The fastest way to become a roofer in the United States is to get hired as a roofing laborer or helper, learn on the job under an experienced roofer, and complete the safety training your employer requires. A college degree is not normally required. You can also enter through a paid Registered Apprenticeship, which combines supervised job training, classroom instruction and wage increases.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual roofer wage of $55,440 in May 2025, or $26.65 per hour. This guide explains the eight main steps, from finding your first job to moving into supervision, estimating or roofing business ownership.

Roofer Career Path at a Glance

Step What to do
1 Confirm that you can safely handle heights, heat, lifting and outdoor work
2 Apply for roofing laborer, helper or trainee jobs
3 Consider a paid roofing apprenticeship
4 Complete employer-required safety training
5 Learn roofing materials, tools, measurements and installation methods
6 Build experience with residential or commercial roofing
7 Progress to lead roofer, supervisor, estimator or contractor
8 Check state and local licensing rules before working independently

What Does a Roofer Do?

Roofers install, repair and replace roofing systems. They may work with asphalt shingles, metal roofing, bitumen, tile, waterproofing materials and other roof coverings.

Typical roofing tasks include:

  • Removing damaged roofing materials
  • Inspecting roof decks and underlayment
  • Measuring roof areas
  • Installing flashing, vents and underlayment
  • Cutting and fitting shingles, panels or membranes
  • Applying waterproofing materials
  • Operating ladders, hoists, scaffolds and power tools
  • Cleaning job sites and disposing of old materials

Roofing is physical work. You may climb, bend, kneel, lift materials and work outside in changing temperatures. Roofs also create serious fall hazards, so employers must provide appropriate training and protective equipment for the work.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Roofer?

You typically do not need a college degree or formal educational credential to start as a roofer. Most new roofers learn through on-the-job training, while others enter through an apprenticeship.

Employers commonly look for:

  • Physical stamina and strength
  • Comfort working on ladders and elevated surfaces
  • Good balance
  • Manual dexterity
  • Basic measurement and math skills
  • Reliable transportation or a driver's license
  • Willingness to work in hot, cold and changing weather
  • Ability to follow safety instructions
  • Dependability and punctuality

A driver's license can expand your options because roofing crews often travel between job sites. Some employers may also expect workers to provide reliable transportation, work clothing and sturdy footwear.

How to Get Your First Roofing Job

The most direct entry point is an entry-level position with a roofing contractor. Search for jobs with titles such as:

  • Roofing laborer
  • Roofing helper
  • Roofer trainee
  • Roofing installer
  • Construction laborer
  • Apprentice roofer
  • Roof technician

Previous construction experience can help, but it is not the only useful background. Landscaping, warehouse work, maintenance, carpentry and other physical jobs can show that you are comfortable working with tools, materials and a crew.

When applying, make clear that you:

  1. Can start reliably and work full time.
  2. Are comfortable working outdoors and at heights.
  3. Can lift and carry materials safely.
  4. Have dependable transportation.
  5. Are willing to learn roofing methods and safety procedures.
  6. Can follow instructions and work as part of a crew.

You do not need to know how to install an entire roof before applying. Entry-level workers often begin by carrying materials, setting up equipment, cleaning the site and assisting experienced roofers. As they gain experience, they may take on measuring, cutting, fitting and installation work.

Should You Choose an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a paid training route that combines supervised job experience, technical instruction and scheduled wage increases. It can also lead to a portable, nationally recognized credential.

An apprenticeship may suit you if you want:

  • A structured training plan
  • Paid work while learning
  • Mentorship from experienced roofers
  • Classroom instruction
  • A recognized completion credential
  • A clearer path toward skilled or supervisory work

To find an apprenticeship, use the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Job Finder, contact local roofing contractors or ask an American Job Center about programs in your area. You generally apply directly to the employer or apprenticeship sponsor.

Starting with a roofing company may be faster when no apprenticeship is available nearby. The tradeoff is that training can vary between employers. Ask how new workers are taught, who supervises them and how the company handles fall protection.

What Safety Training Do Roofers Need?

Roofers need training on the hazards connected to their work, especially falls from edges, ladders, scaffolds and sloped surfaces.

OSHA's construction rules generally require employers to protect workers exposed to fall hazards. In applicable residential construction situations, OSHA identifies guardrail systems, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems as conventional protection methods. Workers exposed to fall hazards must also receive training from a competent person on recognizing hazards and using the required protective procedures.

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30

An OSHA 10-Hour Construction course can help someone entering roofing understand common construction hazards. Topics may include:

  • Fall risks
  • Ladders and scaffolds
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Material handling
  • Other common construction hazards

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction course is generally better suited to supervisors or workers with safety responsibilities. OSHA states that these Outreach courses are voluntary. They are not licenses or certifications, and they do not replace an employer's responsibility to provide task-specific training.

Some employers, states or local jurisdictions may still require or prefer one of these courses. Before paying for training, ask prospective employers which providers and courses they accept. An OSHA card does not serve as a roofing license and does not guarantee employment.

What Will You Learn on the Job?

