Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Roofers build and repair roofs, working in a hands-on, physically active trade. With national employment of 167,000 and projected growth of 5.9%, this occupation offers a sizable labor market and a defined path for long-term work. Typical entry does not require a formal educational credential, which can appeal to people who want to move directly into paid work while building skills over time. The role rewards physical strength and stamina, careful attention to detail, and fine motor skills. Customer service, communication, and reliability also matter, since roofers often interact with clients and other trades. Career options range from general roofing roles to positions that draw more on leadership and project management skills. For those exploring alternatives in the same general field, related options include helpers—roofers, fence erectors, insulation workers (mechanical), other construction trade helpers, and brickmasons and blockmasons. Overall, roofing can suit individuals who prefer active, outdoor, and skill-based work with clear employment demand.
Roofers earn a national median annual salary of $50,970, providing a straightforward earnings path in a trade that does not typically require a formal educational credential. Pay varies meaningfully by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $51,750 in Colorado to $72,750 in Massachusetts, with California, New York, and Washington also above the national median. At the metro level, several areas stand out with higher median pay: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA offers $76,650; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ offers $76,400; and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA offers $74,340. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV also show median salaries above or close to the national level. These differences suggest that geographic choices can significantly influence earning potential for roofers.
Roofers have national employment of 167,000, indicating a substantial workforce in this trade. Projected employment growth of 5.9% signals that total jobs are expected to increase over the projection period, rather than remain flat or decline. In addition to growth, the occupation is projected to have 13,000 annual openings. These openings reflect a mix of new positions created by expansion and opportunities that arise when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force. Together, the positive growth rate and consistent annual openings point to ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced roofers who want to transition between employers or regions. For individuals comparing construction-oriented careers, roofers can be considered alongside similar roles such as helpers—roofers, fence erectors, insulation workers (mechanical), other construction trade helpers, and brickmasons and blockmasons when evaluating long-term job prospects.
Location plays a major role in opportunity for roofers, with differences in salary, employment, and overall opportunity scores. Among states, California ranks highly with an opportunity score of 67.38, a median salary of $63,600, and employment of 21,190, making it a significant employment center. Massachusetts and New York show higher median salaries—$72,750 and $66,020 respectively—paired with opportunity scores above 65, though with smaller employment levels than California. Washington and Colorado also offer notable markets, with median salaries of $60,640 and $51,750 and mid-50s opportunity scores. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stand out with the highest opportunity scores (above 77) and median salaries over $76,000. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH provide additional strong metro options, each combining solid salaries with opportunity scores above 63.
For roofers, the typical education requirement is “no formal educational credential.” This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who prefer to enter the workforce without first completing a degree or formal program. Success in this field instead depends heavily on developing key skills on the job. Physical strength and stamina are central, given the hands-on nature of the work. Fine motor skills and a detail-oriented approach support accurate, high-quality results. Mechanical skills and basic mathematics help roofers work with tools, measurements, and materials. Leadership and project management abilities become more important for those who oversee crews or coordinate work. Customer service skills support client interactions and repeat business, while creativity and innovation can contribute to problem-solving in complex or unusual projects. Science knowledge may also play a role in certain aspects of the work. Together, these skills form the core competency profile for a roofing career.
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