Trade hub
Roofer
Install and repair the roof systems that keep water out of residential and commercial buildings.
- Median pay
- $50,030/yr
- Entry path
- 3 years
- Job outlook
- +2%
Direct answer
A roofer installs, repairs and replaces the roof system that keeps water out — shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents and often gutters at the eave. Hire one for active leaks, storm damage, missing or worn shingles, failed flashing around chimneys and skylights, or when the roof is near end of life. Small repairs may run $300–$1,500; full asphalt shingle replacement commonly falls in the $8,000–$25,000 range for an average home depending on layers, pitch and material. General handymen might tarp a leak temporarily; permanent roof systems need fall protection, manufacturer specs and often a roofing contractor licence.
What roofers fix and install
- Emergency tarping and leak tracing on shingle and metal roofs
- Replace damaged shingles, ridge cap and pipe boot flashing
- Full tear-off and reinstall with ice and water shield at eaves
- Chimney, skylight and wall step flashing repairs
- Ventilation upgrades — ridge vent, soffit baffles and static vents
- Metal, tile and flat low-slope membrane work — often specialty crews
- Gutter and downspout replacement at the roof edge
- Hail and wind inspections for insurance documentation
- Coatings and restoration on eligible flat roofs
- Synthetic underlayment and deck repair where rot is found
This trade vs the one you might confuse it with
| Often confused with | Roofer does | The other trade does |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor / handyman | Installs roof systems to manufacturer specs with fall protection and warranty registration. | May patch shingles on a low slope — often cannot warranty or insure steep-slope work. |
| Gutter company | Integrates drip edge, ice barrier and flashing with the roof covering. | Installs gutters and downspouts — does not replace structural deck or valley metal correctly alone. |
| HVAC technician | Flashes roof penetrations for vents and seals curb mounts after HVAC sets unit. | Installs rooftop equipment — roofer ensures watertight integration per manufacturer. |
| Insurance adjuster | Performs physical repairs with material and labor warranty. | Estimates claim value — does not replace your roof unless also a contracted installer. |
Typical job prices
National planning ranges — not quotes. Open a cost guide for drivers, permits and regional pages where published.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Roof ReplacementTearing off and replacing a residential roof, including underlayment, flashing and disposal. | $8,000–$45,000 |
| Gutter ReplacementRemoving and installing new seamless aluminum or copper gutters with downspouts. | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Chimney RepairRepairing or rebuilding a masonry chimney, including crown, flashing, liner, and cap work. | $500–$8,000 |
| Roof RepairLocating and fixing localized roof leaks, replacing damaged shingles, and re-flashing penetrations on an otherwise sound roof. | $250–$2,500 |
| Shingle ReplacementRemoving and installing asphalt shingles on a defined roof section, including underlayment and matching existing courses. | $800–$6,500 |
| Metal Roof InstallationInstalling standing-seam or metal panel roofing with underlayment, trim, and flashing on a residential home. | $12,000–$45,000 |
| Flat Roof ReplacementTearing off and replacing a low-slope membrane roof (TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen) with insulation and drainage checks. | $4,000–$18,000 |
| Skylight InstallationCutting the roof opening, installing a skylight unit, and flashing it into the roofing system. | $900–$5,500 |
| Soffit and Fascia RepairRepairing or replacing rotted soffit, fascia boards, and vents at the roof eave. | $400–$5,000 |
| Gutter Guard InstallationInstalling mesh, screen, or helmet-style gutter guards on existing seamless gutters. | $800–$4,500 |
| Roof InspectionProfessional roof inspection with photos documenting shingles, flashing, ventilation, and estimated remaining life. | $150–$550 |
| Chimney RebuildPartial or full masonry chimney rebuild from the roofline up, including crown and cap. | $3,500–$16,000 |
| Chimney SweepCleaning soot and creosote from a fireplace or wood-stove flue with inspection. | $150–$550 |
Common problems
Start with symptoms when you are not sure what failed — then hire the right trade.
