What Does it Take to Be a Roofer?
Position Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Roofer
- Install attic ventilation systems, such as turbine vents, gable or ridge vents, or conventional or solar-powered exhaust fans.
- Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
- Punch holes in slate, tile, terra cotta, or wooden shingles, using punches and hammers.
- Mop or pour hot asphalt or tar onto roof bases.
- Attach solar panels to existing roofs, according to specifications and without damaging roofing materials or the structural integrity of buildings.
- Apply alternate layers of hot asphalt or tar and roofing paper to roofs.
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Things a Roofer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Roofers say are important on the job.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Cool Roofing Installer
- Sheet Metal Roofer
- Metal Roofing Mechanic
- Terra Cotta Roofer
- Residential Roofer
Job Opportunities for Roofers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 146,200 jobs in the United States for Roofer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,200 new jobs for Roofer by 2026. The BLS estimates 16,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Roofer are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Roofer
The salary for Roofers ranges between about $25,540 and $66,510 a year.

Roofers who work in Illinois, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Roofers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $35,160 |
Alaska | $51,560 |
Arizona | $38,390 |
Arkansas | $32,360 |
California | $50,740 |
Colorado | $42,070 |
Connecticut | $55,630 |
Delaware | $42,910 |
District of Columbia | $44,570 |
Florida | $34,900 |
Georgia | $36,790 |
Hawaii | $58,170 |
Idaho | $39,280 |
Illinois | $61,870 |
Indiana | $43,990 |
Iowa | $38,790 |
Kansas | $40,840 |
Kentucky | $42,110 |
Louisiana | $33,630 |
Maine | $36,570 |
Maryland | $46,330 |
Massachusetts | $57,920 |
Michigan | $43,850 |
Minnesota | $53,980 |
Mississippi | $32,190 |
Missouri | $52,150 |
Montana | $38,540 |
Nebraska | $33,390 |
Nevada | $43,490 |
New Hampshire | $38,620 |
New Jersey | $58,870 |
New Mexico | $31,510 |
New York | $65,520 |
North Carolina | $35,640 |
North Dakota | $44,070 |
Ohio | $41,240 |
Oklahoma | $34,220 |
Oregon | $41,790 |
Pennsylvania | $49,650 |
Rhode Island | $54,600 |
South Carolina | $36,000 |
South Dakota | $30,800 |
Tennessee | $34,230 |
Texas | $35,230 |
Utah | $37,560 |
Vermont | $35,300 |
Virginia | $43,400 |
Washington | $53,550 |
West Virginia | $38,010 |
Wisconsin | $43,140 |
Wyoming | $38,600 |
What Tools & Technology do Roofers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Roofers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Maintenance record software
- Insight Direct ServiceCEO
- Wintac Pro
- Roof Pro Estimate Software Roof Pro
- RoofLogic
- AppliCad Roof Wizard
- Ziatek RoofDraw
- Energy cost evaluation software
- Exele TopView
- Humidity and vapor drive calculation software
- Roofing Calculator
- DigiTools Roof CAD
Becoming a Roofer
Learn what Roofer education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Roofer?

Roofers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Margo Wright via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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