If you are looking for roofer salary, how much do roofers make, or how much does a roofer make per hour in the United States, roofing can be a good trade job for people who like physical work and do not want to spend many years in college. A roofer installs, repairs and replaces roofs on homes, apartments, commercial buildings and other structures. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median roofer salary was about $55,440 per year, or around $26.65 per hour, in May 2025. But roofer pay is not same everywhere. Experience, state, type of roofing work, employer, overtime and whether someone works as an employee or runs a roofing business can make a big difference. Some roofers earn below $40,000 in a year while experienced workers and higher-paid roofers can earn more than $80,000. This guide looks at roofer salary in the US, roofer hourly pay, roofer salary by state, starting roofer pay, experienced roofer income and what can affect how much a roofer makes.
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Roofer Salary in the United States
The average roofer salary people see online can be confusing because roofing income can be very different from one worker to another. The latest BLS data shows a median annual wage of $55,440 for roofers. The median is useful because it means half of the workers earned more than this amount and half earned less. The hourly median is about $26.65 an hour. At the lower end, the bottom 10 percent earned less than $37,460 per year, while the top 10 percent earned more than $81,720. Roofing contractors were one of the main industries employing roofers, and wages can also change based on location and type of roofing job.
Roofing is also a trade where overtime can matter. Roofers usually work full time and busy seasons can bring longer hours. In northern parts of the country, winter weather can reduce available roofing work, while warmer months can become much busier. So a roofer's yearly income is not always just about the hourly rate.
Roofer Salary Quick Facts
- Median roofer salary: $55,440 per year
- Median roofer hourly pay: $26.65 per hour
- Bottom 10% salary: Less than $37,460 per year
- Top 10% salary: More than $81,720 per year
- Roofer jobs in 2025: About 166,900
- Projected employment growth: 5% from 2025 to 2035
- Education normally required: No formal educational credential
- Typical training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
These numbers are useful for understanding the overall roofer pay in America, but they do not mean every roofer will receive exactly $55,440. A new roofing helper can start much lower, while an experienced roofer, crew leader or highly skilled worker can earn much more. Self-employed roofing business owners are also a different case because business revenue is not the same thing as employee salary.
Roofer Salary by State
Where you work can have a large effect on roofer salary. Some states have a much higher median wage than the national figure, while other states have lower wage levels. The table below gives a state-by-state look at roofer median annual pay based on May 2025 BLS OEWS data. The 10th to 90th percentile range is also included to show how widely roofer wages can spread inside each state.
| Rank | State | Median Roofer Salary | 10th–90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $77,900 | $46,600 – $106,530 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $76,600 | $45,230 – $103,720 |
| 3 | Minnesota | $74,490 | $46,020 – $99,170 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $72,750 | $50,790 – $106,290 |
| 5 | Alaska | $66,750 | $48,630 – $92,450 |
| 6 | New York | $66,020 | $47,000 – $95,040 |
| 7 | California | $63,600 | $48,620 – $89,010 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $62,070 | $47,730 – $96,070 |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $61,750 | $47,470 – $101,570 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $61,630 | $43,450 – $93,740 |
| 11 | Washington | $60,640 | $47,860 – $104,000 |
| 12 | Maryland | $60,090 | $45,760 – $80,470 |
| 13 | New Hampshire | $59,830 | $46,920 – $100,040 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $59,740 | $46,050 – $87,360 |
| 15 | Hawaii | $59,580 | $45,860 – $79,400 |
| 16 | Michigan | $59,530 | $41,910 – $80,270 |
| 17 | Delaware | $59,440 | $35,640 – $73,900 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | $59,370 | $39,130 – $78,380 |
| 19 | Vermont | $59,040 | $45,380 – $63,250 |
| 20 | Montana | $59,030 | $46,020 – $71,920 |
| 21 | Oregon | $58,970 | $45,880 – $95,700 |
| 22 | Indiana | $57,980 | $39,830 – $89,240 |
| 23 | Idaho | $57,790 | $35,780 – $71,860 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $55,710 | $40,480 – $76,700 |
| 25 | Colorado | $51,750 | $45,820 – $73,370 |
| 26 | West Virginia | $51,170 | $28,660 – $69,820 |
| 27 | Nevada | $51,090 | $37,960 – $79,680 |
