Every storm season, hail, wind and hurricanes damage millions of roofs across America, and every old roof eventually needs replacing. That keeps roofing contractors hiring year after year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roofers held about 166,700 jobs in 2024, earned a median of $50,970 a year, and the field is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average.
Whether you want to start as a helper, become a certified installer for brands like GAF, Owens Corning or CertainTeed, move into roofing sales, or launch your own roofing company, this guide covers pay, training, licensing and how to get hired.
Important Notice: This article is an independent career guide. It is not a job posting and does not guarantee employment. Always apply through official company websites or trusted job boards.
Why Roof Replacement Jobs Are in Demand
- A serious worker shortage: in a study by the Roofing Alliance, 97.1% of roofing contractors said there is a shortage of skilled labor. The industry-wide gap is large too: Associated Builders and Contractors estimated construction needs to add nearly 350,000 workers in 2026 and projects demand rising to 456,000 workers in 2027.
- Storm and insurance work: hail and hurricane damage drive a steady flow of insurance-funded roof replacements in states like Texas, Florida, Colorado, Oklahoma and the Carolinas.
- Aging homes: millions of American homes have asphalt shingle roofs reaching the end of their life.
- Rising wages: contractors are paying more to attract and keep good crews.
Roof Replacement Job Roles
| Role | What You Do | Experience Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Helper / Laborer | Tear-off, cleanup, carrying materials, loading dumpsters | None |
| Roofer / Shingle Installer | Installing underlayment, shingles, flashing and vents | 6–24 months |
| Commercial Roofer | Installing TPO, EPDM, PVC and modified bitumen systems on flat roofs | 1–3 years |
| Metal Roofer | Installing standing seam and metal panel roofs | 1–3 years |
| Crew Lead / Foreman | Running a crew, quality control, safety | 3–5+ years |
| Roofing Estimator | Measuring roofs and preparing quotes, often with EagleView or Hover reports | Roofing or construction background |
| Roofing Sales Rep | Meeting homeowners, inspections, storm and insurance claims | Sales skills; training provided |
| Insurance / Storm Restoration Specialist | Working with adjusters from State Farm, Allstate, USAA and other insurers | Claims knowledge |
| Project Manager | Scheduling crews, materials and inspections | 3–5+ years |
| Solar Roofing Installer | Installing solar shingles and roof-integrated solar | Roofing plus solar training |
| Roofing Business Owner | Running your own roofing company | Experience plus license |
Roof Replacement Salary in the USA
The BLS reports a median roofer wage of $50,970 a year (May 2024). Pay varies a lot by state, union status, specialty and overtime.
| Role | Typical Pay (Illustrative) |
|---|---|
| Roofing Helper / Laborer | $17 – $23 per hour |
| Roofer (1–3 years) | $20 – $28 per hour |
| Experienced Roofer | $25 – $35 per hour |
| Union Roofer (major cities) | $40 – $55 per hour plus benefits |
| Crew Lead / Foreman | $60,000 – $85,000 per year |
| Roofing Estimator | $55,000 – $85,000 per year |
| Roofing Sales Rep (commission) | $50,000 – $150,000+ per year |
| Roofing Project Manager | $65,000 – $100,000 per year |
| Roofing Company Owner | Varies widely with business size |
Salary Disclaimer: Apart from the BLS median, these ranges are illustrative estimates, not offers from any employer. Many residential roofers are paid per “square” (100 sq ft of roof), so pay can rise sharply during busy storm seasons.
Highest-Paying Places for Roofers
Pay is generally higher in high-cost, unionised areas such as Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Washington and Hawaii. Storm-heavy states like Texas, Florida and Colorado offer large volumes of work and overtime.
How to Get a Roof Replacement Job (No Degree Needed)
Most roofers learn on the job. The BLS notes that most roofers are trained by experienced coworkers, some enter through apprenticeships, and most employers require OSHA safety certification, either before or after hiring.
Step-by-Step
- Get OSHA 10 safety training. The OSHA 10-Hour Construction course is offered online by OSHA-authorized providers such as ClickSafety and 360training, and it makes you more hireable.
- Get basic gear. Work boots with good grip, gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat. Most companies supply fall protection harnesses.
- Apply as a helper or laborer. Search Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, Glassdoor and local roofing company websites.
