Career comparison
Roofer vs. Solar Panel Installer
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. $53,140), while solar panel installers usually get to work faster (1–6 months of training). Roofers install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected. 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 | Solar Panel Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $55,440 ($26.65/hr) | $53,140 ($25.55/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,460 – $81,720 | $41,600 – $79,970 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.3% (faster than average) | +36.5% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 12,000 | 4,200 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | 1–6 months |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | NABCEP PV Associate |
| Work setting | Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. | Installers work outdoors on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays, often in heat and sun. |
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
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 if…
- I’m comfortable working on rooftops and ladders
- I like hard physical work outdoors
- I don’t mind heat and changing weather
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 fit quiz and the Solar Panel Installer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roofer or solar panel installer?
Roofers earn more at the median: $55,440 versus $53,140 for solar panel installers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Solar Panel Installers typically train faster (1–6 months) than roofers (3–12 months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects solar panel installers to grow +36.5% from 2025–35, compared with +5.3% for roofers.