What Does a Roofer Do?
Roofers install, repair, and replace roofing systems on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work with various materials including shingles, metal, single-ply membranes, and built-up roofing to protect buildings from weather. This physically demanding trade requires working at heights in varying weather conditions.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Commercial Roofer, Industrial Roofer, Metal Roofing Mechanic, Residential Roofer, Roof Mechanic, Roof Service Technician, Roofing Technician, Sheet Metal Roofer.
Roofer Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a roofer include:
- Install roofing materials including asphalt shingles, metal panels, TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen.
- Remove old roofing materials and prepare roof surfaces for new installations.
- Apply underlayment, ice and water shield, and vapor barriers as specified.
- Install flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof edges to prevent leaks.
- Cut roofing materials to fit using hand and power tools.
- Inspect roofs to identify leaks, damage, and areas requiring repair or replacement.
- Apply sealants, coatings, and adhesives as part of waterproofing systems.
- Set up scaffolding, ladders, and fall protection systems for safe access.
- Maintain tools and equipment in clean and functional condition.
- Follow all safety procedures including fall protection requirements and hot material handling.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a roofer, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Roofing material installation (multiple types)
- Flashing and waterproofing techniques
- Fall protection and height safety
- Hand and power tool proficiency
- Physical fitness for demanding outdoor work
- Blueprint and specification reading
- Measurement and layout
- Weather awareness and scheduling
Education and Training
Most roofers learn through on-the-job training, starting as helpers and progressing to journey-level work over two to four years. Some enter through formal apprenticeship programs offered by unions or contractor associations that combine paid work with classroom instruction in safety, materials, and roofing techniques. A high school diploma or GED is typically required. OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification is standard, and many employers require specific fall protection training. Manufacturer certifications for specific roofing systems (such as GAF, CertainTeed, or single-ply membrane manufacturers) demonstrate specialized installation competency.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $35,000 - $60,000 per year
Roofers are consistently in demand for both new construction and reroofing of existing buildings. Severe weather events that damage roofs create additional work surges in affected regions. The physically demanding nature of the work and outdoor exposure contribute to workforce turnover, keeping openings available for new workers. Experienced roofers who specialize in commercial or industrial systems can earn significantly more than residential roofers. Career advancement includes crew leader, estimator, project manager, or roofing contractor business owner.
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as roofers about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 100% work at heights at least once a week
- 98% work outdoors in all kinds of weather every day
- 92% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 76% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 72% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 58% bend or twist for more than half the day
- 57% are on the phone every day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 49% |
| Less than high school | 26% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 11% |
| Some college | 8% |
Tools and Software Roofers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Coordination, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring.
Knowledge areas used most: Building and Construction, Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Public Safety and Security, Education and Training.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 2 of 5, which means some preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Roofer Job
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Sources
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 47-2181.00 (Roofers). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.