Roofers
SOC code 47-2181 · O*NET-SOC 47-2181.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Roofers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$55,440
a year
Hourly
$26.65
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$58,140
$27.95 per hour
Middle 50%
$46,260 – $65,390
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$37,460 – $81,720
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
135,490
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $37,460
- $18.01/hr
- 25th percentile
- $46,260
- $22.24/hr
- Median percentile
- $55,440
- $26.65/hr
- 75th percentile
- $65,390
- $31.44/hr
- 90th percentile
- $81,720
- $39.29/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+6%
Growing faster than average
166,700
jobs in 2024
176,500
projected for 2034
About 9,800 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a roofer do?
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
- Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
- Waterproof or damp-proof walls, floors, roofs, foundations, or basements by painting or spraying surfaces with waterproof coatings or by attaching waterproofing membranes to surfaces.
- Cover exposed nailheads with roofing cement or caulking to prevent water leakage or rust.
- Apply reflective roof coatings, such as special paints or single-ply roofing sheets, to existing roofs to reduce solar heat absorption.
- Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
- Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.
- Install vapor barriers or layers of insulation on flat roofs.
How to become a roofer
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a roofer earn?
The national median is $55,440 a year. The full range runs from $37,460 at the 10th percentile to $81,720 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a roofer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is roofer in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Active Listening2.9/5
- Speaking2.9/5
- Active Learning2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction4.7/5
- Mechanical4.0/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
- Design3.0/5
- Engineering and Technology2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Operation and Control, Time Management, Operations Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving.