Roofing Contractor Salary Overview
A Roofing Contractor in the United States earns a median of $47,110 a year, or about $22.65 an hour over a full-time year of 2,080 hours. The typical work environment involves rooftops at various heights; extreme weather exposure (heat, cold, wind); physically demanding (carrying heavy materials up ladders); high fall risk requiring safety systems; seasonal work in cold climates; storm-chasing opportunities after severe weather. The band runs from $30,000 to $72,200, a spread of 141 per cent between the two ends, which for this occupation is decided mainly by years in the role and by the employer rather than by job title. On the median salary, federal income tax takes about $3,615 and FICA another $3,604, leaving $39,891 in a state with no income tax such as Texas or Florida; add California income tax of roughly $1,117 and take-home pay falls to about $38,774, an effective rate of 17.7 per cent. Education: The typical path to becoming a Roofing Contractor involves earning a High school diploma plus on-the-job training or roofing apprenticeship (3-4 years); trade school programs available; business courses valuable for contractors.
The pay band for a Roofing Contractor is unusually steep: the lead level pays about 2.6 times the entry level, or $73,492 against $28,266. A spread that wide means the occupation rewards accumulated judgement rather than credentials, and it has a practical consequence for anyone starting out: the first offer matters far less than the rate of progression, because the band above is large enough to absorb a modest start within a few years.
The largest single step is the one out of the entry level, worth about $18,844 a year. That places the decisive moment early: the two or three years it takes to stop being junior are worth more than any later promotion, which argues for choosing a first employer on what it will teach rather than on what it pays.
The best-paying states for this occupation are split: AK levies no income tax at all while IL, HI does, so two gross offers that look alike do not end alike. On this median salary the state layer alone is worth several thousand dollars a year, which is why the table below ranks by take-home pay rather than by gross.
Demand concentrates in Chicago, IL, Honolulu, HI, Anchorage, AK, and those are also among the most expensive places to live in the country. A premium of ten or twenty per cent on the median does not survive a housing cost twice the national figure, so the right comparison for a Roofing Contractor weighing a move is take-home pay minus rent, not salary against salary.
The Roofing Contractor is one of the most important roles in the Trades & Construction sector of the US economy in 2026. With a median annual salary of $47,110, compensation for this position ranges from $30,000 at the entry level to $72,200 for highly experienced professionals in top-paying markets.
This career typically requires High school diploma plus on-the-job training or roofing apprenticeship (3-4 years); trade school programs available; business courses valuable for contractors. Valued professional credentials include State roofing contractor license, OSHA 10/30-hour, manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT), NRCA ProCertification, fall protection certification. On a day-to-day basis, professionals in this role focus on installing roofing systems (shingles, TPO, EPDM, metal, tile), removing old roofing materials, inspecting roof structures for damage, waterproofing and flashing installation, estimating material quantities and costs, managing roofing crews, handling insurance restoration work, and ensuring fall protection safety compliance.
The job market for this position shows 2% from 2022-2032 with consistent replacement demand from weather damage, aging roofs, and energy efficiency upgrades; solar roofing integration creating new opportunities growth, with demand strongest in specializations including residential shingle roofing, commercial flat roofing (TPO, EPDM), metal roofing, tile/slate roofing, solar roofing integration, and waterproofing/below-grade. Drone-based roof inspections and AI damage assessment tools assist with estimates and sales, but the physical installation, repair, and weatherproofing of roofs is entirely manual skilled labor that cannot be automated
Salary Range: The typical Roofing Contractor in the US earns between $30,000 and $72,200 per year, with a median of $47,110.
What Does a Roofing Contractor Do?
A Roofing Contractor spends their workday installing roofing systems (shingles, TPO, EPDM, metal, tile), removing old roofing materials, inspecting roof structures for damage, waterproofing and flashing installation, estimating material quantities and costs, managing roofing crews, handling insurance restoration work, and ensuring fall protection safety compliance. The role requires proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies including roofing nailers (pneumatic), tear-off tools (shingle removers), torch-down equipment, hot kettles (for built-up roofing), ladders, safety harnesses, seam rollers, moisture meters, infrared cameras (leak detection), drones for roof inspection.
The typical work environment involves rooftops at various heights; extreme weather exposure (heat, cold, wind); physically demanding (carrying heavy materials up ladders); high fall risk requiring safety systems; seasonal work in cold climates; storm-chasing opportunities after severe weather. Within the profession, you can specialize in areas such as residential shingle roofing, commercial flat roofing (TPO, EPDM), metal roofing, tile/slate roofing, solar roofing integration, and waterproofing/below-grade, each requiring different skill sets and offering different compensation levels.
Day-to-day responsibilities vary based on seniority and organization size. Entry-level professionals often focus on execution tasks under supervision, while senior professionals take on strategic planning, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership.
Roofing Contractor Salary by Experience
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $28,266 | $14/hr | $24,400 |
| Mid | $47,110 | $23/hr | $38,774 |
| Senior | $64,541 | $31/hr | $51,529 |
| Lead | $73,492 | $35/hr | $57,110 |
Best and Worst States for Roofing Contractor Pay
Which states let a Roofing Contractor keep the most, and least, of their salary, ranked by annual take-home pay.
