The median roofer wage in the United States is $55,440 per year, or $26.65 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 data.
| Roofer Pay Level | Annual Pay | Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | Less than $37,460 | Less than $18.01 |
| 25th percentile | $46,260 | $22.24 |
| Median roofer | $55,440 | $26.65 |
| 75th percentile | $65,390 | $31.44 |
| Highest 10% | More than $81,720 | More than $39.29 |
These figures cover employee wages. A roofing business owner may earn more or less based on sales, operating costs, crew size, insurance, materials and local demand.
How Much Does a Roofer Make Starting Out?
Entry-level roofers and apprentices usually earn less than experienced roofers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says apprentice pay is generally about 50% of journey-worker pay, with increases as apprentices complete more training.
Most roofers learn on the job, and the occupation typically does not require a formal educational credential.
What Affects a Roofer's Salary?
Several factors can change how much a roofer earns:
- Experience: Experienced roofers may qualify for higher-paying work or move into crew-leader and supervisory roles.
- Location: Pay varies by state and metropolitan area.
- Roofing specialty: Commercial, metal, flat-roof and industrial work may pay differently from residential shingle installation.
- Union membership: Union jobs may offer higher wages and benefits in some markets.
- Season and overtime: Busy periods can bring more hours, while winter weather may reduce available work in northern states.
- Employment type: Employees earn wages. Contractors and business owners also cover operating costs, so their income can vary more.
Do Roofers Make Good Money?
Roofing can offer solid pay without requiring a college degree. The median roofer wage was $55,440 in May 2025, compared with $50,980 for the median wage across all U.S. occupations.
The work is physically demanding. Roofers regularly lift materials, climb, work in hot or cold conditions and face a higher risk of workplace injuries than workers in many other occupations.
Can Roofers Earn More Than $80,000?
Yes. The highest-paid 10% of U.S. roofers earned more than $81,720 per year in May 2025. Income can also rise when roofers move into roles such as crew leader, supervisor, estimator or job superintendent. Owning a roofing business is another option, although owner income depends on revenue and business expenses.
Is Roofing a Growing Career?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment growth for roofers from 2025 to 2035, with about 12,000 job openings per year on average. Those openings will come from roof replacements, repairs, new construction and some rooftop solar-related work.