Roofer
Trades/Construction · $55,440 median · ~8 weeks to start, up to ~3 years training · Structurally WPE-eligible
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
highest injury rate in corpus
Roofing has among the highest occupational injury and fatality rates in any industry tracked by BLS. Falls are the #1 cause of construction fatalities. Roofer fatality rate is approximately 10x the average occupational fatality rate. This is not abstract risk — it's real and ongoing.
extreme heat exposure
Hot roofs in Sun Belt summer reach 150°F+ surface temperatures. Heat stress and heatstroke are real risks. Skin cancer risk elevated due to sun exposure.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry roofer $31-38K at residential contractors
- Experienced residential roofer $42-55K
- Commercial roofer $52-72K with union benefits
- Specialty (slate, tile, metal, green roofing) $60-85K+
- Senior commercial / foreman / contractor $70-100K+. Commercial flat roofing (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen) pays significantly more than residential shingle work. Specialty work (architectural metal, historic restoration) commands premium.
Workforce Pell eligibility
This path's typical training duration fits under the federal Workforce Pell 599-hour cap. State approval status varies — check the Workforce Pell tracker.
Open the Workforce Pell tracker →Training
That's a wide span on purpose: you can start working after a short pre-apprenticeship or entry course, while the longer figure reflects a full apprenticeship. The career ladder below breaks the journey into steps.
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) — non-union pathways, ABC
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- Free–$8,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 2 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the OSHA 10 (Construction).
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Roofer Helper / Apprentice
Entry$35,360Entry; learning curve 6-12 months; physical job from day one
Training: On-the-job training OR Roofers Union apprenticeship + OSHA 10 + Fall Protection
Journey Roofer
Year 3$56,000Skilled installer; manufacturer cert opens premium markets
Training: 3+ years experience + specialty skills (commercial flat, metal, slate)
Foreman / Commercial Specialist / Self-Employed Contractor
Year 8$88,000Foreman track OR self-employment; both viable and lucrative
Training: Leadership development + business skills if self-employed
In your state
State licensure
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 detail tables not yet pushed
- • Wage direct verification recommended
- • Per-state and per-MSA roofer wage tables
- • state_licensure_details — Priority 2 in C2
- • Roofers Union Local apprenticeship windows
Common questions
How much does a Roofer make?
The median wage is $55,440 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $37,460 and $81,720. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Roofer?
Typical training runs about 8 weeks to get started, and up to about 3 years to reach the top of the field. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Roofer?
No. Roofer is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Roofer eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Structurally, yes — the typical program length fits the federal Workforce Pell hour cap. Whether you can actually use it depends on your state approving the specific program, so check the Workforce Pell tracker.
Do you need a license to work as a Roofer?
Yes — 21 states require a license to work independently in this field. Check your state's licensing board for the exact rules.
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