| 28 | Maine | $50,120 | $44,890 – $64,430 |
| 29 | Ohio | $49,390 | $39,940 – $75,340 |
| 30 | North Carolina | $49,010 | $36,760 – $60,600 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $48,760 | $36,140 – $84,590 |
| 32 | Utah | $48,680 | $30,160 – $67,390 |
| 33 | Iowa | $48,660 | $37,070 – $65,010 |
| 34 | Missouri | $48,570 | $38,470 – $78,710 |
| 35 | Virginia | $48,420 | $38,220 – $66,420 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $47,710 | $34,550 – $59,200 |
| 37 | Florida | $47,590 | $33,240 – $63,810 |
| 38 | Arkansas | $47,470 | $31,200 – $58,270 |
| 39 | Arizona | $47,340 | $35,910 – $62,620 |
| 40 | Kansas | $47,190 | $37,240 – $81,540 |
| 41 | Georgia | $46,940 | $32,070 – $63,720 |
| 42 | Kentucky | $46,940 | $38,220 – $65,470 |
| 43 | Nebraska | $46,460 | $37,480 – $59,670 |
| 44 | Texas | $46,030 | $34,120 – $61,560 |
| 45 | South Carolina | $45,760 | $36,030 – $61,860 |
| 46 | Tennessee | $45,690 | $32,180 – $61,340 |
| 47 | Alabama | $45,670 | $36,120 – $60,920 |
| 48 | Wyoming | $45,650 | $37,110 – $62,490 |
| 49 | New Mexico | $45,300 | $35,880 – $73,850 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $44,940 | $35,280 – $62,830 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $43,680 | $30,800 – $81,720 |
Note: State wage figures are employee wage estimates and are not adjusted for cost of living. Self-employed roofing contractors are not included in these employee wage estimates. The actual income of a roofer can be higher or lower depending on experience, work schedule, employer, location and type of roofing work.
States With the Highest Roofer Salary
Based on the state median wage data, Illinois has the highest median roofer salary among the states listed, at about $77,900 per year. New Jersey follows at $76,600, while Minnesota is around $74,490. Massachusetts and Alaska are also among the states with higher roofer pay. These numbers show why someone searching for roofer salary by state should not only look at the national average. A roofer doing similar work can have a very different wage depending on where the job is located.
- Illinois: about $77,900 median annual pay
- New Jersey: about $76,600
- Minnesota: about $74,490
- Massachusetts: about $72,750
- Alaska: about $66,750
- New York: about $66,020
- California: about $63,600
States With Lower Roofer Pay
Some states have a lower median roofer wage compared with the national median. Oklahoma is at the bottom of the published state figures in this dataset, with a median around $43,680 per year. Mississippi, New Mexico, Wyoming and Alabama are also below $46,000 in median annual roofer pay. But a lower state median does not mean every roofer in that state earns a low wage. Experience, overtime, roofing specialty and the employer can still make a big difference.
- Oklahoma: about $43,680 median annual pay
- Mississippi: about $44,940
- New Mexico: about $45,300
- Wyoming: about $45,650
- Alabama: about $45,670
- Tennessee: about $45,690
- South Carolina: about $45,760
How Much Do Roofers Make an Hour?
If you are searching how much do roofers make an hour, the latest national median gives a good starting point. The median roofer hourly pay in the United States is about $26.65 per hour. But hourly roofer wages can be quite different depending on the worker's experience, state, company and type of roofing work.
A new worker who is just entering the roofing trade can make much less than an experienced roofer. On the other hand, an experienced roofer with several years of skills may earn well above the median. Overtime can also increase the actual weekly and yearly income.
For a simple comparison, a roofer making $26.65 an hour and working 40 hours each week would have a basic annual pay of around $55,432 before taxes, assuming 52 weeks of work. This is very close to the BLS median annual wage of $55,440. Actual income can be different because roofers may have seasonal work, overtime, bonuses, unpaid time between jobs or different weekly schedules.
Roofer Hourly Pay by Experience
Roofer hourly pay normally increases as a worker becomes more skilled. A person starting as a roofing helper does not usually have the same pay as somebody who can independently install roofing materials, find leaks, repair damaged areas and lead other workers.
- Roofing helper: Often starts at a lower wage while learning basic roofing work.
- Entry-level roofer: Usually earns more after gaining practical experience.
- Experienced roofer: Can earn around or above the national median depending on location and employer.
- Senior or highly skilled roofer: May reach higher wage levels, especially with specialty skills.
- Crew leader: May receive additional pay because of responsibility for workers and jobsite activities.
The exact wage should not be treated as a fixed national pay scale. Roofing is a trade where local construction demand and the employer can make a large difference.
