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
Short-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.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Helpers–roofers support roofing professionals and are part of a relatively small national workforce of about 5,000 workers. The national median annual salary of $40,590 places this career in a modest earning range, with higher pay available in certain states and metro areas. Projected national employment growth of 5.7% and about 1,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities over time. The role draws on a mix of physical, mechanical, and interpersonal strengths, ranging from physical strength and stamina to customer service and project management. Individuals interested in related paths may also consider occupations such as fence erectors, roofers, helpers in other construction trades, insulation workers (mechanical), or meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers. Overall, this occupation may appeal to people who want to enter the construction trades, develop practical skills, and take advantage of openings that do not require a formal educational credential to get started.
The national median annual salary for helpers–roofers is $40,590, but pay varies meaningfully by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, California stands out with a median salary of $55,470, well above the national median. Virginia and Washington offer median salaries of $46,030 and $44,520, respectively, while Pennsylvania’s median is $41,320. Texas is closer to the national level at $38,430. At the metro level, earnings can be even higher. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro reports a median salary of $58,090, and the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro shows $46,780. Other major metros such as Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, and Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington provide median salaries between $39,850 and $47,090. These differences indicate that helpers–roofers who are mobile may find higher earning potential in specific states and metro areas.
Employment for helpers–roofers is projected to grow by 5.7%, indicating positive momentum for this trade over the projection period. With national employment at about 5,000 workers, the occupation is relatively small, yet it generates around 1,000 annual openings. This combination of modest overall employment and notable annual openings suggests ongoing turnover and opportunities for new entrants and experienced workers alike. The consistent 5.7% projected growth rate also appears across several top states and metro areas, indicating similar growth expectations in those locations. People considering this career can expect that positions will continue to open over time, rather than being limited to a static number of jobs. For job seekers who meet the skill demands and are open to working in different regions, the projected growth and regular openings may support long-term participation in this field.
Location makes a clear difference for helpers–roofers, both in earnings and opportunity scores. At the state level, California offers the highest median salary at $55,470 and the largest employment count at 1,200, along with a 5.7% growth rate and the top opportunity score of 67.38. Washington and Virginia each have employment of 110 and similar 5.7% growth, with median salaries of $44,520 and $46,030 and opportunity scores of 56.29 and 54.96. Texas and Pennsylvania show lower employment counts—590 and 70, respectively—and median salaries of $38,430 and $41,320. Their opportunity scores, 51.57 in Texas and 47.45 in Pennsylvania, indicate comparatively moderate conditions among the top states. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA leads with the highest median salary ($58,090) and top opportunity score (77.42). The New York–Newark–Jersey City metro has a similar high opportunity score of 77.27, with a median salary of $46,780 and the largest metro employment at 130, followed by Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, and Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington.
Helpers–roofers typically enter the field with no formal educational credential, making this an accessible option for individuals who want to start working without completing a degree or certificate program. Success in this occupation, however, depends on a well-rounded skill set. Physical strength and stamina are important, along with mechanical and fine motor skills. Being detail oriented supports quality work, while leadership and project management abilities can help workers coordinate tasks and interact effectively with others on site. Mathematics and science skills contribute to understanding measurements and basic technical concepts. Customer service and interpersonal skills are also emphasized, reflecting the need to communicate and work well with both coworkers and clients. Together, these skills create a profile that values hands-on ability, reliability, and effective interaction, offering multiple pathways for personal development and potential advancement within the broader construction trades or into related occupations such as roofers or other construction helpers.
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