Construction and Extraction

Helpers--Roofers

Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.

16/100
#462 of 825
$44,160
median pay, U.S.
6,030
employed (2024)
+5.7%
growth, 2024–34
600
openings per year
No formal educational credential
typical entry education

Is helpers--roofers a good career?

It scores 16/100 and ranks #462 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.

Advantages

  • No college degree typically required to enter

Possible tradeoffs

  • Pays below the U.S. median wage ($44,160 vs $61,390)

What helpers--roofers earn

Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025

Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. helpers--roofers earn between $37,030 and $48,970 a year.

Best-paying states

Utah statewide
$72,860
Colorado statewide
$55,860
California statewide
$55,470
Georgia statewide
$47,610
Ohio statewide
$46,600
Virginia statewide
$46,030
Washington statewide
$44,520
Oregon statewide
$44,330
North Carolina statewide
$44,120
Louisiana statewide
$43,680
$20k $50k $80k

Best-paying metros

01 San Jose, CA $58,090
02 Salinas, CA $55,470
03 Fresno, CA $51,170
04 Canton, OH $50,430
05 Atlanta, GA $47,610
06 Washington, DC $47,090
07 New York, NY $46,780
08 Philadelphia, PA $45,150

Strongest employment concentration

01 Florida 1,240
02 California 1,200
03 Texas 590
04 Ohio 490
06 Tennessee 160

Live helpers--roofers jobs

No live helpers--roofers openings yet

When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified helpers--roofers openings will appear here — each shown against the $44,160 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.

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How to become a helpers--roofer

Typical education
No formal educational credential
Work experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Outlook
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.

Education

Although laborers and helpers typically do not need a formal educational credential, employers may prefer to hire those who have a high school diploma or the equivalent. For example, an employer may require or prefer that helpers of electricians and helpers of pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters have completed high school.

High school classes that may be helpful include mathematics, such as algebra and geometry, and those that are part of career and technical education programs, such as construction technology or welding.

Training

Construction laborers and helpers typically learn on the job. They may start out by shadowing experienced workers, observing what those workers do and performing tasks under their guidance.

Some construction laborers complete apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs, which are usually sponsored by local unions or trade associations, combine on-the-job training with technical instruction.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Employers often require that construction laborers and helpers complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, either before or after being hired.

A valid driver’s license also may be required.

Some workers choose to earn optional certifications related to their tasks, such as rigging or scaffolding. Certification helps workers demonstrate that they have the knowledge to perform more complex tasks.

Advancement

After gaining experience, laborers may have opportunities to supervise staff, oversee jobsites, or start their own business.

Helpers sometimes move into construction trades after gaining experience in the field, along with completing any required credentials or training. For example, an electrician’s helper might earn a high school equivalency to enter an electrician apprenticeship and, eventually, go on to become an electrician.

Important qualities

Color vision. Electricians’ helpers must be able to distinguish different colors of wire to help the lead electrician.

Interpersonal skills. Construction laborers and helpers need to work as a team, cooperating with and assisting others. They also may interact with customers.

Math skills. Construction laborers and some helpers need to do basic math calculations, such as when measuring on jobsites or assisting a surveying crew.

Mechanical skills. Construction laborers are frequently required to operate and maintain equipment, such as jackhammers.

Physical stamina. Construction laborers and helpers must be able to do strenuous tasks throughout the day.

Physical strength. Construction laborers and helpers must be able to lift or move heavy materials and equipment.

Related occupations

High school diploma or equivalent · $42,670 median
High school diploma or equivalent · $42,360 median
No formal educational credential · $42,670 median
Questions about becoming a helpers--roofer
How much do helpers--roofers make?

The national median wage is $44,160 a year, with the middle half earning between $37,030 and $48,970 (BLS OEWS May 2025).

Is helpers--roofers a good career?

On the Jobs.best index it scores 16 of 100 and ranks #462 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.7% through 2034.

What education do you need to become a helpers--roofer?

The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential.

Where do helpers--roofers earn the most?

Among states, Utah pays the highest median ($72,860). Local pay for every state and metro is below.

U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsWages: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Projections: BLS EP 2024–34
Sources: OEWS-M2025 · EP-2024-34 · OOH-2024-34. How we score careers →