Roofer Salary in 2026
How much do roofers make? The national average is $48,000 per year — but experienced foremen and specialty crews can earn $72,000–$95,000+. Here's the full breakdown.
$48K/yr
National Average
$23/hr
Hourly Rate
+2%
Job Growth
5,000+
Total Employed
Roofing is one of the most essential trades in construction — and one of the most consistently in demand. Every year, storms, hail events, and wind damage drive emergency repair work, while aging housing stock and new construction keep crews busy across the country. The rise of solar roofing and energy-efficient materials has added a higher-value layer of work for skilled roofers who can install modern systems and specialty products. At the same time, roofing is physically demanding, safety-critical, and highly seasonal in many states, which creates a natural labor shortage and pushes wages higher for experienced technicians. In 2026, the national average roofer salary is about $48,000 per year (roughly $23 per hour), but that number moves quickly based on climate, union presence, and how much commercial or specialty work you do. Entry-level roofers may start around $30,000–$38,000, while senior leads in high-demand markets can reach $70,000+ and foremen running crews or complex commercial installs can clear $90,000. If you specialize in metal, flat/commercial systems, or storm restoration and insurance work, earning power climbs even faster. This guide breaks down roofer pay by experience level, state, specialization, and certifications so you can see where the best opportunities are — and how to reach them.
Roofer Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest driver of pay in the trades. Here's what you can expect at each stage.
Entry-Level
$30,000–$38,000
Avg: $34,000/yr
New roofers learning tear-offs, prep, and safety protocols. Typically work under a lead or foreman on residential crews.
Mid-Level
$40,000–$52,000
Avg: $46,000/yr
Experienced installer who can handle full shingle or membrane installs and basic flashing/repair work independently.
Senior Roofer
$55,000–$72,000
Avg: $64,000/yr
Leads larger jobs, manages material ordering, and trains junior crew members on commercial or steep-slope projects.
Master Roofer
$75,000–$95,000+
Avg: $85,000/yr
Top earners running crews, specializing in commercial systems, or operating a roofing business with storm work volume.
| Experience Level | Years | Salary Range | Avg Annual | Avg Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0–2 years | $30,000–$38,000 | $34,000 | $16/hr |
| Mid-Level | 3–7 years | $40,000–$52,000 | $46,000 | $22/hr |
| Senior Roofer | 8–15 years | $55,000–$72,000 | $64,000 | $31/hr |
| Master Roofer | 15+ years | $75,000–$95,000+ | $85,000 | $41/hr |
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Estimate your salary based on years of experience and location.
Estimated Annual Salary
$47,000/year
≈ $23/hour · 5 yrs experience · National Average
* Estimate based on BLS data + regional adjustments. Actual salary varies by employer, certifications, and local market.
Roofer Salary by State (2026)
Where you work matters — salaries can vary by $30,000+ depending on your state. Here are the highest and lowest-paying states.
Top Paying States
| State | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $56,000 | $27/hr |
| New York | $55,000 | $26/hr |
| Massachusetts | $54,000 | $26/hr |
| California | $53,000 | $25/hr |
| Washington | $52,000 | $25/hr |
| New Jersey | $51,000 | $25/hr |
| Hawaii | $51,000 | $25/hr |
| Connecticut | $50,000 | $24/hr |
| Minnesota | $49,000 | $24/hr |
| Oregon | $48,000 | $23/hr |
Lower Paying States
| State | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $41,000 | $20/hr |
| Ohio | $40,000 | $19/hr |
| Tennessee | $39,000 | $19/hr |
| Alabama | $37,000 | $18/hr |
| Mississippi | $36,000 | $17/hr |
Salary by Specialization
Your specialty matters. Industrial and commercial work typically pays significantly more than residential service.
Flat / Commercial Roofing
$62K$50,000–$75,000
TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen systems on warehouses and retail buildings. Requires advanced detail work and safety training.
Metal Roofing Specialist
$66K$52,000–$80,000
Standing seam and metal panel systems with precision flashing. Higher material cost and tighter installation standards.
Solar Panel Installer
$62K$48,000–$78,000
Roof-integrated solar and racking installs. Often overlaps with electrical coordination and premium project pricing.
Storm Damage / Insurance
$70K$55,000–$90,000+
High-volume replacement work after hail and wind events. Strong earning potential during storm seasons.
Green / Sustainable Roofing
$64K$50,000–$78,000
Cool roofs, reflective membranes, and vegetative systems. Increasing demand in commercial and municipal projects.
Certifications That Increase Pay
Investing in certifications pays off. Many certified tradespeople earn 10–25% more than their uncertified peers.
| Certification | Full Name | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA 30 | OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety | +$2,000–$5,000/yr |
| GAF Master Elite | GAF Master Elite Contractor | +$4,000–$10,000/yr |
| ShingleMaster | CertainTeed ShingleMaster | +$3,000–$8,000/yr |
| Haag Inspector | Haag Certified Residential Inspector | +$5,000–$12,000/yr |
Roofer vs Other Trades
How does Roofer pay compare to other skilled trades?
| Trade | Avg Annual | Hourly | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| RooferYou | $48,000 | $23/hr | +2% |
| General Contractor | $72,000 | $35/hr | +5% |
| Electrician | $61,000 | $29/hr | +11% |
| Plumber | $59,000 | $28/hr | +2% |
| Landscaper | $42,000 | $20/hr | +4% |
Job Outlook & Growth Projections
+2%
Projected Growth
2022–2032
5,000+
New Jobs Expected
estimated new positions
Yes
Faster Than Average
compared to all occupations
Roofing demand is expected to remain steady through the early 2030s. Severe weather events, insurance-funded replacements, and a growing inventory of aging roofs keep crews busy in most regions. Commercial reroofing cycles and new construction add additional volume, while skilled labor shortages make experienced roofers especially valuable. Roofers who add solar, metal, or commercial certifications are positioned to capture the highest-margin work, and foremen who can manage safety and quality control are consistently in short supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Roofer salaries, answered.
The national average roofer salary in 2026 is about $48,000 per year. Entry-level roofers may start around $30,000–$38,000, while senior leads and specialized crews can earn $70,000–$95,000+.
The national average is about $23 per hour. Experienced roofers in high-cost markets can earn $28–$35/hr, especially on commercial or storm restoration work.
Top-paying states for roofers include Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Washington. Higher costs of living and strong commercial demand push wages up.
Licensing varies by state and city. Many states require a contractor license to run a roofing business, while employees often work under a licensed contractor.
Yes. Roofing work typically slows in winter in colder climates and surges in spring and summer. Southern states and storm restoration work can provide more year-round volume.
Owner-operators, storm restoration specialists, and commercial foremen can reach six figures in high-volume markets, especially during busy storm seasons.
OSHA 30, manufacturer certifications like GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed ShingleMaster, and Haag inspector credentials can increase pay and win higher-value work.
Most roofers start as helpers, progress to installer and crew lead roles, then move into foreman or estimator positions. Many experienced roofers eventually start their own roofing companies.
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