- DiagnoseRoof LeakTrace a ceiling stain back to its actual source, which is rarely directly above the visible damage.
- DiagnoseCeiling Stain SpreadingA spreading ceiling stain means active water — roof, plumbing, or HVAC — not just old discoloration.
- DiagnoseShingles CurlingCurling shingles signal aging, poor ventilation, or defective batches — plan repair scope before leaks.
- DiagnoseIce Dams FormingIce dams form when heat melts snow at the ridge and water refreezes at cold eaves.
- DiagnoseGutter OverflowingOverflowing gutters dump water on fascia and foundation — clogs and pitch are the usual fixes.
- DiagnoseSiding BucklingBuckled siding comes from trapped moisture, nailing too tight, or heat behind dark siding.
- DiagnoseAttic Too HotExtreme attic heat cooks shingles and raises cooling bills — ventilation and air sealing matter more than another fan alone.
- DiagnoseChimney LeaningA leaning chimney is a structural and fall hazard — restrict use until inspected.
Licence and insurance expectations
Many states license roofing contractors specifically; individual roofers usually are not licensed. For work at your home, expect proof of general liability and workers compensation on larger jobs. Rules vary by state and city — verify the licence class covers residential work before you sign.
How to verify one in two minutes
- Confirm roofing contractor licence or registration if your state requires it — check /licensing.
- Verify general liability and workers comp; roofing carries high injury risk.
- Ask for manufacturer certification if you want enhanced material warranties.
- Get a written scope: tear-off versus overlay, deck repair allowance, flashing details.
- Check local permit requirements — some cities require permits even for re-roof.
- Search business name for lien complaints and unfinished storm-chase jobs from recent hail events.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Full tear-off or second layer — and what does code allow in my city?
- What underlayment, ice barrier and ventilation will you install?
- How do you handle deck rot found during tear-off — allowance or change order?
- Who hauls away waste and protects landscaping and siding during tear-off?
- What wind rating and algae warranty does the shingle carry?
- Will you replace pipe boots, step flashing and drip edge as standard?
- What is the payment schedule — avoid paying for the whole roof before delivery?
- How long until completion if weather delays?
Red flags
- Door-to-door sales right after a storm with pressure to sign insurance proceeds over
- Large upfront deposit before materials arrive on site
- No written scope for flashing details — only "new roof" lump sum
- Offers to install a second layer where code requires tear-off
- Cannot show insurance certificates or workers comp
- Quote far below neighbors without explaining material tier or tear-off
- Uses staples instead of nails where manufacturer requires nails
Find a licensed pro
We only show businesses where we have consent or a documented public-record match. If none are listed in your metro yet, use the state board lookup and the hiring checklist below.
No paid placement
Rankings are never sold. Order reflects verification depth and relevance, not payment.
Verify any licence yourself before signing: state licensing hub.
Tools for homeowners
Decision support before you call — free in the browser.
- DiagnosticQuote AnalyzerBreak down a contractor's quote and see whether the price and the terms are reasonable.
- ComparisonDIY vs. ProWeigh cost, time, tools, permits, risk and consequences before you take on a job yourself.
- ComparisonRepair vs. ReplaceCompare the economics of repairing a failing system against replacing it outright.
- DiagnosticHome HealthAssess the remaining life of your major systems and see what is likely to fail next.
For trade owners
Pricing this job as a contractor?
Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.
We never sell leads. Read the promise.
For owners of roofers
Field calculators and pricing tools this trade uses on the job.
- CalculatorJob PricingBuild a defensible price from labor, materials, overhead and your target profit margin.
- CalculatorShop RateDetermine the shop rate you must charge per billable hour to cover overhead and hit your income target.
- CalculatorJob ProfitabilityCompare quoted price against actual hours and material to see what a job really earned.
- CalculatorMarkup / MarginConvert between markup and gross margin so you stop pricing below your intended profit.
