Roofer Career

roofer-500Working as a roofer involves removing, repairing and installing roofing materials on homes, businesses and any other type of private or commercial building. As a roofer, you’ll get to spend your days working outdoors and experience the enjoyment of performing a job that produces tangible, visible results.

A roofer is a skilled construction worker that needs to be familiar working with a range of different tools and materials. In addition, many types of roofing material will require you to learn specialized techniques and skills to work with and installing it.

Roofer Career Snapshot

The job of a roofer can be quite physically demanding, as it generally involves spending the entire day on your feet and knees, as well as lots of heavy lifting, hammer swinging, climbing and bending. As all of the work takes place outdoors, roofers are exposed to the entire range of weather conditions—from freezing cold to extreme heat. Most roofers work a standard 40-hour week, although overtime is often required in order to finish a job on time. Due to weather, many roofing companies are incredibly busy during the warm summer months, while there may be some downtime in the winter.

Further details on a career as a roofer are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$36,720

is the average yearly salary for roofers.

13%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

49%

have a High school diploma or equivalent while 26% have less than a High school diploma.

Roofer Education

There are no educational requirements to become a roofer, as most learn the skill through on-the-job training. Some apprenticeships are also available for those interested in a slightly more formal training environment.

Roofer Job Duties

The main duties of a roofer involve installing asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, metal roofing, wood or other materials, while some jobs may require you to first tear off the old roofing. Workers may also be required to set up scaffolding and haul materials up onto the roof. More experienced roofers and those who own their own companies will also need to know how to properly inspect a damage roof and determine the best method for repairing it.

Roofer Salaries

According to the BLS.gov May 2015 statistics, the average yearly salary for a roofer is just under $37,000, and most workers are paid by the hour. At the high end of the scale, some roofers are able to make over $62,000 annually, while the lowest paid roofers generally make around $24,500 per year.

Roofer Job Outlook

The job outlook for roofers looks quite good, as employment opportunities are expected to grow by around 13 percent over the next 10 years. However, much of this growth has to do with the very high turnover rate for this career, although a growing need for roof replacements and an increase in more environmentally friendly roofing materials will also help drive this increased demand.

Roofer Skills & Traits

Roofer Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Roofer:Typical Work Activities:
• Coordination
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Operation & Control
• Gross Body Equilibrium
• Extent Flexibility
• Problem Sensitivity
• Trunk Strength
• Near Vision
• Blow Torch
• Hammers
• Hatchets
• Roofin Spades
• Hoists
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Related Careers

Masonry Workers

High School Diploma or Equivalent

What Do Related Careers Pay?