How Much Do Roofers Make in 2025? From Apprentice to Owner (Data & Insights)
As of 2025, the average roofer in the United States makes between $22 and $35 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $45,000 to $73,000. However, this is just a starting point. An experienced roofer in a high-demand area can easily earn over $100,000 per year, while a business owner’s potential is virtually unlimited.
It’s one of the first questions I hear from guys looking to get into the trades: “How much do roofers actually make?” It’s a fair question. Roofing is one of the most physically demanding, high-stakes jobs in construction. You’re battling the elements, working at dangerous heights, and your skill directly protects a family’s biggest investment. The compensation needs to match the challenge.
This comprehensive guide will break down a roofer’s salary from every angle. We’ll look at national averages, how pay changes drastically by state and experience, and the real-world factors that separate the average earner from the top-tier professional. Whether you’re considering a career in roofing or you’re a seasoned pro looking to maximize your income, this is the inside scoop.
Key Factors Affecting a Roofer’s Salary
- Experience Level: An apprentice may start around $18/hour, while a foreman can command $40/hour or more.
- Location: A roofer in Hawaii or Massachusetts can earn nearly double what one in Mississippi makes.
- Specialization: Commercial roofing and specialized materials like metal or slate pay significantly more than standard residential asphalt shingles.
- Employment Type: Union roofers often have higher base wages and better benefits, while successful subcontractors can have higher earning potential but less stability.
Roofer Salary in 2025: A National Snapshot
To get a baseline, let’s look at the data from trusted sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While their latest comprehensive data is from the previous few years, we can project forward to give a clear picture for 2025. This table shows the typical wage and salary spectrum for a roofer in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | Who Fits Here? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17.85 | $37,130 | New Apprentice, Helper, Non-Union in low-cost states |
| 25th Percentile | $21.40 | $44,510 | Experienced Apprentice, Junior Roofer |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $25.80 | $53,660 | Journeyman Roofer, average experience & location |
| 75th Percentile | $34.75 | $72,280 | Senior Roofer, Crew Leader, Union Roofer in a major city |
| 90th Percentile | $45.50+ | $94,640+ | Foreman, Specialist (e.g., metal/slate), High-cost-of-living areas |
Source: Data adapted and projected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry salary aggregators.
As you can see, the range is vast. A roofer in the top 10% earns more than double the salary of one in the bottom 10%. So, what creates this gap? Let’s break down the critical factors.
The 5 Key Factors That Determine How Much a Roofer Makes
Your paycheck isn’t just a random number; it’s a direct reflection of your value to an employer or client. Here are the five biggest levers that control your earning potential.
1. Experience Level: The Career Ladder
Roofing is a trade where you truly earn your stripes. Your title and responsibilities grow with your skill, and so does your pay. This is the typical progression:
- Roofer’s Helper / Apprentice (0-2 years): This is where everyone starts. Your job is to learn, support the crew, and do a lot of the heavy lifting—literally. You’ll be staging materials, setting up safety equipment, and learning the basics of installation. Pay is typically hourly, ranging from $17 to $22 per hour.
- Journeyman Roofer (2-5+ years): You’ve mastered the core skills. You can work independently on installations, diagnose problems, and operate all the necessary tools efficiently. This is the backbone of the roofing industry. A journeyman’s wage ranges from $23 to $35 per hour.
- Crew Leader / Foreman (5-10+ years): You’re now responsible for a team. Your job is less about swinging a hammer and more about managing the project, ensuring quality control, maintaining safety protocols, and training junior roofers. This role requires leadership skills and deep technical knowledge. Foremen are often salaried or receive a high hourly wage, typically $35 to $50 per hour or more ($70,000 – $100,000+ per year).
- Business Owner: The sky is the limit. Your income is tied to your ability to manage projects, sales, marketing, and finances. While the risk is highest, so is the reward. Successful owners of small-to-medium roofing companies can earn well into the six figures annually. Your responsibilities now include everything from job bidding to handling situations where a homeowner asks what happens if they don’t use the insurance money to fix the roof.
2. Geographic Location: Where You Work Matters Most
Location is arguably the biggest factor in determining pay. A high cost of living, strong unions, and prevailing wage laws in certain states drive roofer salaries way up. Conversely, states with a lower cost of living and less union presence will have lower average wages.
| Highest Paying States | Lowest Paying States | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Average Salary | State | Average Salary |
| Hawaii | $88,500 | Mississippi | $39,850 |
| Massachusetts | $85,200 | Arkansas | $41,100 |
| New Jersey | $82,100 | Alabama | $42,300 |
| Washington | $79,950 | South Carolina | $42,800 |
| Illinois | $78,500 | Florida | $43,500 |
Why is a state like Florida, with so much roofing work, on the lower end? High competition and lower unionization rates can suppress wages. However, a roofer specializing in hurricane-resistant roofing, like understanding if metal roofs are good in Florida, can still command a premium salary there.