Common questions
How much does a new roof cost in 2026 for an average house?
Asphalt shingle replacement on a typical single-family home often runs $8,000–$25,000 nationally depending on square footage, pitch, layers, deck repair and material tier. Metal and tile run higher. Three quotes with the same tear-off scope and underlayment spec reduce apples-to-oranges confusion.
How much does a roof leak repair cost?
Localized flashing or shingle repairs commonly run $300–$1,500 when accessed safely. Leaks traced to widespread failure or deck rot push toward partial or full replacement. Emergency tarping may be a few hundred dollars plus permanent repair afterward.
Do I need a licensed roofer or will any contractor do?
Many states license roofing contractors separately from general contractors. Steep-slope work needs fall protection and experience. Manufacturer warranties often require certified installation. Unlicensed work can void insurance and complicate resale.
Should I repair my roof or replace it?
Consider age, active leaks, storm damage extent and granule loss. Patch when the system has years left and damage is isolated. Replace when repairs recur, deck is soft or shingles are brittle across slopes. A roofer should photo-document decking during tear-off.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Many asphalt jobs finish in one to three days for average homes. Weather, deck repair and complexity extend timing. Inspection may follow completion where required.
Will insurance pay for a new roof after hail?
Policies differ on age, material and matching. Adjusters document damage; you choose a licensed contractor for the scope they approve. Do not sign assignment of benefits without understanding local law. Compare contractor scope to adjuster scope line by line.
What is the best time of year to replace a roof?
Dry seasons reduce delay risk; spring and fall are busy. Winter installs happen in mild climates with manufacturer cold-weather notes. Book early after storm seasons to avoid backlog.
Can I put a new layer of shingles over old ones?
Some codes allow one overlay if deck is sound and weight is acceptable. Two layers often require full tear-off. Overlays hide deck rot and shorten warranty. Ask what your city allows and what the manufacturer requires.
How do I spot a storm chaser roofing scam?
High-pressure signing, large upfront cash, out-of-state plates only, and vague scope are warning signs. Verify licence and local references, use written payment schedules and never sign insurance checks over without work completed.
Do roofers fix chimneys and skylights?
Competent roofers repair step flashing and cricket details around chimneys and replace skylight flashing kits. Structural chimney rebuild is masonry territory — roofers coordinate flashing interface.
What ventilation does my roof need?
Balanced intake at soffits and exhaust at ridge or vents prevents ice dams and premature shingle aging. Re-roof is the right time to add baffles and ridge vent — not only cosmetically cap the old vents.
How do I find a roofer near me I can trust?
Use licence lookup, local verified listings and three written scopes — not door knocks alone. Check /home/diagnose/roof-leak when you are unsure whether damage is active, and compare cost guides for replacement ranges before you sign.
Pay and outlook figures on this page: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 national wage estimates. Cost ranges: National averages for standard access and mid-grade materials. Reviewed September 2026 / September 2026.
Career overview
Pay, training path and day-to-day work if you are exploring roofer as a trade — or want context on who you are hiring.
What roofers do
Roofers install, repair and replace roof systems — asphalt shingle, metal, tile, single-ply membrane and built-up. Residential and commercial roofing are distinct businesses with different materials, crews and economics. It is physically punishing work with a high injury rate, but it converts into ownership faster than almost any other trade because the capital requirements are low.
- Median annual pay
- $50,030
- $24.05 per hour
- Typical range
- $35,910–$78,100
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Projected growth
- +2%
- 2023–2033 projections
- Annual openings
- 14,100
- Growth plus replacement
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 national wage estimates. Local pay varies substantially with union scale, prevailing wage projects and regional demand. Estimate pay for your area.