How Much Does a Roofer Make a Year?
The question how much do roofers make a year has a simple national answer but the real situation is more mixed. The median roofer salary was $55,440 per year in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,460, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,720.
This means a person researching roofer income should not assume that every worker earns the national median. A new roofer can be near the lower part of the wage range, while an experienced worker in a high-paying market can be closer to the upper end.
The type of employer also matters. BLS reports a May 2025 median wage of $55,860 for roofers working for roofing contractors, compared with $49,520 for roofers in building construction. So even among employees with the same occupation, the industry where they work can affect pay.
Roofer Starting Salary
The roofer starting salary is usually lower than the national median because new workers still need to learn the trade. Roofing is generally learned through on-the-job training, and some workers enter through an apprenticeship.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, apprentices normally start at about 50 percent of the pay received by journey workers. Their wages generally increase as they move through the apprenticeship program and gain more skills. This makes roofing different from some careers where a person needs a college degree before starting professional work.
Entry Level Roofer Salary
An entry level roofer salary can vary widely. Someone hired as a roofing helper may initially earn less than someone already able to perform roofing tasks without close supervision. Location is another major factor.
- Entry-level workers usually learn basic safety and roofing procedures.
- Helpers may carry materials and prepare the work area.
- New roofers learn how to remove old roofing materials.
- Workers gradually learn installation and repair techniques.
- Pay can increase as the worker becomes more independent.
- Workers who learn several roofing systems may have more opportunities.
Roofer Apprentice Salary
A roofer apprentice salary is generally lower than a fully trained journey worker salary. The reason is simple: an apprentice is getting paid while also learning the trade. BLS says apprentices typically begin around 50 percent of journey worker pay and receive increases as they progress.
An apprenticeship can therefore be a useful way for someone who wants to become a roofer without going through a traditional four-year college program. The worker gains practical experience while learning the skills needed for the job.
Apprentices should also check the actual wage schedule before accepting a program because pay can vary by employer, union, location and apprenticeship agreement.
Experienced Roofer Salary
An experienced roofer salary can be considerably higher than beginner pay. Once a roofer has learned how to work safely at heights, install different roofing materials, repair leaks and complete jobs with less supervision, the worker can become more valuable to an employer.
Experience may also open the door to crew leader or supervisory responsibilities. A roofer who can train newer workers, understand job plans, organize materials and maintain good quality can have more earning opportunities than someone who only performs basic labor.
- More years of roofing experience
- Ability to work independently
- Knowledge of different roofing materials
- Leak detection and repair skills
- Commercial roofing experience
- Safety and jobsite knowledge
- Ability to lead a roofing crew
- Ability to train newer workers
Residential Roofer Salary
A residential roofer salary is the pay received by roofers who mainly work on houses and other residential properties. Residential roofing can include installing new roofs, replacing old shingles, repairing damaged roofs and finding leaks.
Residential roofers may work with asphalt shingles, metal roofing and other materials depending on the local market. The amount a worker earns depends on experience, employer, location and the type of work being performed.
Residential roofing can also be seasonal in some areas. Warm weather can create a very busy period, while winter conditions may reduce roofing activity in colder states.
Commercial Roofer Salary
A commercial roofer salary can vary depending on the company, location and type of commercial roofing system. Commercial roofers may work on warehouses, offices, retail buildings, factories and other large structures.
Commercial roofing can require knowledge of roofing systems that are different from common residential shingles. Workers may also deal with larger jobsites and more complex installation procedures.
For someone planning a long-term roofing career, learning commercial roofing skills can be one way to build additional experience and potentially qualify for higher-paying jobs. But commercial work can also involve demanding physical conditions and strict safety requirements.
Roofing Contractor Salary vs Roofer Salary
The phrase roofing contractor salary can mean something different from a normal roofer wage. A roofer working as an employee normally receives wages or a salary from an employer. A roofing contractor who owns a company is running a business, so business revenue and personal income are not the same thing.
A contractor may collect money from roofing projects but still have to pay for workers, materials, insurance, vehicles, equipment, advertising, office costs, permits, taxes and other business expenses. Because of this, it would be misleading to use an employee roofer salary number as the income of a roofing business owner.
- Employee roofer: Usually receives hourly wages or other employee compensation.
- Roofing crew leader: May receive higher pay because of added responsibility.
- Independent roofer: May work for different customers or contractors.
- Roofing contractor: Runs or manages a roofing business.