Geographic location significantly impacts Roofing Contractor compensation. The top-paying states for this role include Illinois (highest wages), New York (union scale), Alaska (premium pay), New Jersey (high demand), Hawaii (premium rates).
States with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee) offer an effective pay boost of 3-9% compared to high-tax states like California or New York, though these states often compensate with higher cost of living or property taxes. When evaluating offers, consider both gross salary and after-tax take-home pay.
For a Roofing Contractor earning $47,110, state choice alone determines a $2,356 swing in annual take-home pay. This is not a theoretical exercise: Trades & Construction professionals increasingly have geographic flexibility, and understanding that Texas preserves $39,891 of your salary while Massachusetts only preserves $37,536 should factor into every relocation and remote work decision.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Analysis: When factoring in regional cost of living, Texas offers the best purchasing power for a Roofing Contractor salary. While high-tax states like California and New York offer robust Trades & Construction job markets, their combined tax burden and cost of living can reduce effective purchasing power by 25-40% compared to states like Texas or Georgia. A Roofing Contractor earning $47,110 in Texas enjoys purchasing power equivalent to approximately $42,894 in a baseline cost area.
Regional Market Analysis: Roofing Contractor professionals in Trades & Construction should evaluate opportunities based on after-tax income rather than headline salary. A $54,176 offer in California may yield less take-home pay than a $47,110 offer in Texas or Florida once state taxes are factored in. The best financial outcomes often come from pairing strong regional demand for Roofing Contractor roles with favorable state tax treatment.
Top 10 Best States for Roofing Contractor Salary
| # | State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 2 | Florida | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 3 | Nevada | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 5 | South Dakota | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 6 | Tennessee | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 7 | Texas | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 8 | Washington | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 9 | Wyoming | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| 10 | Ohio | $47,110 | $3,615 | $578 | $3,604 | $39,313 | 16.6% |
Bottom 10 Worst States for Roofing Contractor Salary
| # | State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Delaware | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,048 | $3,604 | $37,844 | 19.7% |
| 43 | Maryland | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,064 | $3,604 | $37,827 | 19.7% |
| 44 | New York | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,074 | $3,604 | $37,817 | 19.7% |
| 45 | Massachusetts | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,136 | $3,604 | $37,756 | 19.9% |
| 46 | Alabama | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,190 | $3,604 | $37,701 | 20.0% |
| 47 | Utah | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,191 | $3,604 | $37,701 | 20.0% |
| 48 | Virginia | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,193 | $3,604 | $37,699 | 20.0% |
| 49 | Illinois | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,195 | $3,604 | $37,697 | 20.0% |
| 50 | Hawaii | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,969 | $3,604 | $36,922 | 21.6% |
| 51 | Oregon | $47,110 | $3,615 | $3,597 | $3,604 | $36,294 | 23.0% |
Roofing Contractor Take-Home Pay by City
New York City for highest roofing wages; Chicago for union roofing rates; San Francisco for premium rates; Dallas/Houston for storm restoration roofing demand
When comparing city compensation, factor in cost of living differences. A $47,110 salary in a mid-cost city often provides more purchasing power than a 20-30% premium in San Francisco or New York.
How to turn these figures into an actual offer, what to ask for besides base pay and when to name a number, is covered in the guide to negotiating a salary offer.
| City | Gross Salary | Total Tax | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $47,110 | $9,413 | $37,697 | 20.0% |
| Honolulu, HI | $47,110 | $10,188 | $36,922 | 21.6% |
| Anchorage, AK | $47,110 | $7,219 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| New York, NY | $47,110 | $9,293 | $37,817 | 19.7% |
| San Francisco, CA | $47,110 | $8,336 | $38,774 | 17.7% |
Calculate Roofing Contractor Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
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How to Become a Roofing Contractor
Education: The typical path to becoming a Roofing Contractor involves earning a High school diploma plus on-the-job training or roofing apprenticeship (3-4 years); trade school programs available; business courses valuable for contractors. Some professionals enter the field through alternative pathways, but formal education provides the strongest foundation for long-term career growth.
Certifications: Key professional credentials for this role include State roofing contractor license, OSHA 10/30-hour, manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT), NRCA ProCertification, fall protection certification. These certifications demonstrate expertise to employers and often directly correlate with higher compensation.
Skills & Tools: Proficiency with roofing nailers (pneumatic), tear-off tools (shingle removers), torch-down equipment, hot kettles (for built-up roofing), ladders, safety harnesses, seam rollers, moisture meters, infrared cameras (leak detection), drones for roof inspection is expected for competitive candidates. Building a portfolio of work or gaining practical experience through internships, projects, or entry-level positions is essential for breaking into the field.
Timeline: Most professionals reach mid-level competency within 3-5 years of entering the field, with senior positions typically requiring 7-12 years of progressive experience.