The work itself
A typical day
- Inspect and document roof condition and leaks
- Tear off and dispose of existing roofing
- Install underlayment, flashing and the roof covering
- Detail penetrations, valleys and terminations
- Set and maintain fall protection
Where you work
- Residential rooftops in all weather
- Commercial low-slope roofs
- Elevated work with fall protection requirements
- Highly seasonal in cold or wet climates
Physical demands
The most physically demanding trade on this list. Steep slopes, extreme roof-surface heat, heavy carries up ladders, and a fall risk that requires continuous fall-protection discipline.
The honest tradeoffs
What works in your favor
- Lowest barrier to entry of any trade here
- Fast path to running your own crew and company
- Storm restoration work can be extremely lucrative
- Immediate hiring in most markets
What to go in knowing
- Highest injury and fatality rate among these trades
- Extreme heat exposure on roof surfaces
- Seasonal income swings
- Least transferable skill set if you need to leave the trade
Getting in
- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Training route
- On-the-job training, or a 3-year apprenticeship
- Apprenticeship length
- 3 years
- Licensing
- Many states license roofing contractors specifically; individual roofers usually are not licensed.
Where the trade splits
Pay and working conditions diverge sharply by specialization. These are the paths most roofers end up choosing between.
- Asphalt shingle (residential)
- Metal roofing
- Tile and slate
- Single-ply membrane (TPO/EPDM)
- Built-up and modified bitumen
- Low-slope commercial
- Storm and insurance restoration
- Roof coatings and restoration
Credentials that matter
- Manufacturer Certified InstallerGAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed and others
- NRCA ProCertificationNational Roofing Contractors Association
- OSHA 30-Hour ConstructionOSHA-authorized trainer
- Roofing Contractor LicenseState contractor licensing board
Roofer field tools
The calculators this trade uses on the job. Everything runs in the browser.
- CalculatorJob PricingBuild a defensible price from labor, materials, overhead and your target profit margin.
- CalculatorShop RateDetermine the shop rate you must charge per billable hour to cover overhead and hit your income target.
- CalculatorJob ProfitabilityCompare quoted price against actual hours and material to see what a job really earned.
- CalculatorBreak-EvenFind the revenue and billable hours required to cover fixed and variable costs.
- CalculatorMarkup / MarginConvert between markup and gross margin so you stop pricing below your intended profit.
- CalculatorRoofing SquaresCalculate roofing squares, shingle bundles, and ridge cap from footprint and pitch.
- CalculatorEstimated TaxFigure quarterly estimated tax for 1099 contractors — federal income tax, self-employment tax, and what to set aside from each check.
- CalculatorEffective RateSee what you actually earn per hour worked — field time, admin, sales, and drive time included.
- CalculatorEmployee vs. SubCompare the true loaded cost of a W-2 employee against a 1099 subcontractor at your actual utilization.
- CalculatorVehicle CostCalculate the true hourly and per-mile cost of your work truck — payment, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
- CalculatorEquipment ROIDecide whether to buy or rent trade equipment — payback period, cost per use, and annual return on investment.
- CalculatorLead ValueFind what a lead is worth, your max affordable cost per lead, and whether your marketing spend actually pays.
- CalculatorPrice IncreaseModel what happens to revenue and profit when you raise prices — and how many customers you can afford to lose.
- CalculatorCash RunwaySee how many months of cash you have at current burn — and what revenue change keeps you solvent.
- CalculatorRoofer PricingCalculate roofing labor rates and per-square installed pricing — with crew-specific defaults and U.S. market benchmarks for asphalt, metal, and repair work.
- CalculatorShould I Take This Job?Quote price, hours, travel and materials against your margin floor — go or no-go before you schedule.
- CalculatorRevenue Target CalculatorOwner pay plus overhead and margin → revenue needed, jobs to sell, and quotes to send at your close rate.
Find roofers near you
Consent-based listings ranked by distance, relevance and verification date — never by payment.
- Roofers in New York
- Roofers in Los Angeles
- Roofers in Chicago
- Roofers in Houston
- Roofers in Phoenix
- Roofers in Philadelphia
- Roofers in San Antonio
- Roofers in San Diego
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