Roofer Career Guide

Today's Roofers are trained to install and repair roofs for commercial and residential properties using a variety of construction techniques and building materials. This career field is in high demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Roofer using a pneumatic nail gun to install shingles on a roof.

Job that is in demand
Due to new building construction and renovation, the commercial and residential roofing industry is growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in a career as a roofer.
Interesting and Challenging
Roofers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to safely and accurately complete complex roofing projects. The work is very diverse and challenging.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Roofer. Many roofers have acquired their training while working on the job with an employer.

Where you can work as an Roofer and Job Responsibilities

Commercial Roofer

New construction of homes and commercial buildings is a complex and challenging task. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. New construction workers have been in high demand lately as homeowners, facility owners and new home builders have struggled to find skilled workers to complete complex and challenging carpentry projects.

Residential Roofer

Job Responsibilities

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for roofers that have several years of experience and training.

Management

Roofers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of foremen, facility manager or supervisor. These management level workers typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Carpenter

Sales Representative

Company Owner

How much money you can make as a roofer and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Roofer is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on compensation for Roofers- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472181.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started in the roofing field is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied workers-https://www.unionroofers.com/Training-and-Education/Apprenticeship.aspx

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

On the Job Training/Community College/Trade School

On the Job Training:

Many roofers today have acquired their training while working on the job with a roofing contractor. Workers typically begin as a helper on a roofing crew and slowly develop skills as they work on different types of roofs.

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have Carpentry or Building Construction programs that teach students construction techniques, use of tools, math, safety equipment and construction laws. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what Carpentry or Building Construction programs are available.

Trade Schools:

There are many trade schools that specialize in various building construction training programs. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local contractors and home construction companies on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the building trades field. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local contractors and home construction companies on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the roofing field. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.