Roofers
Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.
Is roofers a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #303 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
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What roofers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. roofers earn between $46,260 and $65,390 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live roofers jobs
No live roofers openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified roofers openings will appear here — each shown against the $55,440 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
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- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
No formal educational credential is typically required for roofers.
Training
Roofers typically receive on-the-job training to become competent in the occupation. In most on-the-job training programs, experienced roofers teach new workers how to use roofing tools, equipment, machines, and materials. Trainees begin with tasks such as carrying equipment and material and erecting scaffolds and hoists. Within a few months, they learn to measure, cut, and fit roofing materials. Later, they lay asphalt or fiberglass shingles. Because some roofing materials, such as solar tiles, are used infrequently, it may take several years to gain experience for all types of roofing.
A few groups sponsor apprenticeship programs for roofers. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with technical instruction, usually requiring a predetermined number of hours for both.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Most employers require that roofers complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, either before or after being hired.
Roofers may obtain specific certification to qualify for additional work opportunities or greater pay.
Some employers require roofers to have a driver’s license to enable commuting to different jobsites.
Advancement
After gaining experience in the occupation, roofers may have opportunities to advance to become a supervisor, job superintendent, or estimator or to start their own business. Roofers working in a union may advance within their local union to become a business manager or apprenticeship instructor or to other positions of union leadership.
Important qualities
Ability to work at heights. Roofers must be comfortable working at great heights.
Attention to detail. Roofing materials must be installed to precisely match design patterns and to ensure that the roof is waterproof.
Balance. Roofers should have excellent balance to avoid falling, because they often work on steep slopes at great heights.
Manual dexterity. Roofers need to be precise in handling and installing roofing materials in order to prevent damage to the roof and building.
Math skills. Roofers use math to measure and calculate roofing areas.
Physical stamina. Roofers must be able to endure spending hours on their feet or bending and stooping, often in hot weather.
Physical strength. Roofers often lift and carry heavy materials, such as bundles of shingles that weigh 60 pounds or more.
Related occupations
How much do roofers make?
The national median wage is $55,440 a year, with the middle half earning between $46,260 and $65,390 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is roofers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #303 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a roofer?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential.
Where do roofers earn the most?
Among states, Illinois pays the highest median ($77,900). Local pay for every state and metro is below.