Roofing Industry Guide: Why Choose Roofing and How to Become a Successful Professional
Roofers are an integral part of the construction industry, responsible for installing and repairing roofs, roofing systems, roofing materials, and more. With the growth in demand for residential and commercial construction, and the impact of weather factors on building maintenance, the demand for roofers continues to increase across the United States. Roofers play a key role in both new construction projects and in the renovation and repair of existing buildings.
This article will take you to understand the employment status, salary and benefits, work content and environment, career challenges and opportunities of roofers, and help you become a top roofer.
Job Demand and Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of roofers is expected to remain stable in the next few years. The demand for roofers is mainly affected by construction activities, climate conditions, and the need to renovate older buildings. With the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events caused by climate change (such as blizzards, heavy rains, etc.), roof repair work has also increased .
By 2033 , the employment of roofers is expected to grow by about 6% , which is faster than the average growth rate of all occupations, and there will be an average of about 13,600 roofer job vacancies per year. But given the ever-changing demands of construction, roofing remains a career with a stable outlook.
Salary Range
The salary of roofers in the United States generally depends on the region, experience, type of work, and market demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for roofers is approximately $55,840 . However, the specific salary will fluctuate depending on the type of work and region.
• Roofing Assistant: Some roofing assistants or apprentices earn about $28,000-$35,000 , and their salary will gradually increase with experience.
• Entry-level salary: New roofers usually make between $30,000 and $35,000 per year. Generally speaking, roofers who are just starting out are apprentices, with low incomes and a lot of manual labor.
• Experienced roofers: Experienced roofers usually make between $50,000 and $60,000 per year, and some skilled roofers, especially in areas with high demand, may make more than $70,000 per year.
Some roofers may earn higher salaries in specialized areas (such as green roof installation, solar roof system installation, etc.).
Job Responsibilities
Install, repair and replace various types of roofs (including tiles, metal, asphalt, rubber, etc.).
Inspect and evaluate the condition of existing roofs to find damage, leaks, or areas that need repair.
Use tools (such as nail guns, cutting tools, heat guns, etc.) to install and secure roofing materials.
Ensure the tightness of the roof system to prevent leaks or other damage.
Install additional components such as solar panels, drainage systems or waterproofing layers on the roof.
Comply with safety regulations, use safety ropes, protective devices, etc. to ensure safety when working at heights.
Roofer Education and Training
Becoming a roofer usually requires certain professional training and experience accumulation:
Generally speaking, becoming a roofer is not demanding. There are no age and experience restrictions, and no higher education background is required.
• Training and Apprenticeship (Paid Training): Many roofers receive training through apprenticeship. The apprenticeship period is usually 3 to 4 years, during which the apprentice will learn how to complete roof installation, repair, and other tasks under the guidance of an experienced roofer. Many roofer apprenticeship programs are offered by unions or trade associations, such as Roofers International. Students can receive training and gain real-world work experience while earning a good salary.
• Certification and licensing: While most states do not require roofers to be certified, some areas may require a license or required safety training, especially for commercial projects. Roofers also need to have some basic knowledge of construction and safety.
Job Challenges and Opportunities
• Challenges: Roofing work is often physically demanding and requires working at heights or in extreme weather conditions, which poses certain risks. In addition, the working environment of roofers can be difficult, especially in hot summers or cold winters.
• Career Development: Although roofing is a highly technical profession, as experience accumulates, roofers can gradually advance to senior roofers, project managers, or open their own roofing companies. In addition, roofers who are familiar with special roofing materials can also find higher-paying job opportunities in specific fields.
How to find roofer jobs
The roofing industry is a stable and competitively paid career. To find a roofing job or roofing apprenticeship program, please visit the International Organization of Roofing Unions (IUPAT), the National Roofing Union Association (NRCA), Roofers Coffee Shop (a dedicated recruitment platform), or your local roofing union and apprenticeship program website. Through these websites, you can find the latest roofing job openings or apprenticeship recruitment information, understand the application process, and join the relevant apprenticeship training program.