How to Become a Roofer: Training, Wages & Outlook

Roofing is one of the most essential and physically demanding trades in construction. Roofers install, repair, and replace the systems that keep water out of every building — from asphalt shingles on houses to single-ply membranes on warehouses to standing-seam metal on commercial complexes. The work is straightforward to learn, hard to master, and always in demand.

If you want to start earning quickly in a trade with a clear path to running your own crew or company, roofing is one of the fastest routes in. Here's what you need to know.

What Roofers Do

Roofing work breaks down by building type and roofing system:

Residential shingle roofers install asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in America. The work involves tearing off old roofing, inspecting and repairing decking, installing underlayment and ice/water shield, and nailing new shingles in precise patterns. Residential roofing is production-driven — speed matters, and experienced crews can complete a house in a day.

Commercial flat roofers install low-slope roofing systems on commercial and industrial buildings — TPO, EPDM, PVC membranes, built-up roofing (BUR), and modified bitumen. Commercial work requires different skills than residential: torch-applied systems, hot-applied asphalt, adhesive application, and membrane welding. The projects are larger and longer.

Metal roofers install standing-seam panels, corrugated metal, and architectural metal roofing on both residential and commercial buildings. Metal roofing is growing fast due to its durability and energy efficiency. The work requires more precision than shingle work and involves sheet metal fabrication skills.

Solar roofers install rooftop solar panel systems, combining traditional roofing skills with electrical mounting and waterproofing. Solar roofing is the fastest-growing segment and pays a premium. Many roofing companies are adding solar divisions.

Storm Damage and the Demand Cycle

Roofing has a unique demand cycle driven by weather events. Hailstorms, hurricanes, and severe windstorms create surges in demand that can keep roofers busy for months or years in affected regions. Storm restoration work pays well and creates opportunities for roofers willing to travel to impacted areas.

Training Paths

Apprenticeship (United Union of Roofers)

The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers runs apprenticeship programs that are typically 3 years:

4,500-6,000 hours of on-the-job training
Classroom instruction covering roofing systems, safety, blueprint reading, and waterproofing
Starting wages at 50-60% of the journeyman rate, with regular increases
Benefits (health insurance, pension) included

First-year apprentices earn $16-20/hour depending on the market. Journeyman roofers earn $22-40/hour, with the highest rates on union commercial projects.

Search roofing apprenticeships on SkillPlum.

Trade School

Some community colleges and technical schools offer roofing certificate programs, though they're less common than programs for trades like HVAC or electrical. Programs typically run 3-12 months and cover roofing systems, safety, and basic construction skills.

Compare roofing programs on SkillPlum.

On-the-Job Training

Most roofers enter the trade through on-the-job training rather than formal programs. Roofing companies frequently hire laborers with no experience and train them on the job. You'll start carrying materials, cleaning up tear-off debris, and loading shingles — then gradually move into installation work as you prove yourself. Most roofers become proficient in 2-3 years of full-time work.

Certifications

Roofing doesn't require a state license in most jurisdictions for workers (though contractors typically need one). Certifications that boost your employability and pay include:

OSHA 10/30 — safety certifications required on most commercial job sites. Roofing has one of the highest fall-fatality rates in construction, making safety training essential
Manufacturer certifications — GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, Owens Corning Preferred, and similar programs certify that you've been trained to install a specific manufacturer's products. These certifications matter to homeowners and unlock manufacturer-backed warranties
NRCA ProCertification — the National Roofing Contractors Association offers certifications for roofing professionals, including Thermoplastic (TPO/PVC) and Asphalt Shingle installers
Fall protection competent person — essential for anyone leading a roofing crew
NABCEP Solar Certification — for roofers moving into solar installation. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners credential is the gold standard

Wages

Roofer wages vary by specialization, region, and union status:

Laborer / helper: $14-17/hour
Apprentice (year 1): $16-20/hour
Journeyman roofer: $22-40/hour
Foreman: $26-45/hour
National median: roughly $22/hour ($44,000/year)

Union commercial roofers earn the highest hourly rates. Solar roofers typically earn 10-20% more than standard roofing wages. Storm restoration work often pays a premium. Self-employed roofing contractors can earn $70,000-150,000+ annually, with storm work and solar installation pushing the top end higher.

The median looks modest compared to trades like sheet metal or electrical, but roofing's low barrier to entry means you can be earning full-time wages within weeks rather than waiting for an apprenticeship slot to open.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects about 2% growth for roofers through 2032. That headline number doesn't capture the full picture — roofing has extremely high turnover, and the industry needs tens of thousands of new roofers annually just to maintain current workforce levels.

Climate trends are also working in roofers' favor. More frequent severe weather events mean more storm damage repair. The solar roofing market is expanding rapidly. And the 20-30 year replacement cycle for asphalt shingles means a steady baseline of reroofing work regardless of new construction activity.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Fast entry — you can start earning immediately with no prior experience
Strong demand — roofs wear out and storms don't stop
Path to self-employment — roofing contracting has lower startup costs than most trades
Solar growth — the solar add-on creates a higher-paying career path
Travel opportunities — storm restoration work offers premium pay for those willing to go where the work is

Cons:

High fall risk — roofing is one of the most dangerous construction trades by fatality rate
Extreme heat exposure — rooftops in summer can exceed 140degF
Physically punishing — carrying bundles of shingles up ladders and working bent over all day takes a toll
Seasonal in cold climates — many roofing operations slow or stop in winter
Lower median pay — compared to mechanical trades, though the gap narrows with specialization

Getting Started

Apply directly to roofing companies — many hire helpers with no experience. Show up, work hard, and you'll learn the trade on the job
Look into apprenticeships — search roofing apprenticeships on SkillPlum for more structured training with union wage scales and benefits
Get your OSHA 10 — fall protection awareness is critical in roofing. This certification shows you take safety seriously
Build physical endurance — roofing demands cardiovascular fitness and the ability to work in heat. Get in shape before you start
Get comfortable with heights — if ladders and roof edges make you freeze, this trade may not be the right fit. Healthy respect for heights is good; paralyzing fear is a dealbreaker

Explore roofing trade schools and apprenticeships on SkillPlum to find training options near you.