When asked what they want to be when they grow up, most children don't say "a roofer!" But as student loan debt rises and the demand for skilled trades hits an all-time high, that perception is changing. The next generation realizes that a roofing salary can provide a long-term career with solid pay and benefits, along with a clear path to grow and advance.
As with any career, the pay range varies based on the type of role, years of experience, and where the job is located. Here's a closer look at the opportunities available across the industry and what the average roofing salary looks like for each role. As you'll see, the roofing industry has opportunities for just about anyone.
Roofing Salary and the Opportunities Available
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) classifies roles in the industry into five categories, including field, shop, office, manufacturing, and distribution positions. Let's take a closer look at each category, including typical responsibilities and the average roofing salary for each role.
In the Field/On the Roof
Many people get their start in the roofing industry as a general laborer. No prior experience is required, making it a strong entry point for those who want to learn on the job and work outdoors. General laborers support the crew as needed and can expect to earn an average roofing salary of about $42,000 per year.
Skilled laborers or apprentices typically work under the supervision of experienced crews, learning how to install different roofing systems while gaining knowledge of codes and safety requirements. These roles earn an average roofing salary of about $50,000 per year.
With experience, workers can advance into higher-level positions, including service technician or roof mechanic roles focused on repairs and diagnostics ($58,000–$60,000 per year); foreman positions that lead crews ($78,000 per year); and sheet metal mechanic roles responsible for fabricating job-specific metal components ($80,000 per year).
Career progression can ultimately lead to job superintendent or construction manager positions, which average about $96,000 per year. The NRCA has documented these career pathways, along with the typical time required to advance at each level, highlighting the long-term growth opportunities available through roofing contractors.
💡 PRO TIP: Roofing salaries can fluctuate by 15–20% depending on your region. High-demand areas like the Northeast and Pacific Northwest often offer higher starting rates due to specialized weatherproofing needs.
In the Shop/Warehouse
If working outdoors isn't your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to work in the shop or warehouse for a roofing company. These roles help ensure that all tools and equipment are ready for each job, and typically start at an average roofing salary of about $44,000 per year. Warehouse or yard managers can earn an average of about $70,000 per year, while fleet managers, who ensure that all company vehicles are maintained and tracked, come in at around $75,000 per year. Many contractors also have their own sheet metal shops where fabricators can earn $80,000 per year on average.
You'll find that every roofing project is different, which means no two days on the job are the same. This variety keeps the work engaging and provides ongoing opportunities to tackle new challenges.
In the Office
A roofing company is a business, and every business has the need for administrative support roles. These positions include office managers, administrative assistants, and project, service, and operations managers. These roles are vital to keeping the business running and NRCA reports that roofing salaries for these roles typically start around $55,000 and can exceed $100,000 as individuals advance into more senior positions.
Estimators and sales professionals also play a critical role by securing projects and accurately pricing work to maintain profitability. The average roofing salary for these positions begins in the mid-$70,000 range. For many sales roles, compensation includes commissions on completed projects, creating strong earning potential that can reach six figures or more.
Manufacturing and Distribution Roles
Working in the roofing industry doesn't just mean working for a roofing contractor. There are many opportunities with manufacturers, such as GAF, as well as with distribution companies that supply roofing products to contractors and job sites.
With many locations across North America, GAF is one of the leading employers in the industry and has many career opportunities that offer a competitive roofing salary. From the production line to human resources to marketing, there is an opportunity for just about any background and skill level.
Success Spotlight: Austin Teague's Career Transformation
The statistics for roofing salaries are impressive, but the real value of the industry is the people who build it. In this video, GAF Roofing Academy graduate Austin Teague shares his journey and explains how professional training and the right mindset can turn an entry-level job into a high-potential career.
With competitive roofing salaries and clear career paths, now is the best time to consider joining this dynamic industry. GAF is committed to supporting the industry by offering training and educational opportunities at no cost to participants. The GAF CARE Contractor Training Center helps industry professionals grow their skills through both online education and hands-on training. For those looking for entry-level roofing jobs, GAF offers the GAF Roofing Academy, which prepares graduates for a roofing career and provides potential opportunities for interviews with GAF-certified contractors.
