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Roofer at a glance
- Main tasks
- Inspect roofs and identify damage or leaks, remove old roofing material and install insulation, underlayment and waterproofing
- Typical entry
- Apprenticeship or vocational training as roofer, or on-the-job training
- Average pay
- $50,000 per year in the U.S.
What does a Roofer do?
A Roofer installs, repairs and replaces roofs. Depending on the building, this means working with shingles, tiles, slate, metal, flat-roof membranes or green roofs. Roofers inspect roofs for damage, remove old material, install insulation and waterproof layers, and make sure gutters and flashing keep water out. Many roofers also install skylights or solar panels. Safety is a central part of the job, because most work takes place at heights.
Roofer duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in a Roofer job:
- Inspect roofs and identify damage or leaks
- Remove old roofing material
- Install insulation, underlayment and waterproofing
- Lay shingles, tiles, metal sheets or membranes
- Install and repair flashing, gutters and skylights
- Set up and use fall protection and scaffolding
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Apprenticeship or vocational training as roofer, or on-the-job training
- Knowledge of roofing materials and methods
- Safety training for work at heights
Skills & requirements
- No fear of heights and good balance
- Physical fitness
- Teamwork and reliability
- Willingness to work outdoors in different weather
Roofer salary 2026
The average salary for a Roofer in the U.S. is about $50,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $37,500
- Mid level3-5 years $45,000
- Experienced6-10 years $50,000
- Senior11+ years $55,000
- Top earners20+ years $62,500
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Roofer career path
Roofers often start as helpers or apprentices on a roofing crew and learn materials and methods step by step.
With experience, roofers can become crew leader, foreman or master roofer, specialize in flat roofs, green roofs or solar installation, or start their own roofing company.
Work environment
Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial buildings, mostly in teams.
The work is physical and seasonal in many regions, with more jobs in spring, summer and autumn.
Open Roofer jobs
Current positions on Cityjobs that match this profile, posted directly by employers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Roofer do?
A Roofer installs, repairs and replaces roofs. Depending on the building, this means working with shingles, tiles, slate, metal, flat-roof membranes or green roofs. Roofers inspect roofs for damage, remove old material, install insulation and waterproof layers, and make sure gutters and flashing keep water out.
How much does a Roofer earn?
The average salary for a Roofer in the U.S. is about $50,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $37,500, experienced professionals can reach $62,500 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a Roofer?
Typical requirements are: apprenticeship or vocational training as roofer, or on-the-job training, knowledge of roofing materials and methods and safety training for work at heights.
What is the career path for a Roofer?
Roofers often start as helpers or apprentices on a roofing crew and learn materials and methods step by step. With experience, roofers can become crew leader, foreman or master roofer, specialize in flat roofs, green roofs or solar installation, or start their own roofing company.
Where do Roofers work?
Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial buildings, mostly in teams. The work is physical and seasonal in many regions, with more jobs in spring, summer and autumn.
About this profile: This Roofer job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
