What Does a Roofer Helper Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

Roofer Helper

Also called: Roofing Laborer · Roofing Helper · Shingle Carrier · Tear-Off Worker

What roofer helpers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated October 18, 2026By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team

What does a roofer helper do?

Helpers, roofers, help roofers by performing duties requiring less skill, such as carrying materials and cleaning. The median pay is $44,160 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -0.1% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$44,160
$21.23/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-0.1%
2025–35, little or no change
Openings per year
600
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
A few weeks on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
6,100
Employment, 2025

What roofer helpers do

Roofer helpers do the heavy lifting on roofing jobs. They tear off old roofing, carry shingles up ladders, load debris, clean up nails, and help install underlayment and shingles.

No formal education is required, and training is short. BLS projects little change.

Typical duties

Tear off old roofing
Carry materials
Load debris
Clean up nails
Install underlayment
Assist roofers
Set up safety gear

Work environment and schedule

Helpers work on roofs outdoors.

Schedule: Full time, seasonal, early starts in summer.

A day in the life

6:30 AMSet up fall protection.
7:00 AMTear off shingles.
9:00 AMLoad the dumpster.
10:30 AMCarry bundles up.

See a full day in the life of a roofer helper →

Roofer Helper salary

Half of roofer helpers earned more than $44,160 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $30,140 for the lowest 10% to $62,400 for the top 10%.

$30,14010th$44,160Median$62,40090th

Full roofer helper pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a roofer helper

Apply to a roofing contractor
Learn fall protection
Learn tear-off and cleanup
Learn installation
Become a roofer

No formal educational credential is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a roofer helper →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Tear-off
Material handling
Underlayment
Ladder use
Fall protection

People skills

Stamina
Reliability
Teamwork
Safety awareness

All roofer helper skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Easy entry
Short training
Path to roofer
Outdoor work

Cons

Heat
Falls risk
Very physical
Seasonal

Certifications and licenses

Fall protection training: Required.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Ladder safety training: Helpful.
Roofing apprenticeship: Next step.

Career path

Helper: Entry.
Roofer: Install.
Lead Roofer: Lead.
Roofing Contractor: Business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Roofer Helper training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as tie off on a roof and do a fast, safe tear-off, safety and how to land your first job.

View Roofer Helper training Is this career right for me?

Roofer

Install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected.

$55,440
3–12 months on the job

Construction Laborer

Prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job.

$47,120
Days to weeks (on the job)

Solar Panel Installer

Install and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems.

$53,140
1–6 months

Sheet Metal Worker

Fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding and other products made from sheet metal.

$61,800
4–5 years (apprenticeship)

Compare: Roofer Helper vs. Roofer · Roofer Helper vs. Construction Laborer · Roofer Helper vs. Solar Panel Installer · Roofer Helper vs. Sheet Metal Worker

Roofer Helper FAQ

Do I need experience?

No.

Is roofing dangerous?

It has fall risks; protection is required.

Is the job growing?

BLS projects little change.

How much does a roofer helper make?

The median annual wage for roofer helpers was $44,160 ($21.23 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,140 and the highest 10% earned more than $62,400.

How long does it take to become a roofer helper?

Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.

Do you need a degree to be a roofer helper?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-3016 (Helpers--roofers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Helpers--roofers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.