof. They set up the roofing jacks and scaffold boards for safe working positions on the steep slope, then begin tearing off the old three-tab shingles with flat bars and roofing shovels, tossing debris into the dumpster below. After tear-off, they inspect the plywood deck — replacing two rotted sheets — then roll out 30-lb felt underlayment, overlapping 4 inches horizontally and stapling every 12 inches. Ice and water shield goes in the first two feet at the eaves and in the valleys. Starting at the bottom course, they snap chalk lines and nail the first course of architectural shingles with a pneumatic coil roofing nailer — each shingle gets six nails through the nailing strip. They work up the slope in courses, cutting rake edges with a hook blade, and carefully flashing and counter-flashing the chimney and two roof penetrations before the job is complete and inspected.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong income potential including storm restoration surge: Residential roofers earn solid base income with the ability to earn significantly above average during post-storm surge periods with insurance-backed work.
Business ownership with relatively low startup cost: Experienced roofers launch independent roofing businesses with modest equipment investment — a truck, trailer, nail guns, and safety equipment.
Union commercial roofing provides excellent wages and benefits: Union roofers on commercial projects earn top-tier trade wages with health and pension benefits.
High demand in storm-prone markets: Storm restoration roofing creates surges of demand in Florida, Texas, and the Southeast — consistent high-volume work in these markets.
Fast entry into the trades with rapid income development: Roofing skill development is faster than many longer apprenticeship trades — productive roofers earn meaningful income relatively quickly.

Cons

Most dangerous construction trade by fatality rate: Roofing has the highest fatality rate of any construction trade — falls from rooftops are the leading cause of construction worker death.
Physically grueling work in extreme weather conditions: Roofing in Florida summer heat — temperatures on a dark asphalt roof surface exceed 130°F — is severe physical labor demanding hydration and heat management.
Seasonal employment with winter slowdowns in cold climates: Northern US roofing markets slow significantly in winter — income planning requires accounting for reduced winter activity.
Knee, back, and shoulder wear from sustained crouching and lifting: Carrying bundles of shingles up ladders, crouching on sloped surfaces, and repetitive nailing throughout a full workday creates progressive musculoskeletal wear.