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Roofer

Life As a Roofer

Occupation Description Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.

List of Roofer Job Duties

  • Glaze top layers to make a smooth finish or embed gravel in the bitumen for rough surfaces.
  • Install layers of vegetation-based green roofs, including protective membranes, drainage, aeration, water retention and filter layers, soil substrates, irrigation materials, and plants.
  • Attach solar panels to existing roofs, according to specifications and without damaging roofing materials or the structural integrity of buildings.
  • Install skylights on roofs to increase natural light inside structures or to reduce energy costs.
  • Install vapor barriers or layers of insulation on flat roofs.
  • Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.

Roofer Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Roofers say are important on the job.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Types of Roofer Jobs

  • Gravel Roofer
  • Tin Roofer
  • Metal Worker
  • Roofer Applicator
  • Roof Mechanic

Are There Job Opportunities for Roofers?

In the United States, there were 146,200 jobs for Roofer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,200 new jobs for Roofer by 2026. There will be an estimated 16,500 positions for Roofer per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Roofer are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Roofer

The typical yearly salary for Roofers is somewhere between $25,540 and $66,510.

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Roofers who work in Illinois, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.

How much do Roofers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $35,160
Alaska $51,560
Arizona $38,390
Arkansas $32,360
California $50,740
Colorado $42,070
Connecticut $55,630
Delaware $42,910
District of Columbia $44,570
Florida $34,900
Georgia $36,790
Hawaii $58,170
Idaho $39,280
Illinois $61,870
Indiana $43,990
Iowa $38,790
Kansas $40,840
Kentucky $42,110
Louisiana $33,630
Maine $36,570
Maryland $46,330
Massachusetts $57,920
Michigan $43,850
Minnesota $53,980
Mississippi $32,190
Missouri $52,150
Montana $38,540
Nebraska $33,390
Nevada $43,490
New Hampshire $38,620
New Jersey $58,870
New Mexico $31,510
New York $65,520
North Carolina $35,640
North Dakota $44,070
Ohio $41,240
Oklahoma $34,220
Oregon $41,790
Pennsylvania $49,650
Rhode Island $54,600
South Carolina $36,000
South Dakota $30,800
Tennessee $34,230
Texas $35,230
Utah $37,560
Vermont $35,300
Virginia $43,400
Washington $53,550
West Virginia $38,010
Wisconsin $43,140
Wyoming $38,600

What Tools do Roofers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Roofers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Maintenance record software
  • Insight Direct ServiceCEO
  • Wintac Pro
  • Roof Pro Estimate Software Roof Pro
  • RoofLogic
  • AppliCad Roof Wizard
  • DigiTools Roof CAD
  • Ziatek RoofDraw
  • Energy cost evaluation software
  • Exele TopView
  • Humidity and vapor drive calculation software
  • Roofing Calculator

How do I Become a Roofer?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Roofer?

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What work experience do I need to become a Roofer?

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Who Employs Roofers?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Roofers employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: Margo Wright via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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