Occupation · SOC 47-2181
Roofers
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.
Median wage
$50,970
$37,060–$80,780
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
136,740
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
12 mapped
Core skills
CoordinationCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningInstructingService OrientationQuality Control AnalysisPersuasionMathematicsTroubleshootingManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesWritingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisNegotiationManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionManagement of Financial ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignRepairingOperations AnalysisInstallationScienceProgramming
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingMathematicsDesignMechanicalAdministration and ManagementTransportationAdministrativeEngineering and TechnologyForeign LanguageProduction and ProcessingChemistryPhysicsLaw and GovernmentPersonnel and Human ResourcesSales and MarketingEconomics and AccountingMedicine and DentistryPsychologyComputers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingGeographyPhilosophy and TheologyFood ProductionBiologyHistory and ArcheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
ASR Software LWC-PlusASR Software Taper-PlusASR Software TopView LEASR Software TopView MEAppliCad Roof WizardCADAFISDigiTools Roof CADEnergy cost evaluation softwareExele TopViewHumidity and vapor drive calculation softwareInsight Direct ServiceCEOMaintenance record softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordRoof Pro Estimate Software Roof ProRoofLogicRoofing CalculatorSpreadsheet softwareWintac ProWord processing softwareZiatek RoofDraw
Representative tasks
Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoaching and Developing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeTraining and Teaching OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesDeveloping and Building TeamsThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProcessing InformationSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Scaffolding components and safety anchors — assemble and inspect under direct supervisor guidance on residential roofing sites.Roof debris, snow, and standing water — remove using basic hand tools and brooms prior to material application on low-slope surfaces.Roofing felt and underlayment rolls — carry, unroll, and position following crew leader instructions on straightforward pitched roofs.Chalk lines and shingling hatchet gauges — use to establish straight layout lines under supervision on standard shingle installations.Asphalt shingles and roofing nails — fasten in partially overlapping courses following demonstrated patterns on residential roof decks.Flashing strips and pre-cut metal pieces — hand to journeyman roofers and hold in place during cementing or nailing on simple joints.Safety harnesses, hard hats, and fall-arrest systems — don and inspect daily before ascending to roof level at any job site.Basic roofing materials such as shingles, felt, and nails — identify, sort, and stage at the work area following a materials list.Problem roof areas with visible damage — recognize and report signs of leaks, missing shingles, or deterioration to a lead roofer.Hand tools including utility knives and tin snips — use to make straight cuts on felt or flashing strips under close supervision.
developing
Damaged or deteriorating roof sections — inspect and assess repair needs using established checklists with minimal supervisor oversight on residential and light commercial projects.Scaffolding systems — erect, brace, and dismantle safely following OSHA standards on multi-story residential job sites with standard oversight.Shingle and membrane layers — install in correctly overlapping sequences using chalk lines and hatchet gauges on moderately complex pitched roofs.Flashing strips at valleys, vents, and wall intersections — cut, fit, cement, and nail to achieve watertight seals on routine roofing assignments.Plastic coatings, fiberglass mats, and felt underlayment — apply over sloped roof decks in proper sequence before shingle installation on familiar roof configurations.Material quantities and crew hours — estimate for standard residential re-roofing jobs using basic measurements and supplier unit-cost references.Angled cuts for shingles and felt at walls, vents, and roof intersections — produce accurately using utility knives and tin snips on typical roof geometries.Crew task sequencing and daily time allocation — coordinate personal work schedule with team members to maintain production pace on active job sites.Customer concerns about roof condition or repair scope — communicate clearly and professionally on site using plain language explanations.Operations monitoring during material application — observe adhesion, alignment, and weather conditions and adjust work pace or methods to maintain quality standards.
proficient
Complex or multi-surface problem roofs — independently diagnose underlying causes of leaks or structural deterioration and determine optimal repair procedures on commercial and residential properties.Full roofing system installation — plan and execute from deck preparation through underlayment, flashing, and finish shingles or membrane across varied roof types without supervision.Non-routine flashing conditions at dormers, skylights, and intersecting planes — fabricate and install custom-cut metal strips to achieve durable watertight seals on challenging roof geometries.Scaffolding and fall-protection systems — configure and certify for atypical building profiles, including steep pitches and limited access points, ensuring OSHA compliance throughout.Detailed material and labor estimates — prepare accurate job cost projections for residential and light commercial contracts using field measurements, waste factors, and current pricing data.Multiple roofing material systems including modified bitumen, TPO membrane, and asphalt shingles — select and apply the appropriate system based on slope, climate, and building use.Quality defects such as lifted flashing, improper lap dimensions, or membrane voids — identify through systematic inspection and correct before project closeout on any assigned roof.Junior crew members — mentor in safe work practices, material handling, and installation techniques directly on active residential and commercial job sites.Project timelines for multi-day roofing jobs — manage personal and small-crew schedules to meet completion deadlines while accommodating weather interruptions.Roofing project documentation — record material usage, inspection findings, and daily progress accurately using spreadsheet or project management software in an office or site-trailer environment.
advanced
Company-wide roofing quality standards and installation procedures — develop, document, and enforce across multiple crews working on concurrent residential and commercial projects.Crew supervisors and lead roofers — coach in diagnostic inspection methods, flashing fabrication, and complex roof system selection to build organizational technical depth.Bid packages for large commercial re-roofing or new construction contracts — review, finalize, and present to clients using detailed labor, material, and risk-adjusted cost models.Safety culture and fall-protection protocols — champion organization-wide by leading toolbox talks, auditing job sites, and updating procedures in response to incident data or regulatory changes.Roofing project portfolios across multiple active sites — oversee scheduling, resource allocation, and subcontractor coordination to meet profitability and timeline targets.Customer relationships and contract negotiations — manage at the executive level for high-value accounts, translating complex roof system options into clear value propositions.New roofing materials, tool technologies, and building code updates — evaluate and integrate into company standards, training programs, and estimating databases.Performance metrics including waste rates, callback frequency, and labor efficiency — analyze using project management and spreadsheet software to drive continuous improvement across field operations.Workforce development pipeline — design apprenticeship pathways and on-the-job training curricula aligned with industry credentials and company growth needs.Organizational risk exposure from weather events, liability claims, and supply chain disruptions — assess and establish contingency plans that protect project delivery and company reputation.
Also known as
39 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aluminum Shingle RooferAsbestos Shingle RooferCommercial RooferCommercial Roofing Tech (Commercial Roofing Technician)Composition RooferCool Roofing InstallerGravel RooferGutter InstallerGypsum RooferHot Tar RooferIndustrial RooferInstallerJourneyman RooferMetal RooferMetal Roofing MechanicMetal WorkerResidential RooferRoof MechanicRoof Service TechnicianRoof Tile LayerRooferRoofer ApplicatorRoofing ApplicatorRoofing ConsultantRoofing ContractorRoofing InstallerRoofing LayerRoofing SpecialistRoofing TechnicianSheet Metal RooferShinglerShingles RooferSlate RooferSlaterTar RooferTerra Cotta RooferTile RooferTin RooferWood Shingle Roofer