- Learn fast on the job. Master tear-off, underlayment, shingle installation, flashing and ventilation.
- Get manufacturer training. Brands like GAF, Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer installer training through their contractor programs.
- Consider an apprenticeship. Union apprenticeships through the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers offer paid training and benefits.
- Move up. Become a crew lead, estimator, salesperson or project manager, or start your own company.
Roofing Brands and Certifications That Boost Your Pay
Contractors certified by major manufacturers can offer stronger warranties, win more jobs and often pay their installers more.
| Manufacturer | Contractor Program |
|---|---|
| GAF | GAF Certified and Master Elite Contractors |
| Owens Corning | Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network (Preferred and Platinum) |
| CertainTeed | CertainTeed ShingleMaster and SELECT ShingleMaster |
| IKO | IKO ROOFPRO program |
| Atlas Roofing | Atlas Pro Plus contractor program |
| Malarkey Roofing Products | Malarkey Emerald Pro contractor program |
| TAMKO | TAMKO Pro Certified program |
| Carlisle SynTec | Authorized applicator programs for commercial roofing |
Solar roofing is also growing. Products like Tesla Solar Roof and GAF Timberline Solar need roofers who understand both roofing and solar.
Tools and Equipment Roofers Use
| Category | Popular Brands |
|---|---|
| Roofing Nailers | DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bostitch, Metabo HPT, Hitachi |
| Power Tools | Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi |
| Ladders | Werner, Little Giant |
| Fall Protection | 3M DBI-SALA, Guardian Fall Protection, Werner |
| Work Boots | Timberland PRO, Carhartt, Red Wing, Keen Utility, Thorogood |
| Workwear | Carhartt, Dickies, Duluth Trading Co. |
| Work Trucks | Ford F-150 and Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and 2500, Toyota Tundra |
You can buy tools and materials at The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards. Contractors usually buy materials in bulk from roofing distributors like ABC Supply, SRS Distribution and Beacon.
Top Companies That Hire Roofers
These companies are known for large roofing operations. This list doesn’t mean they’re hiring now, so check their official careers pages.
- Commercial roofing contractors: Tecta America, CentiMark, Baker Roofing and other large regional firms.
- Home improvement and storm restoration companies: many regional and national residential roofing contractors hire installers, sales reps and project managers.
- Roofing distributors: ABC Supply, SRS Distribution and Beacon hire drivers, warehouse staff, sales and branch managers.
- Manufacturers: GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO and Carlisle hire territory managers, technical reps and plant workers.
- Home improvement retailers: The Home Depot and Lowe’s hire for installation services and pro desk roles.
Where to Find Roofing Jobs
- Job boards: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster and CareerBuilder.
- Trade associations: the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and state roofing associations.
- Unions: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers local unions.
- Local search: Google Maps for roofing contractors near you; call or walk in.
Roofing Contractor License Requirements
Licensing rules vary by state and sometimes by city or county.
- States with state-level licensing (examples): California requires a C-39 Roofing Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Florida requires certification through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). California and Florida both require about four years of experience, including supervisory time.
- States without a state roofing license (examples): Texas, Colorado, Georgia, New York and Pennsylvania don’t license roofers statewide, but many cities require permits and registration. Texas offers voluntary licensing through the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT).
Workers employed by a licensed company usually don’t need their own license. You’ll need one to run your own roofing business in licensed states. Always check your state contractor board and local permit office.
Starting Your Own Roof Replacement Business
Many experienced roofers start their own companies. Here’s what you’ll typically need.
1. Business Setup
- Form an LLC through your state, or use services like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness.
- Get an EIN from the IRS.
- Open a business bank account with Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo or a local credit union.
- Set up accounting with QuickBooks.
2. Insurance and Bonds
- General liability insurance and workers’ compensation, available from providers like NEXT Insurance, The Hartford, Hiscox, Progressive Commercial and State Farm.
- Commercial auto insurance for your trucks.
- Contractor license bond, where your state requires one.
3. Roofing Software
| Need | Popular Tools |
|---|---|
| CRM and Job Management | JobNimbus, AccuLynx, ServiceTitan, Jobber |
| Roof Measurements | EagleView, Hover, Roofr |
| Photos and Documentation | CompanyCam |
| Estimates and Proposals | Roofr, AccuLynx, JobNimbus |
4. Getting Customers
- Lead platforms: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack and Yelp.