- Business owner: Income depends on revenue, expenses, profit and business performance.
Do Roofers Get Overtime Pay?
Yes, some roofers work overtime, especially during busy periods. The BLS says most roofers work full time and roofers may work overtime to complete jobs, particularly during busy summer months. In northern states, roofing work can also be limited during winter.
Overtime can make an important difference in annual roofer income. A worker who earns $26.65 per hour and regularly works extra hours may have a higher gross annual income than someone working only a standard 40-hour week.
However, overtime is not guaranteed every week. Roofing depends on weather, construction demand, project schedules and the employer.
Roofer Benefits and Other Income
Salary is not the only thing to look at when comparing roofing jobs. Some full-time roofing employers may offer benefits in addition to wages. Benefits depend heavily on the employer and whether the worker is an employee, apprentice, union worker or independent contractor.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Holiday pay
- Retirement plans
- Overtime opportunities
- Apprenticeship training
- Safety equipment
- Work clothing or equipment allowances
- Possible bonuses or performance-based pay
Not every roofer receives all of these benefits. A job with a slightly lower hourly wage can sometimes have a better overall compensation package if it includes health insurance, retirement contributions and paid time off.
What Does a Roofer Do?
A roofer's main job is to install, repair and replace roofs. The actual work can be different from one project to another. Roofers may remove old roofing, prepare surfaces, install new materials, repair damaged sections and make sure the finished roof protects the building from water and weather.
- Inspect roofs for damage
- Remove old roofing materials
- Install shingles and other roofing materials
- Repair leaks and damaged areas
- Prepare roof surfaces for installation
- Measure and cut roofing materials
- Install flashing and other roof components
- Keep tools and materials organized
- Follow jobsite safety procedures
- Work with other construction workers and roofing crew members
Is Roofing a Good Career?
Is roofing a good career? For some people, yes. Roofing does not normally require a college degree, and workers can learn much of the trade through on-the-job training. The national median wage of $55,440 is also above the May 2025 median wage of $50,980 for all occupations.
There is also continuing demand for roof replacement and repair. BLS projects roofer employment to grow about 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,000 roofer openings are projected each year on average during that period, with many openings coming from workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
But roofing is not an easy indoor job. It can be physically demanding and involves climbing, bending, kneeling and lifting. Workers may spend a lot of time outside and can work in hot weather. Anyone considering roofing as a career should understand the physical side of the job before choosing it.
How to Become a Roofer
If you are wondering how to become a roofer, this is one of the trade careers where you usually do not need a college degree. Most roofers learn the job through on-the-job training. Some start as helpers and learn directly from experienced workers, while others enter an apprenticeship program.
A new worker normally starts with basic tasks and safety procedures. With more experience, the worker learns how to install roofing materials, repair roofs and work with different roofing systems. It can take time to become fully skilled because roofing involves practical work that is difficult to learn only from a classroom.
- Finish high school or obtain an equivalent credential if possible.
- Look for an entry-level roofing helper position.
- Consider a roofing apprenticeship program.
- Learn basic construction and workplace safety.
- Learn how to use roofing tools correctly.
- Build experience with different roofing materials.
- Learn roof repair and leak detection.
- Follow local licensing and contractor requirements.
- Continue learning as roofing technology and materials change.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Roofer?
Do roofers need a degree? Usually, no. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says roofers typically need no formal educational credential. Most learn through moderate-term on-the-job training. This is one reason roofing can be attractive to people who want to enter the workforce without spending four years at a college.
Not having a college degree does not mean roofing is an easy job. A good roofer needs practical skills, physical strength, balance, safety awareness and the ability to work carefully at height. The worker also needs to understand measurements, materials and basic construction methods.
Do Roofers Need a License?
Do roofers need a license? This depends on the state and sometimes on the type and value of the roofing work. A person working as an employee for a roofing company may have different requirements from someone who wants to operate their own roofing business.
Some states regulate roofing contractors through licensing, registration, bonding or other requirements. Local governments can also have additional rules. Because these requirements can change, someone planning to start a roofing business should check the current state and local requirements before accepting jobs independently.
Roofer Skills That Can Increase Earning Potential
Roofing is more than carrying shingles up a ladder. Experienced roofers develop many practical skills that can make them more useful to an employer. A worker who can handle several types of roofing work may have more opportunities than someone who knows only one basic task.
