Roofing blends physical stamina with technical know-how. From flat commercial systems to steep residential slopes, roofers tackle demanding, high-risk work that keeps buildings safe and functional.
So, how much do roofers make?
The average roofer’s salary is around $55,840 per year or $26.85 per hour in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, earnings range from $35,000 to $80,000+ annually, depending on location, experience, licensing, and the type of roofing work performed.
While base pay varies across the country, there are clear trends and practical steps roofers can take to grow their income over time.
A roofer’s income varies dramatically. Experience, licensing, region, union status, and the type of roofing work all affect take-home pay.
| Average Hourly Wage | $26.85 |
| Average Annual Salary | $55,840 |
| Approximate Monthly Income | $4,653 |
These averages reflect full-time employment. Busy seasons, overtime, and specialty work can push earnings higher.
Experience plays a significant role in roofing pay. This isn’t only because of seniority, but because seasoned roofers tend to work faster, make fewer mistakes, and take on more complex or hazardous jobs. That efficiency and expertise translate directly to higher hourly rates.
Specialty work, like solar, slate, or insurance-funded jobs, often pays more. Union positions typically come with better base pay, protections, and benefits.
Annual earnings range from $35,000 to $80,000 or more. This depends on experience, state, licensing, and whether you work for yourself or someone else. Generally, high-cost-of-living states (like California) or those with heavy regulation (like Massachusetts) often pay top dollar.
That range puts roofing in line with many other skilled trades, but with greater potential for growth through licensing, specialty work, or starting your own business. That raises a common question for roofers looking to maximize their earnings: which states actually pay the most?
Based on data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofers in Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, California, and Alaska make the most.
| State | Average Hourly Wage | Average Salary |
| Massachusetts | $34.80 | $72,390 |
| Illinois | $33.71 | $70,110 |
| Connecticut | $33.26 | $69,170 |
| California | $33.17 | $69,000 |
| Alaska | $32.64 | $67,880 |
Higher pay in these states is often a direct reflection of stricter licensing laws, unionized labor markets, or higher living costs.
Cities with strong construction markets, tight labor pools, or rigorous building codes can offer especially high wages. Roofers willing to relocate or travel for seasonal or specialty work can capitalize on hotspots like these to increase annual earnings.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Owning a roofing business means managing jobs and teams, but also unlocking higher earning potential. You’re not just installing shingles anymore. You’re pricing projects, negotiating contracts, hiring crews, and overseeing every phase of a job. With this responsibility comes more risk, but also the chance to build long-term wealth with the right approach.
| Business Size | Average Annual Salary |
| Small Crews (1–5 people) | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Mid-Size Firms (6–20 people) | $150,000–$300,000 |
| Large Operations | $500,000+ (with high overhead) |
These salaries hinge on how well you manage overhead, control your roofing labor cost per hour, and keep projects moving on schedule. For roofers with a strong work ethic and a knack for organization, stepping into ownership can be a natural next move.
For example, a small residential roofing company completing 100 jobs per year at $10,000 per project could gross $1 million annually before expenses. Net income depends on labor, materials, and operating costs.
It’s a chance to build something of your own, but it also means taking on more responsibility. Learning what it takes to start a roofing company and position it for profit is crucial to making that leap with confidence.
Boosting your income as a roofer often comes down to a few smart choices. Whether that means getting licensed, exploring specialty work, or improving your crew’s efficiency, small shifts can lead to significant results over time.
In many states, a license is required for jobs over a certain value. That threshold is usually between $500 and $1,000, but it varies by state.
In California, for example, roofers must have a C-39 license for projects over $500. Florida, on the other hand, mandates licensure for nearly all roofing work.
Even if your state doesn’t require licensure, getting licensed can open the door to more work and bigger contracts. Many public, insurance-funded, or commercial jobs require a licensed contractor, even in states without strict residential rules. It also helps build trust with homeowners and can make it easier to charge premium rates.
