Roofing Contractor Salary Overview
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
Compensation for a Roofing Contractor increases substantially with experience. Entry-level professionals (0-2 years) typically earn around $28,266, while mid-career professionals (3-6 years) reach the median of $47,110. Senior professionals (7-12 years) earn approximately $64,541, and those in lead or principal roles can expect $73,492 or more.
The typical career progression follows this path: Roofing Laborer → Roofer → Lead Roofer → Roofing Foreman → Estimator/Project Manager → Roofing Contractor → Roofing Company Owner. Each advancement typically requires 2-4 years and demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
| 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 |
Roofing Contractor Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Roofing Contractor in each US state.
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.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,190 | $3,604 | $37,701 | 20.0% |
| Alaska | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| Arizona | $47,110 | $3,615 | $813 | $3,604 | $39,079 | 17.0% |
| Arkansas | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,847 | $3,604 | $38,045 | 19.2% |
| California | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,117 | $3,604 | $38,774 | 17.7% |
| Colorado | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,413 | $3,604 | $38,479 | 18.3% |
| Connecticut | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,870 | $3,604 | $38,021 | 19.3% |
| Delaware | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,048 | $3,604 | $37,844 | 19.7% |
| District of Columbia | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,751 | $3,604 | $38,141 | 19.0% |
| Florida | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| Georgia | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,928 | $3,604 | $37,964 | 19.4% |
| Hawaii | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,969 | $3,604 | $36,922 | 21.6% |
| Idaho | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,886 | $3,604 | $38,006 | 19.3% |
| Illinois | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,195 | $3,604 | $37,697 | 20.0% |
| Indiana | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,437 | $3,604 | $38,455 | 18.4% |
| Iowa | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,790 | $3,604 | $38,101 | 19.1% |
| Kansas | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,028 | $3,604 | $37,863 | 19.6% |
| Kentucky | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,758 | $3,604 | $38,133 | 19.1% |
| Louisiana | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,443 | $3,604 | $38,449 | 18.4% |
| Maine | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,947 | $3,604 | $37,944 | 19.5% |
| Maryland | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,064 | $3,604 | $37,827 | 19.7% |
| Massachusetts | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,136 | $3,604 | $37,756 | 19.9% |
| Michigan | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,764 | $3,604 | $38,127 | 19.1% |
| Minnesota | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,753 | $3,604 | $38,139 | 19.0% |
| Mississippi | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,636 | $3,604 | $38,255 | 18.8% |
| Missouri | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,390 | $3,604 | $38,501 | 18.3% |
| Montana | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,672 | $3,604 | $38,219 | 18.9% |
| Nebraska | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,257 | $3,604 | $38,634 | 18.0% |
| Nevada | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| New Hampshire | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| New Jersey | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,110 | $3,604 | $38,781 | 17.7% |
| New Mexico | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,313 | $3,604 | $38,578 | 18.1% |
| New York | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,074 | $3,604 | $37,817 | 19.7% |
| North Carolina | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,546 | $3,604 | $38,345 | 18.6% |
| North Dakota | $47,110 | $3,615 | $634 | $3,604 | $39,257 | 16.7% |
| Ohio | $47,110 | $3,615 | $578 | $3,604 | $39,313 | 16.6% |
| Oklahoma | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,748 | $3,604 | $38,144 | 19.0% |
| Oregon | $47,110 | $3,615 | $3,597 | $3,604 | $36,294 | 23.0% |
| Pennsylvania | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,446 | $3,604 | $38,445 | 18.4% |
| Rhode Island | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,371 | $3,604 | $38,520 | 18.2% |
| South Carolina | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,388 | $3,604 | $38,504 | 18.3% |
| South Dakota | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| Tennessee | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| Texas | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| Utah | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,191 | $3,604 | $37,701 | 20.0% |
| Vermont | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,342 | $3,604 | $38,549 | 18.2% |
| Virginia | $47,110 | $3,615 | $2,193 | $3,604 | $37,699 | 20.0% |
| Washington | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
| West Virginia | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,575 | $3,604 | $38,316 | 18.7% |
| Wisconsin | $47,110 | $3,615 | $1,409 | $3,604 | $38,482 | 18.3% |
| Wyoming | $47,110 | $3,615 | $0 | $3,604 | $39,891 | 15.3% |
Top Cities for Roofing Contractor Pay
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.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $51,821 |
| Honolulu, HI | $51,821 |
| Anchorage, AK | $51,821 |
| New York, NY | $51,821 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,821 |
Calculate Roofing Contractor Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Tax Breakdown
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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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.
Tax Tips for Roofing Contractor Earnings
At your income level, you're likely in the 12% federal tax bracket after the standard deduction. Here are tax strategies that can make a real difference:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): If your household income qualifies, the EITC can provide a refundable credit of up to $600-$7,430 depending on filing status and dependents. Many eligible workers miss this benefit.
Saver's Credit: Contributing even small amounts to a 401(k) or IRA can earn you an additional tax credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly) through the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit.
Free Filing Options: With income under $79,000, you qualify for IRS Free File. Use this instead of paying for tax preparation software. Many states also offer free filing programs.
Standard Deduction: The 2026 standard deduction of $15,000 (single) or $30,000 (married filing jointly) means most workers at this income level won't benefit from itemizing. Keep things simple and take the standard deduction.
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 $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.
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.
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.
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.
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.