3. Specialization: Commercial vs. Residential & Materials
Not all roofing is the same. The type of work you do has a massive impact on your paycheck.
- Residential Roofing: This is the most common type, typically involving asphalt shingles on sloped roofs. It’s a great place to learn, but the pay ceiling can be lower due to high competition.
- Commercial Roofing: This often involves working on flat roofs with materials like TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen. The projects are larger, more complex, and often require more specialized equipment and training. Commercial roofers typically earn 15-30% more than their residential counterparts.
- Material Specialization: Mastering high-end materials is a direct path to higher earnings. A roofer who can expertly install slate, tile, or standing seam metal is a craftsman in high demand. These jobs pay a premium because fewer people have the skill set. Knowing the details, like how to properly paint a metal roof for maintenance, sets you apart and justifies a higher wage.
4. Employment Type: Union, Non-Union, and Subcontracting
How you are employed plays a big role in your overall compensation package.
- Union Roofer: Joining a local roofers’ union often means a higher hourly wage, a pension plan, and excellent health benefits negotiated through collective bargaining. The trade-off can sometimes be stricter rules and seniority systems.
- Non-Union Roofer: This is more common, especially in residential roofing and in Southern states. While the base pay might be lower, there can be more flexibility and opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
- Subcontractor (1099): As a subcontractor, you are essentially a one-person business. You can set your own rates and potentially earn much more per job, but you are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, tools, and finding work. It’s high-risk, high-reward.
5. Skills and Certifications
In today’s market, proving your expertise is key. Manufacturer certifications (e.g., GAF Master Elite®, CertainTeed ShingleMaster™) show you’ve been trained to install products to the highest standards. Safety certifications like OSHA 30 demonstrate a commitment to a safe work environment. These credentials make you more valuable to an employer and can directly lead to higher pay and more responsibility.
Even knowledge of adjacent tasks, like applying the best roof sealant properly or knowing how to deal with signs that roof rats are dangerous, adds to your value on a job site.
Essential Gear for a Successful Roofing Career
Earning a top salary isn’t just about skill; it’s about efficiency and safety. Investing in professional-grade gear is non-negotiable. It allows you to work faster, safer, and with more precision, which directly translates to higher earnings. Here are a few pieces of equipment I consider essential for any serious roofer.
Cougar Paws Peak Performer Roofing Boots
Your connection to the roof is your most important safety feature. These aren’t just boots; they’re a gripping system. The replaceable foam pads provide unparalleled traction on asphalt shingles, allowing you to move with confidence on steep pitches. They are the industry standard for a reason. Investing in a pair of these is investing in your ability to work safely and efficiently at height.
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Guardian Velocity Full-Body Harness
There are no second chances in a fall. A high-quality, lightweight harness is a piece of gear you hope to never use but must always trust. The Guardian Velocity is comfortable enough for all-day wear and fully compliant with OSHA standards. Remember, the best roof harnesses are the ones you forget you’re wearing until you need them. Don’t ever step on a roof without one.
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Occidental Leather 9855 Adjust-to-Fit Tool Belt
Efficiency is money. A well-organized tool belt saves you countless trips up and down the ladder. This Occidental rig is an investment in your career. It’s made from top-grain leather that lasts for decades, and the pockets are designed by people who actually work in the trades. Having your tools and fasteners exactly where you need them allows you to work faster and smarter.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions About a Roofer’s Career
Is roofing a good career choice in 2025?
Absolutely. Roofing is a skilled trade that is always in demand. Every building needs a roof, and those roofs eventually need repair or replacement. It offers a clear path for advancement, excellent earning potential for those with a strong work ethic, and the opportunity to own your own business. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding and stable.
How does seasonality affect a roofer’s annual salary?
Seasonality is a major factor, especially in northern states with harsh winters. Roofers in these areas often work long hours with significant overtime during the spring, summer, and fall to compensate for the winter slowdown. Many supplement their income with snow removal or other seasonal work. In southern and western states, roofing is more of a year-round profession, leading to a more consistent income stream.
What are some unexpected tasks a roofer might do?
A roofer’s job is more than just shingles. You might be called on to do minor carpentry for decking repairs, install skylights, or handle complex flashing details. Sometimes, you’re a detective, tracing leaks back to their source. Other times, you might be dealing with pest control issues, like installing the best bird spikes or advising a homeowner on pest-related damage.
Final Thoughts: A Rewarding Career for the Right Person
So, how much do roofers make? As we’ve seen, it depends entirely on you. The opportunity to earn a six-figure salary is very real, but it doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of mastering your craft, investing in your skills and safety, understanding the business, and being willing to do the hard work that others won’t.
It’s a career that will test you physically and mentally, but it will also reward you with the satisfaction of creating something tangible and essential with your own hands. From using basic materials like roofing tape for a quick fix to executing a full-scale commercial installation, it’s a trade with immense variety and opportunity. If you’re not afraid of heights and hard work, there has never been a better time to be a professional roofer.