Skilled Trades

Roofers

Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.

Median salary (BLS)

$55,440

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$37k – $82k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

1
Registered apprenticeship (paid)
Experience
Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.
$0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source
2
Journeyman exam & state/local license
License
Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.
$100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Roofers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

Junior Roofers
Entry / Junior
$37,460
~2 yrs to advance
Roofers
Established
$55,440
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Roofers
Senior
$68,580

Key skills

A typical day

•Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
•Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
•Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
•Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
•Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.