How to Become a Roofer — Salary, Training & Licensing
Every building needs a roof — and when that roof leaks, the roofer is the first call. Roofers install, repair, and maintain the roofing systems that protect everything underneath from rain, snow, wind, and sun. It's physically demanding, occasionally dangerous, and absolutely essential work that's has a 95% AI-era demand score because AI-driven construction is building more roofs than ever and every one needs skilled hands.
95% High Demand
$38K–$80K+
Salary Range
High
Demand
+5%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Roofer Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon CCB contractor license required for roofing contractors. Oregon BOLI oversees apprenticeships. United Union of Roofers credentials valued.
Training Programs
United Union of Roofers Local 49 (Portland) offers apprenticeship programs. Oregon's rainy climate requires specialized knowledge in waterproofing, drainage, and moisture-barrier roofing systems.
United Union of Roofers Local 49, McDonald & Wetle (Portland), Snyder Roofing, commercial roofing contractors, waterproofing specialists, green/vegetative roofing installers.
Career Overview
Is this career right for you?
✓You're physically strong and comfortable working at heights — roofing is not for the faint of heart
✓You enjoy outdoor work and don't mind weather exposure
✓You want a trade where you can start earning quickly with minimal training costs
✓You like immediate results — a completed roof is visible, tangible proof of your work
✓You want a clear path to owning your own roofing business
✓You're safety-conscious — falls are the #1 hazard in roofing, and safety discipline saves lives
Your Roadmap
1
Get Your FoundationAges 16-18
Get any construction experience — general labor, framing, or helping a roofer
Get in good physical shape — roofing demands strength, balance, and endurance
Get OSHA 10 safety certification — fall protection is critical knowledge
Research the United Union of Roofers apprenticeship and local roofing companies
Look for helper/laborer positions with roofing contractors to start learning immediately
[Interactive: Find roofing apprenticeship programs near you]
2
Enter an Apprenticeship or Start WorkingAges 18-21
Apply to the United Union of Roofers apprenticeship (3-4 year program) or apprentice with a non-union contractor
Learn roofing systems: asphalt shingles, flat/low-slope membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC), metal roofing, and tile
Master tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation installation
Complete classroom training on safety, blueprint reading, and roofing science
Build proficiency with roofing tools: nail guns, hot-air welders, seam rollers, and metal brakes
3
Journeyman RooferAges 21-25
Complete your apprenticeship or build 3-4 years of field experience
Earn journeyman wages ($22-38+/hour depending on region and union status)
Develop proficiency in both steep-slope (residential) and low-slope (commercial) roofing
Get manufacturer certifications (GAF, CertainTeed, Firestone) for warranty work
Learn the business side: estimating, material ordering, and crew management
4
Specialize & AdvanceAges 25-30
Specialize in high-value areas: commercial flat roofing, metal roofing, green/vegetated roofs, or solar-ready roofing
Move into foreman roles leading roofing crews
Get additional certifications: RoofStar Guarantee, NRCA ProCertification, manufacturer master installer
Commercial roofing pays significantly more than residential — especially large-scale projects
Learn estimating and project management to increase your value
5
Business OwnershipAges 30-35
Start your own roofing company — residential, commercial, or both
Build relationships with general contractors, property managers, and insurance companies for steady referrals
Hire and train crews as your business grows
Develop storm damage/insurance restoration expertise — a massive revenue driver
Invest in marketing (Google, HomeAdvisor, referral programs) to build your customer base
6
Long-Term CareerAges 35+
Business owner with multiple crews and commercial/residential contracts
Roofing consultant or inspector specializing in roof assessments and forensic analysis
Union leadership or training director positions
Manufacturer's representative or regional sales for roofing material companies
Many roofers transition to estimating, sales, or management to reduce physical demands
Roofing Companies & Apprenticeship Pathways
United Union of Roofers
The Roofers union operates 3-4 year apprenticeship programs with paid training and full benefits. Training covers all roofing systems with emphasis on safety. Pension, health insurance, and annuity from day one.
Tecta America / Baker Roofing
Major national commercial roofing contractors with operations across the US. Offer career paths from installer to project manager on large commercial and industrial projects.
GAF / CertainTeed / Firestone
Major roofing manufacturers that certify contractors and offer training programs. GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certifications are highly valued.
Beacon Building Products / ABC Supply
Major roofing material distributors that hire experienced roofers for sales, estimating, and technical support roles. Good transition from field to sales.
Storm Restoration Companies
Companies specializing in insurance restoration after storms. High-volume, fast-paced work with strong earning potential. Major employers after hurricanes, hailstorms, and wind events.
Roofing faces a severe labor shortage — the physically demanding nature and weather exposure make it hard to recruit young workers, which means experienced roofers command strong wages. Storm damage creates surge demand that pushes earnings even higher. Business ownership in roofing is very achievable with relatively low startup costs.
Roofing has one of the lowest barriers to entry of any trade — you can start as a helper at 18 with no training costs and be earning journeyman wages within 3-4 years. A roofing business can be started with basic tools and a truck. By 25, a skilled roofer running their own company can earn $70K+ while a college grad is still paying off $40K in student loans. Storm restoration work can push business owner earnings well past $100K.
The Real Talk
The Good
Low barrier to entry — start earning immediately with minimal training costs
95% AI-era demand score — AI-driven construction and solar integration are creating record demand for roofers
Clear path to business ownership with relatively low startup costs
Storm damage creates surge demand with premium pricing
Commercial roofing pays well and provides year-round work in most climates
Strong union pathway with pension, health insurance, and ongoing training
The Hard Parts
One of the most physically demanding trades — heat, heavy materials, constant climbing
Falls are the #1 hazard — roofing has a higher injury rate than most trades
Extreme weather exposure — summer roofing in hot climates is brutal
Seasonal slowdowns in northern regions during winter months
The physical demands limit career longevity in field work — plan for transition to management or sales
Is It Worth It?
Roofing is not for everyone — it's hot, heavy, and physically punishing. But for those who can handle the conditions, it offers one of the fastest paths to good money and business ownership in the construction trades. Every building needs a roof, every roof eventually needs replacement, and every storm creates surge demand. The labor shortage means skilled roofers are in high demand, and the path from helper to business owner is shorter than in almost any other trade. If you're tough, safety-conscious, and entrepreneurially minded, roofing can build you a very comfortable life.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.