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Roofer Pricing Calculator
Calculate roofing labor rates and per-square installed pricing — with crew-specific defaults and U.S. market benchmarks for asphalt, metal, and repair work.
Required roofer rate in Chicago
$101.03per billable hour
National market for roofers: $51–$97/hr in Chicago.
- Billable hours per year7,200 paid hours at 72% utilization
- 5,184 hrs
- Break-even rateBefore owner income
- $84.54/hr
- Installed price per square100 sq ft; asphalt shingle equivalent
- $361–$510
Your rate sits inside the roofer market band
$101.03/hr is inside the $51–$97 band typical for roofers in Chicago. Roofing labor component; most jobs are quoted per square (100 sq ft). Installed asphalt shingle runs $350–$600/square nationally.
| Job | Your price | Market range |
|---|---|---|
| Roof repair (localized) | $781 | $381–$872 |
| Asphalt shingle replacement (20 squares) | $11,303 | $8,720–$15,259 |
| Chimney flashing repair | $542 | $436–$981 |
| Gutter replacement (per linear ft) | $30 | $13–$24 |
You pay for every hour, not just the billable ones
At 72% utilization, 2,016 paid hours a year — $65,641 of burdened wage — never appear on an invoice. Route density and dispatching move this lever without raising your rate.
What this assumes
- Per-square pricing is the industry standard; one square = 100 square feet of roof area.
- Crew utilization accounts for weather delays — roofers average 65 to 75% billable utilization.
- Workers' comp for roofing is among the highest of any trade, reflected in burden assumptions.
Understanding the result
Roofers price by the square, not the hour
Homeowners ask 'how much per hour?' but roofers quote per square (100 sq ft). A 20-square roof at $450/square is $9,000 — regardless of whether the crew finishes in one day or three. Hourly rates matter for estimating crew cost; per-square pricing is what the customer sees.
Crew economics drive the price
A 3-person crew installs 15 to 20 squares per day on a simple gable. Labor, materials, tear-off, disposal, and margin must fit inside the per-square price. Weather delays, steep pitch, and multiple layers add labor hours that must be priced in.
Insurance drives overhead higher than most trades
Roofing has the highest workers' compensation rates of any residential trade — often 15 to 25% of payroll. General liability for height work adds another layer. Shops that price like painters go bankrupt on the first workers' comp audit.
Common questions
How much do roofers charge per square?
Asphalt shingle installation runs $350 to $600 per square (100 sq ft) nationally, including materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal. Architectural shingles run $400 to $600/square. Metal roofing runs $700 to $1,200/square. Steep pitch and multiple layers add 15 to 30%.
How much does a roof replacement cost?
A 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares) costs $7,000 to $14,000 for asphalt shingles nationally. Complex roofs with steep pitch, multiple dormers, or two layers of existing shingles run $10,000 to $18,000. Metro areas add 15 to 30%.
How much do roofers charge per hour?
Roofing labor runs $45 to $85/hour per worker, but jobs are quoted per square. A 3-person crew at $55/hour working 8 hours installs roughly 15 squares — about $88/labor-hour per square, or $440/square before materials and margin.
How much does a roof repair cost?
Localized roof repairs run $350 to $800 for patching, flashing, or replacing a few damaged shingles. Extensive storm damage repair runs $1,000 to $3,000. Emergency tarping runs $200 to $500. Full section replacement runs $1,500 to $4,000.
What should a roofing company charge to be profitable?
A roofing crew with 4 workers, 72% utilization, and $16,000/month overhead needs $380 to $480/square installed on asphalt to hit 15 to 18% net margin. Below $350/square, workers' comp and insurance consume the profit.
Do roofers charge for estimates?
Most reputable roofers provide free estimates for replacement. Paid inspections ($100 to $250) are common for insurance claims and commercial work. Storm chasers offer 'free inspections' but inflate damage claims — get a second opinion from a local established roofer.
How much does metal roofing cost compared to shingles?
Metal roofing runs $700 to $1,200 per square installed — roughly double asphalt. Standing seam runs $1,000 to $1,500/square. Metal lasts 40 to 70 years vs. 20 to 25 for asphalt, which changes the lifecycle cost comparison.
When is the best time to replace a roof?
Late spring through early fall is peak season with highest prices and longest wait times. Late fall and winter offer 10 to 15% lower pricing in many markets but weather delays are common. Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead in peak season.
Does insurance cover roof replacement?
Homeowners insurance covers storm and hail damage minus your deductible. Age-related wear is not covered. Insurance adjusters scope damage; your roofer's estimate should align with the adjuster's report. Get three quotes — insurance pays replacement cost value, not whichever is lowest.
How long does a roof replacement take?
A typical 20-square asphalt roof takes 1 to 2 days with a 3 to 4 person crew. Complex roofs with steep pitch, multiple dormers, or deck repair take 2 to 4 days. Weather delays add time but should not add cost if priced correctly.
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