Not all roofing jobs pay the same. Some specialties offer higher margins because they require unique skills, involve more risk, or are in shorter supply. If you’re trained in these areas, you’ll face less competition, and you can price your work accordingly.
These specialties aren’t as widespread as standard roofing skills, though they are becoming more so. Currently, those who are equipped with these specialties can charge more and stay consistently booked.
Labor is one of your biggest costs, and one of the easiest to optimize. Improving crew efficiency isn’t just about speed; it’s about reducing waste, avoiding delays, and keeping your calendar full. Small changes here can make a measurable impact on your margins.
Many customers can’t afford a full roof replacement upfront, especially when the project is unexpected. Offering roofing financing to your customers can mean landing bigger jobs and reducing sales friction. Financing also makes it easier for homeowners to say yes to upgrades or premium materials, which can improve your margins.
More payment flexibility can mean more signed contracts (and often bigger ones).
Running your own business gives you more control and potential for higher earnings. If you’re open to operating your own shop, start lean. You don’t need a massive team to get started. Many owners begin with subcontracting work or direct referrals from general contractors. This could mean:
Plenty of six-figure roofing businesses began with just one truck and a strong work ethic.
Roofing can slow down in the winter, but not everywhere. Many contractors boost their income by traveling to storm-prone states, like Texas, Florida, or Louisiana, after severe weather events. These jobs are often insurance-funded and time-sensitive, meaning faster turnaround and higher pay. Just make sure you understand the licensing requirements in whichever state you’re working.
You don’t need a degree to succeed in roofing, but training still matters. Many manufacturers offer certification programs, and some states require continuing education to maintain your roofing license.
Staying up to date on new materials, code changes, and best practices helps you avoid expensive mistakes. It also puts you in the running for more complex, higher-paying jobs.
Roofers typically earn between $800 and $1,500 per week, depending on their experience, work hours, and region. Weekly pay is common in this trade, especially for those on crews or job sites with consistent demand. Roofers working overtime or handling specialized tasks often see their weekly earnings rise even higher.
Roofer pay depends on a mix of factors: experience level, type of roofing work, location, and union status. Licensing matters, too. Contractors with proper credentials often land better-paying jobs. Working in busy urban environments or storm-prone regions can also lead to higher paychecks throughout the year.
Entry-level roofers typically earn between $35,000 and $42,000 per year, depending on location, employer, and licensing status. Hourly, that comes out to around $16 to $20, with room to grow quickly as skills improve and responsibilities increase.
In many states, roofing contractors are legally required to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, especially if they have employees. Even when it’s not mandated, having insurance can protect your business and help you land higher-paying, insured jobs.
Yes, in many cases, especially in warmer climates or when taking on emergency repairs. In colder regions, winter can slow things down, but some roofers travel to stay busy or focus on prep work, estimates, and interior projects to keep revenue flowing.
It can be. In cooler climates, roofing work often slows down during winter due to weather limitations. However, roofers may travel south or pivot to repairs and emergency work to maintain cash flow during the off-season. With smart planning or a willingness to follow the weather, roofers can earn steadily year-round.
Yes, most full-time roofers are eligible for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours per week. This usually means time and a half. Peak roofing season, especially after storms or natural disasters, can bring long days and significant overtime earnings.
It depends on who you work for. Larger roofing companies and union-affiliated shops often provide health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans. Independent contractors or those on smaller crews may need to manage benefits on their own. Because of this, total compensation varies across the trade.
Yes, especially in commercial construction and public works projects. Union roofers usually receive higher hourly pay, along with access to health insurance, retirement plans, and steady work. Availability varies by state and market, but unions can offer a stable and well-compensated path for career roofers.
In 2025, the average roofer earns about $55,840 per year, or roughly $26.85 per hour. But averages don’t tell the whole story.
Roofers in states like Massachusetts, Alaska, and California can make substantially more, especially with experience, licensing, or specialized skills. For those who branch into ownership, six-figure earnings are within reach.
Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about building a crew of your own, the roofing trade offers more than a steady paycheck. With the right strategy, it can be a long-term, high-earning career.
