Skilled Trades & Construction career

Roofer

Also called: Roofing Installer · Commercial Roofer · Shingler · Roofing Technician

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

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a roofer do?

Roofers install and repair shingle, metal, tile and flat-roof systems on homes and commercial buildings, working at heights with strict fall protection. The median pay is $55,440 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +5.3% from 2025–35.

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

  • Median pay
    $55,440
    $26.65/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.3%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    12,000
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    No formal educational credential
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    3–12 months on the job
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    166,900
    Employment, 2025

What roofers do

Roofers tear off old roofing, repair decking, install underlayment and flashing, and put down shingles, metal panels, tile or single-ply membranes. Residential roofers mostly work with asphalt shingles on sloped roofs; commercial roofers install low-slope systems such as TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen. Repair and leak-tracing work is steady year-round.

Most roofers learn on the job, starting as helpers carrying materials and doing tear-off, and some complete union or contractor apprenticeships. The work is hot, physical and done at heights, so fall protection training is essential. Experienced roofers can become foremen, estimators or roofing contractors.

Typical duties

  • Tear off old roofing and inspect the roof deck
  • Replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment
  • Install flashing around chimneys, vents and valleys
  • Lay shingles, metal panels, tile or membrane roofing
  • Seal seams and penetrations to prevent leaks
  • Set up and use fall protection systems
  • Clean up the site and haul away debris

Work environment and schedule

Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. The job involves climbing, kneeling, lifting bundles and working at heights. Hot-asphalt and torch-applied systems add burn hazards.

Schedule: Most roofers work full-time, with long days during the busy season and less work in rain or freezing weather. Storm damage can bring overtime.

A day in the life

  1. Meet the crew at the shop, load materials and review the job and weather.
  2. Set up roof anchors, harnesses and ladders, and tarp landscaping below.
  3. Tear off old shingles and underlayment into a dumpster.
  4. Replace two sheets of rotted decking and install ice and water shield in the valleys.

See a full day in the life of a roofer →

Roofer salary

Half of roofers earned more than $55,440 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,460 for the lowest 10% to $81,720 for the top 10%.

Full roofer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a roofer

  1. Get hired as a helper
  2. Learn safety first
  3. Build installation skills
  4. Consider an apprenticeship
  5. Advance

No formal education is required. Most roofers learn on the job over several months. Some complete union or contractor apprenticeships that combine paid work with classroom training on safety and roofing systems.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a roofer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Shingle and membrane installation
  • Flashing and leak prevention
  • Fall protection setup
  • Roof measurement in squares
  • Tear-off and deck repair

People skills

  • Teamwork
  • Work ethic
  • Comfort with heights
  • Attention to detail

All roofer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Start working right away with on-the-job training
  • Steady demand from repairs and storm damage
  • Clear path to foreman or contractor
  • Visible results every day

Cons

  • Among the most dangerous construction jobs because of falls
  • Hot, exhausting summer work
  • Seasonal and weather-dependent hours
  • Hard on knees and back

Certifications and licenses

  • OSHA 10-Hour Construction: Basic construction safety training, often required by contractors.
  • Fall protection training: Training on harnesses, anchors and guardrails, required for work at heights.
  • Manufacturer installer certifications: Programs from shingle and membrane makers such as GAF, Owens Corning or Carlisle.
  • Roofing contractor license: Required in some states to run your own roofing business.

Career path

  1. Roofing Helper: Carry materials, tear off and clean up.
  2. Roofer: Install and repair roofing systems.
  3. Lead Roofer or Foreman: Run crews, layout and quality on job sites.
  4. Estimator or Roofing Contractor: Bid jobs or start your own licensed roofing company.

Learn the job before day one

Our Roofer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as install architectural shingles and set up personal fall arrest on a sloped roof, safety and how to land your first job.

View Roofer trainingIs this career right for me?

Construction Laborer

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Carpenter

Build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials.

  • $60,580
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Solar Panel Installer

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

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Sheet Metal Worker

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

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

Roofer FAQ

Do you need training to become a roofer?

No formal education is required. Most roofers learn on the job, and safety training such as OSHA 10 and fall protection is strongly recommended.

Is roofing a dangerous job?

Falls make roofing one of the riskier construction trades, which is why fall protection training and equipment are essential.

Can roofers work year-round?

In warm climates, often yes. In colder regions, work slows in winter, though repairs and commercial jobs continue.

How much does a roofer make?

The median annual wage for roofers was $55,440 ($26.65 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,720.

How long does it take to become a roofer?

Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. No formal education is required. Most roofers learn on the job over several months. Some complete union or contractor apprenticeships that combine paid work with classroom training on safety and roofing systems.

Do you need a degree to be a roofer?

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

More roofer questions →

Sources

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

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