Career comparison
Roofer vs. Roofer Helper
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Roofers earn more at the median ($55,440 vs. $44,160), while roofer helpers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Roofers install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected. Roofer helpers tear off old roofs, carry materials and help roofers install new roofs.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Roofer | Roofer Helper | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $55,440 ($26.65/hr) | $44,160 ($21.23/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,460 – $81,720 | $30,140 – $62,400 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.3% (faster than average) | -0.1% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 12,000 | 600 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | Fall protection training |
| Work setting | Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. | Helpers work on roofs outdoors.. |
What each job does
Roofer
- 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
Roofer Helper
- Tear off old roofing
- Carry materials
- Load debris
- Clean up nails
- Install underlayment
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 if…
- I’m comfortable working on rooftops and ladders
- I like hard physical work outdoors
- I don’t mind heat and changing weather
Choose roofer helper if…
- I don’t mind heights
- I’m strong
- I like outdoor work
Still torn? Take the Roofer fit quiz and the Roofer Helper fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roofer or roofer helper?
Roofers earn more at the median: $55,440 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 roofers (3–12 months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects roofers to grow +5.3% from 2025–35, compared with -0.1% for roofer helpers.