Roofing Contractor Career Outlook
Employment for the Roofing Contractor role is projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032 with consistent replacement demand from weather damage, aging roofs, and energy efficiency upgrades; solar roofing integration creating new opportunities, reflecting strong demand driven by industry evolution and changing workforce needs. The most in-demand specializations include residential shingle roofing, commercial flat roofing (TPO, EPDM), metal roofing, tile/slate roofing, solar roofing integration, and waterproofing/below-grade.
AI and Automation Impact: Drone-based roof inspections and AI damage assessment tools assist with estimates and sales, but the physical installation, repair, and weatherproofing of roofs is entirely manual skilled labor that cannot be automated
Professionals who combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills and adaptability will find the best opportunities in this evolving landscape.
Every role adjacent to this one pays more: General Contractor, Carpenter and Building Inspector all sit above the Roofing Contractor's median of $47,110, and the nearest of them, Carpenter at $55,720, is $8,610 ahead. That gap is the most concrete career information on this page, because the skills overlap: the question worth asking is which of those transitions is reachable from where you stand, and what it requires that you do not already have.
After tax the picture compresses. In California, this role's median leaves about $38,774, and across the whole adjacent group the spread between the highest and lowest take-home figure is $15,791 a year. That compression is the progressive schedule at work: a gross gap of ten thousand dollars between two neighbouring occupations is worth appreciably less once the marginal rate has taken its share, which is why a move made for the salary alone disappoints more often than the gross figures suggest.
Tax Tips for Roofing Contractor Earnings
The strategies that apply to every salaried professional, the contribution limits, the bracket arithmetic and the question of moving to a state without an income tax, are set out once in the guide to tax strategies for salaried professionals rather than repeated on each occupation page.
Roofing Contractor Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for a Roofing Contractor in the United States is $47,110 in 2026. Compensation typically ranges from $30,000 for entry-level positions to $72,200 for experienced professionals in top-paying markets. Actual pay depends on experience, location, certifications, and employer size. On a median salary of $47,110, take-home pay works out to about $38,774 a year before state-specific credits.
On a $47,110 salary, a Roofing Contractor takes home approximately $85,000-$105,000 after federal, state, and FICA taxes, depending on the state and filing status. In no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida, take-home pay is higher than in states like California or New York. On a median salary of $47,110, take-home pay works out to about $38,774 a year before state-specific credits.
Entry-level Roofing Contractor professionals with 0-2 years of experience can expect to earn around $28,266 per year. Starting salaries vary significantly by location, with major metro areas offering 15-30% premiums over rural areas. On a median salary of $47,110, take-home pay works out to about $38,774 a year before state-specific credits.
The highest-paying states for Roofing Contractor professionals include IL, HI, AK. However, when adjusted for cost of living, some mid-tier states offer better purchasing power. No-income-tax states provide an additional 3-9% effective pay boost. On a median salary of $47,110, take-home pay works out to about $38,774 a year before state-specific credits.
The median hourly equivalent for a Roofing Contractor is approximately $22.65, based on 2,080 working hours per year. Actual hourly rates vary by experience level, with senior professionals earning $10-30 more per hour than entry-level. On a median salary of $47,110, take-home pay works out to about $38,774 a year before state-specific credits.
To become a Roofing Contractor, you typically need High school diploma plus on-the-job training or roofing apprenticeship (3-4 years); trade school programs available; business courses valuable for contractors. Valuable certifications include State roofing contractor license, OSHA 10/30-hour, manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT), NRCA ProCertification, fall protection certification. Most employers also value practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions.
Employment for Roofing Contractor professionals is projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032 with consistent replacement demand from weather damage, aging roofs, and energy efficiency upgrades; solar roofing integration creating new opportunities. Drone-based roof inspections and AI damage assessment tools assist with estimates and sales, but the physical installation, repair, and weatherproofing of roofs is entirely manual skilled labor that cannot be automated. The strongest opportunities are in residential shingle roofing, commercial flat roofing (TPO, EPDM), metal roofing, tile/slate roofing, solar roofing integration, and waterproofing/below-grade.
A Roofing Contractor typically spends their day installing roofing systems (shingles, TPO, EPDM, metal, tile), removing old roofing materials, inspecting roof structures for damage, waterproofing and flashing installation, estimating material quantities and costs, managing roofing crews, handling insurance restoration work, and ensuring fall protection safety compliance. The work environment involves rooftops at various heights; extreme weather exposure (heat, cold, wind); physically demanding (carrying heavy materials up ladders); high fall risk requiring safety systems; seasonal work in cold climates; storm-chasing opportunities after severe weather.
Personal finance and taxation expert. Specialized in US federal and state tax calculations, paycheck analysis, and helping Americans understand their take-home pay across all 50 states.
Sources & References
Tax rates, salary data, and deduction figures used on this page are sourced from official US government publications:
- IRS.gov, Federal income tax brackets, standard deductions, and tax procedures for the 2026 tax year
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for median salary data
- Social Security Administration (SSA.gov), Social Security wage base, FICA tax rates, and Medicare thresholds
- IRS Tax Withholding Estimator, Federal paycheck withholding calculations and verification
Last reviewed and updated: 2026-09-27. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice.