How much does a roofer make?
Answer: A typical roofer in the United States makes $55,440 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 135,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Roofer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,460 | $55,440 | $81,720 | about 135,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $77,900 | about 5,000 |
| New Jersey | $76,600 | about 2,000 |
| Minnesota | $74,490 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $72,750 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $66,020 | about 5,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., roofers’ pay can differ with their experience and skills, safety or trade certifications, and the kind of employer they work for. Location and busy-season overtime can matter too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a roofer do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
A roofer climbs up, checks a roof for trouble, measures it, and carries or cuts roofing materials. They remove damaged layers, add insulation or barriers, and fit shingles or other roofing to keep rain out.
How to get this job
In the U.S., roofers usually need no formal education credential; many learn on the job, while some join an apprenticeship with technical instruction. Employers often require OSHA-aligned safety certification.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some roofing materials, such as solar tiles, are used so rarely that roofers may need years to gain experience with every type.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Construction and Extraction jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/print/roofers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY