Roofers

Roofers spend their days performing demanding physical activities to seal, insulate, and protect buildings. They cover roofs with a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, slate, and shingles, and sometimes spray walls and sidings to soundproof or bind structures. This role requires a strong realistic interest area, as workers constantly handle and move heavy objects, control machinery, and inspect structural materials to ensure quality.

Succeeding in this field requires key skills like coordination, active listening, and operations monitoring. Roofers must monitor their surroundings closely to maintain safety and solve complex problems on-site. They rely on knowledge of building and construction, basic mathematics, and mechanical concepts. Because the work is physically challenging and often performed at heights, roofers must demonstrate dependability, cautiousness, and high stress tolerance. They also need to communicate effectively with supervisors and peers to coordinate tasks and build productive teams.

To enter this career, workers typically need no formal educational credential, though many candidates hold a high school diploma. Most preparation happens through on-the-job training or prior experience in the field. Students interested in this path can prepare by studying college majors such as building and construction finishing, management, and inspection.

While entry-level positions do not require advanced credentials, some states list a license for this work. Professional certifications are also available to help workers advance. These include specialized installer credentials from the National Roofing Contractors Association, such as the Asphalt Shingle Systems Installer, EPDM Systems Installer, and Thermoplastic Systems Installer. Additionally, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants offers certifications like the Registered Roof Observer, Registered Roof Consultant, and Registered Waterproofing Consultant.

In 2025, the median annual pay for roofers was $55,440. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $37,460 and the highest 10% earning more than $81,720. There are 135,490 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 5.3%, which is faster than average. This growth, combined with the need to replace departing workers, is expected to create 12,000 job openings each year.