How Much Do Roofers Make?

A Real Look at How Much Roofing Contractors Make

Roofing contractors in the U.S. earn different amounts depending on their work. On average, roofers make between $30,000 and $80,000 a year. The median salary is about $50,970. That means half of the roofers make more than that and half make less. Some roofers earn as little as $17 an hour, while experienced ones can make over $38 an hour. These wages change based on specialization, location, and how long someone has been in the roofing industry. Roofing contractors who install metal roofing, slate roofs, or solar shingles often get paid more than those who work with regular shingles. Whether you're a laborer, sales associate, or eventually become a production manager, the roofing industry has lots of opportunities to grow your income.

Key Things That Affect Roofer Salaries

• What a roofer earns isn’t just about time on the job. Many different things change how much you get paid. Here are the most common ones
• Specialization: Installing skylights, metal roofs, or working with solar shingles usually pays more than regular roofing jobs.
• Training programs: Roofers who complete formal apprenticeships or learn through on-the-job training often make more.
• Geography: Wages are higher in places with a high cost of living and strong union representation, like California, Massachusetts, and New York.
• Job title and responsibilities: Being a team leader or having experience as a sales associate or production manager can increase pay.
• Tax rules and local building codes can also affect how much roofers take home in each state.

Benefits of Being a Roofer That Go Beyond Money

Money matters—but roofing also comes with some great non-monetary benefits:

• Physical exercise: Roofing keeps you moving. You get fresh air and physical labor every day, which is good for your health.
• High demand: People will always need roofs. That means job stability, especially in places with a lot of storms or snow.
• Career growth: You can go from an entry-level laborer to leading a crew, and even owning your own roofing company.
• Strong roofing community: Roofers go to trade shows, conferences, and take learning opportunities together. This helps people grow in their careers and meet others in the industry.
• Good benefits: Some companies offer retirement plans, health insurance, paid time off, and even profit sharing.

Smart Ways to Increase Roofer Pay

Want to earn more money as a roofer? Here are proven ways to boost your income:

• Join a roofing apprenticeship: These programs usually take 3 years and include both classwork and on-the-job training. You’ll need at least a high school diploma.
• Learn roofing software: Using tools like satellite measurements, drones, and CRM software can make you more valuable to roofing companies.
• Specialize: Focus on installing metal roofs, slate, or solar roofing systems. These require more skill and pay better.
• Move to a high-paying area: Cities like San Jose, CA and Worcester, MA offer top hourly wages for roofers.

What Roofing Company Owners Can Expect to Earn

Once you become a roofing business owner, your income depends on how well you manage your jobs, crew, and expenses. Some owners make $70,000 to $150,000 a year, while bigger residential roofing companies can generate $500,000 to $4.9 million in revenue.

But remember, running a business means handling material costs, travel costs, and overhead costs. The money left after that is the owner’s income. Smart owners use tools like scheduling systems, referral programs, and roofing CRM software to stay organized and make more money.

Best-Paying Cities and States for Roofers in the U.S.

Where you work matters a lot. Here are the top-paying cities:
• Worcester, MA – $44.72/hr
• San Jose, CA – $38.72/hr
• Chicago, IL – $35.23/hr
And the best-paying states:
• Massachusetts – $72,390/year
• California – $69,000/year
• Connecticut – $69,170/year
States like Mississippi and West Virginia tend to have lower wages due to smaller populations and fewer big jobs.

Extra Ways Roofers and Roofing Companies Can Make Money

Roofers don’t only make money from roofing jobs. Here are more services to offer:
• Gutter installs and cleanings
• Skylight installation or solar panel prep
• Snow removal in winter or holiday light hanging in December
• Emergency calls for storm damage or leaks

Adding these jobs can help you earn more during slow seasons. A good crew and a strong scheduling system make it easier to handle many projects at once.

Final Thoughts: Can Roofing Be a Long-Term Career?

Yes! Roofing is a career with high income potential, physical activity, job stability, and chances to grow. Whether you're using a chalk line as a beginner or running your own roofing company, this trade has something to offer at every level. With training, smart tools, and a strong work ethic, roofing can be a long-lasting and profitable career. If you're thinking of starting in the roofing industry or growing your business, now is a great time to climb the ladder—literally!