How to become a roofer
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What roofers do
- Cover roofs or exterior walls of structures with slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, gravel, gypsum, or related materials, using brushes, knives, punches, hammers, or other tools.
- Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
- Apply plastic coatings, membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.
- Punch holes in slate, tile, terra cotta, or wooden shingles, using punches and hammers.
- Smooth rough spots to prepare surfaces for waterproofing, using hammers, chisels, or rubbing bricks.
- Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
Is roofer a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 9% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Illinois $77,900
- New Jersey $76,600
- Minnesota $74,490
- Massachusetts $72,750
- Alaska $66,750
Roofers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.