- Online ads: Google Local Services Ads, Google Ads and Facebook ads.
- Reviews: Google Business Profile reviews are essential for local trust.
- Customer financing: offering financing through providers like Hearth or GreenSky helps homeowners afford replacements.
5. Equipment Financing
Many new roofing businesses finance trucks, trailers and dump trailers through lenders, dealer financing or SBA loans.
Safety: Protect Yourself on the Roof
Roofing is one of the most dangerous trades in the U.S., and falls are the biggest risk.
- Always use fall protection: harnesses, anchors and guardrails.
- Take OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training.
- Use stable, inspected ladders.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks in summer heat.
- Never work on wet, icy or windy roofs.
- Make sure your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance.
Roofing Career Growth Path
- Installer path: Helper → Roofer → Lead Roofer → Foreman → Superintendent
- Sales path: Sales Rep → Senior Sales Rep → Sales Manager → Branch Manager
- Office path: Estimator → Project Manager → Operations Manager
- Business path: Experienced Roofer → Licensed Contractor → Roofing Company Owner
- Industry path: Roofer → Manufacturer Technical Rep or Territory Manager
Tips to Get Hired Fast
- Apply before storm season: spring and summer hiring is strongest.
- Show up reliably: reliability is the #1 thing roofing contractors look for.
- Get OSHA 10 first: it shows you take safety seriously.
- Have your own transport: many crews start early at different job sites.
- Be willing to travel: storm restoration companies often pay well for travel crews.
- Learn Spanish basics: many crews are bilingual, and Spanish helps on the job.
- Learn the tech: knowing EagleView, Hover or CompanyCam helps you move into estimating and sales.
Job Scam Warning
Watch out for fake roofing job ads that ask you to pay for training, tools, background checks or “equipment deposits” before you start. Legitimate employers don’t charge you to get hired. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
FAQs: Roof Replacement Jobs in the USA
1. How much do roofers make in the USA?
The BLS reports a median roofer wage of $50,970 a year (May 2024). Experienced, union, foreman and sales roles can earn much more.
2. Do I need a degree to become a roofer?
No. Most roofers learn on the job or through apprenticeships.
3. Do I need a license to work as a roofer?
Usually not as an employee. You need a license to run your own business in states like California and Florida.
4. What certifications help roofers earn more?
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30, plus manufacturer programs from GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed and others.
5. Is roofing a good career?
Yes, for people who like physical, outdoor work. Demand is strong, pay rises with skill, and you can move into sales, management or your own business.
6. Which states pay roofers the most?
High-cost and unionised states like Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California and Washington generally pay more.
7. How much do roofing sales reps make?
Roofing sales is usually commission-based. Earnings vary widely, and top reps in storm markets can earn six figures.
8. What tools does a new roofer need?
Usually a hammer, utility knife, tape measure, chalk line, tool belt, gloves and boots. Employers typically supply nail guns and fall protection.
9. Can I start my own roofing company?
Yes. You’ll need experience, a state license where required, insurance, a business bank account and a way to get customers.
10. Is roofing work available year-round?
It’s busiest in spring, summer and fall. Southern states like Florida, Texas and Arizona offer more year-round work.
Final Words
Roof replacement jobs offer one of the fastest routes into a well-paying skilled trade in America, with no college degree required. Start with OSHA training, get hired as a helper, learn the craft, earn manufacturer certifications from GAF, Owens Corning or CertainTeed, and grow into a foreman, salesperson or business owner.
Useful Links
- BLS Roofers Occupational Outlook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm
- OSHA Training: https://www.osha.gov/training
- National Roofing Contractors Association: https://www.nrca.net
- Report Job Scams (FTC): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Disclaimer
This article is an independent career guide. All company, brand, product, insurer, software and retailer names are trademarks of their respective owners and are mentioned for information only. This article is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of them, and mentioning a company does not mean it is currently hiring. Pay figures other than official BLS data are illustrative estimates. Licensing rules change, so always confirm with your state contractor licensing board.
Sources:
Roofer salary guide 2026 – WealthVieu
Roofers – BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Roofing labor shortage study – Professional Roofing
Construction worker gap 2026 – Roofing Contractor