A new roofer usually develops skills in stages. The exact order depends on the employer, the roofing system and the type of job.

First Stage: Job-Site Fundamentals

You may learn how to:

  • Carry and stage materials
  • Use hand tools safely
  • Set up ladders and equipment
  • Protect landscaping and property
  • Remove old shingles or other roofing materials
  • Keep the work area clean
  • Identify obvious hazards

Second Stage: Installation Skills

You may then learn to:

  • Measure roof sections
  • Calculate material quantities
  • Install underlayment
  • Fit flashing around penetrations
  • Lay asphalt or fiberglass shingles
  • Install ridge caps and vents
  • Cut materials accurately
  • Identify poor decking or water-damage conditions

Specialized Roofing Skills

With experience, you can train in areas such as:

  • Metal roofing
  • Commercial low-slope roofing
  • Single-ply membranes
  • Modified bitumen
  • Tile and slate
  • Roof coatings
  • Waterproofing
  • Solar-compatible roof systems
  • Roof inspections and estimating

The time needed to become competent depends on the roofing systems and work conditions involved. The BLS notes that some materials, including solar tiles, are used less often and that gaining experience across all roofing types can take several years.

Do You Need a Roofing License?

Working as an employee does not usually require a college degree, but independent roofing contractors may need state, county or city licenses, registrations and permits.

Licensing rules depend on your location and the type and value of the work. Some jurisdictions regulate the roofing business rather than requiring a license for every individual roofer.

Before advertising or accepting independent jobs, check:

  • Your state contractor licensing board
  • County or city building departments
  • Business registration requirements
  • Permit requirements
  • Workers' compensation rules
  • General liability insurance requirements
  • Bonding requirements
  • Sales tax and business tax obligations

The U.S. Small Business Administration states that state and local governments set many business licensing and permitting requirements. The rules depend on the business activity and location. CareerOneStop also confirms that occupational license requirements vary by state.

An OSHA card, manufacturer training certificate or roofing association membership does not automatically give you permission to operate a roofing business.

How Much Do Roofers Earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $55,440 for roofers in May 2025, equal to $26.65 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,460, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,720.

Pay varies based on:

  • Experience
  • Location
  • Roofing specialization
  • Employer
  • Supervisory duties
  • Estimating or project responsibilities

Apprentices generally start below experienced roofers. The BLS states that apprentice pay is usually about 50 percent of the journey worker rate and increases as the apprentice advances through the program.

Is Roofing a Good Career?

Roofing can be a good career if you want paid trade training, outdoor work and a path that does not normally require a four-year degree.

The work may suit people who:

  • Prefer practical work to office work
  • Like seeing a physical result at the end of the day
  • Can work safely at heights
  • Have good physical stamina
  • Can work in changing weather
  • Want to develop a construction trade
  • May eventually want to supervise crews or run a business

Roofing may be a poor fit if you have a severe fear of heights, difficulty with balance, physical restrictions that prevent lifting or kneeling, or a strong preference for climate-controlled indoor work.

The job also carries serious safety risks. Falls, heat exposure, falling objects, sharp materials and hot roofing products can cause severe injuries. A responsible employer should provide fall protection, training, equipment and procedures rather than expecting workers to rely on experience alone.

How Can a Roofer Advance?

With experience, roofers can move into roles such as:

  • Lead roofer
  • Crew leader
  • Roofing foreperson
  • Job superintendent
  • Roof inspector
  • Roofing estimator
  • Sales representative
  • Safety coordinator
  • Project manager
  • Roofing contractor
  • Apprenticeship instructor

Running a roofing business requires more than installation skill. You may also need to handle estimating, customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping, insurance, hiring and local building requirements.

Check state and local rules before taking private contracts.

A Practical 30-Day Plan for Becoming a Roofer

Week 1: Prepare

  • Create a simple resume.
  • Obtain reliable work clothing and sturdy, slip-resistant footwear.
  • Confirm that you can travel to job sites.
  • Research roofing companies, unions and apprenticeship sponsors in your area.
  • Review basic fall-safety principles.

Week 2: Apply

Apply directly to local roofing contractors for laborer, helper, trainee and apprentice positions. Call companies as well as applying online. Smaller roofing businesses may not advertise every opening.

Week 3: Compare Opportunities

Ask each employer:

  • Is the position paid hourly or through another arrangement?
  • Is training provided?
  • What safety equipment does the company supply?
  • Is fall protection used on applicable jobs?
  • Are employees covered by workers' compensation?
  • Is overtime seasonal?
  • Is transportation to job sites required?
  • Can the position lead to an apprenticeship or advancement?

Week 4: Start Learning

Once hired, focus on safe habits, accurate work and reliability. Learn the names and uses of common materials, ask questions at appropriate times and keep a record of the skills you are learning.

After gaining basic experience, consider an apprenticeship or additional training in the roofing systems most common in your market.

Bottom Line

Choose your next step based on the opportunities available near you. Contact local roofing contractors, apprenticeship sponsors and American Job Centers, then compare pay, safety training, transportation requirements and advancement options before accepting a position.