- Roof installation
- Roof replacement
- Roof repair
- Leak detection
- Shingle installation
- Metal roofing
- Commercial roofing systems
- Roof measurements
- Flashing installation
- Reading basic construction plans
- Safe ladder and fall-protection practices
- Using roofing tools and equipment
- Working with a roofing crew
- Training new workers
How Much Does a Roofer Make in a Week?
If you are searching how much does a roofer make a week, the answer depends on the hourly wage and number of hours worked. Using the national median hourly wage of $26.65 as a simple example, 40 hours of work would equal approximately $1,066 per week before taxes.
This is only a simple calculation and should not be treated as a guaranteed weekly paycheck. Roofers may work more than 40 hours during busy periods, while weather and seasonal conditions can reduce working hours at other times.
How Much Does a Roofer Make a Month?
At the national median annual wage of $55,440, the simple monthly equivalent is about $4,620 before taxes. This is calculated by dividing annual pay by 12 months. Actual monthly roofer income can be quite different because most roofing employees are paid based on hourly wages or other employment arrangements.
For example, overtime, seasonal work, bonuses and periods without work can all change the amount a roofer actually receives during a particular month.
Roofer Salary Compared With Other Construction Jobs
People researching roofer salary often compare roofing with other construction trades. Roofing can be a good option for someone who prefers hands-on work and wants to enter a trade without a traditional college degree.
The important thing is not only the starting wage. Workers should also consider how much they can earn after gaining experience, whether overtime is available, what benefits the employer provides, how physically demanding the job is and whether there are opportunities to become a crew leader, supervisor or contractor.
- Roofing offers a relatively direct entry into construction.
- Workers can learn through on-the-job training.
- Experience can increase earning potential.
- Commercial roofing can provide another specialization.
- Leadership skills can create additional career opportunities.
- Experienced roofers may eventually move into contractor or business roles.
Roofer Working Conditions
Roofing is a physically demanding occupation. Roofers spend much of their working time outside and can be exposed to heat, cold, wind and changing weather conditions. The job can involve climbing ladders, carrying materials, bending, kneeling and standing for long periods.
Working at height is one of the major risks of roofing. Proper safety procedures, fall protection and appropriate equipment are important parts of the job. A person should not choose roofing only because of the salary without understanding these working conditions.
Is Roofer a Good Job Without College?
For someone who does not want to attend a four-year college, roofing can be a practical career option. The occupation normally does not require a formal college degree, and workers can start learning the trade while earning money.
The trade also provides a path that can go beyond basic roofer work. With experience, a worker can potentially become a crew leader, supervisor or eventually operate a roofing business, subject to applicable licensing and business requirements.
Roofer Career Outlook
The roofer career outlook is positive compared with many occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of roofers to grow by about 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. Around 12,000 openings are projected each year on average over the decade.
These openings are not all new jobs. Many will happen because workers leave the occupation or retire. Roof replacement and repair will continue to be needed as buildings age and roofs are damaged by weather.
Roofing work can also remain important because roofs are not permanent. Even a well-installed roof eventually needs repair or replacement. This creates continuing demand for workers who know how to install, maintain and repair roofing systems.
What Affects Roofer Salary?
There is no single factor that determines how much a roofer makes. Several things can change the final pay.
- Location: Roofer wages are different from state to state.
- Experience: Experienced workers normally have better earning opportunities.
- Roofing type: Commercial and specialty roofing may require additional skills.
- Employer: Different companies can offer different wages and benefits.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase yearly income.
- Season: Weather can affect the amount of available work.
- Skills: Specialized roofing and repair skills can make a worker more valuable.
- Leadership: Crew leaders and supervisors can have additional responsibilities and pay.
- Employment type: Employee wages are different from income earned by an independent contractor or business owner.
Final Thoughts on Roofer Salary
A roofer salary in the United States can provide a solid income without requiring a traditional college degree. The latest national median pay is about $55,440 per year, but there is a wide difference between beginner and experienced workers and between states. Roofers in some higher-paying states can have median wages well above the national level, while wages are lower in other markets.
The trade also gives workers a chance to increase their skills over time. Someone can start as a roofing helper, learn the trade, become an experienced roofer or crew leader and potentially move into a roofing contractor or business role. At the same time, roofing is demanding work and involves real safety risks, so the career should be chosen because the type of work fits the person, not only because of the salary.
For anyone searching how much do roofers make, roofer salary by state, roofer hourly pay, entry level roofer salary, roofer apprentice salary or how to become a roofer, the most important point is that location, experience, skills, overtime and employer all play a role in actual income.