Career comparison
Roofer Helper vs. Solar Panel Installer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Solar panel installers earn more at the median ($53,140 vs. $44,160), while roofer helpers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Roofer helpers tear off old roofs, carry materials and help roofers install new roofs. Solar panel installers install and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Roofer Helper | Solar Panel Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $44,160 ($21.23/hr) | $53,140 ($25.55/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $30,140 – $62,400 | $41,600 – $79,970 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.1% (little or no change) | +36.5% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 4,200 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few weeks on the job | 1–6 months |
| Key credential | Fall protection training | NABCEP PV Associate |
| Work setting | Helpers work on roofs outdoors.. | Installers work outdoors on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays, often in heat and sun. |
What each job does
Roofer Helper
- Tear off old roofing
- Carry materials
- Load debris
- Clean up nails
- Install underlayment
Solar Panel Installer
- Review site plans, permits and array layouts
- Install roof attachments, flashing and racking systems
- Mount and secure solar modules
- Run conduit and wiring between modules, inverters and panels
- Install inverters, optimizers or microinverters
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose roofer helper if…
- I don’t mind heights
- I’m strong
- I like outdoor work
Choose solar panel installer if…
- I like working outside and on rooftops
- Heights don’t bother me
- I’m interested in clean energy
Still torn? Take the Roofer Helper fit quiz and the Solar Panel Installer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roofer helper or solar panel installer?
Solar Panel Installers earn more at the median: $53,140 versus $44,160 for roofer helpers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roofer Helpers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than solar panel installers (1–6 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects solar panel installers to grow +36.5% from 2025–35, compared with -0.1% for roofer helpers.