How to Become a Roofer
Trade Career How-To Guides / How to Become a Roofer
How to Apply for Roofing Training School, What to Expect, and Why It’s a Great Career Choice
If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, and seeing your work make a visible impact on homes and buildings, roofing could be the perfect career for you. Roofers install, repair, and maintain the structures that protect everything beneath them. The roofing industry offers consistent demand, excellent earning potential, and opportunities to advance into supervision or business ownership. This guide explains how to apply to a roofing training program, what to expect during training, how to pay for it, and why roofing is a reliable and rewarding career path.
What Does a Roofer Do?
Roofers are skilled tradespeople who specialize in constructing and repairing roofs using a variety of materials. Their work combines technical precision, physical endurance, and safety awareness. Depending on the type of roof and project, roofers may work on residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities. Common duties include:
- Installation: Laying shingles, metal panels, tiles, or membranes to create watertight, durable roofing systems.
- Repair and Maintenance: Replacing damaged sections, sealing leaks, and performing regular inspections to maintain roof integrity.
- Roof Preparation: Measuring, cutting, and installing underlayment and insulation to ensure roofs are properly supported and weather-resistant.
- Safety Setup: Setting up scaffolding, harnesses, and barriers to ensure safe working conditions on high or sloped surfaces.
- Cleanup and Finishing: Removing old roofing materials and cleaning up debris after installations to complete each project professionally.
Step 1: Research Roofing Training Schools and Apprenticeship Programs
While many roofers start as helpers and learn on the job, formal training or an apprenticeship can help you develop skills faster and increase your earning potential. Here’s what to consider when researching programs:
- Accreditation: Choose a program recognized by organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Accreditation ensures high-quality training and employer recognition.
- Program Length: Roofing training programs typically last 3 to 6 months for trade school certificates, while union apprenticeships last 3 to 4 years and include paid on-the-job experience.
- Curriculum: Look for a curriculum that covers roofing materials, installation methods, safety procedures, blueprint reading, and weatherproofing techniques.
- Hands-On Training: A strong program includes extensive field practice. Students gain real-world experience installing and repairing various roofing systems under expert supervision.
- Job Placement Assistance: Many schools and unions offer job placement help after graduation, connecting you directly with roofing contractors and construction firms.
Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before applying to a roofing program or apprenticeship, you’ll need to meet a few minimum qualifications:
- Age: Applicants are typically required to be at least 18 years old to work on construction sites.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Courses in math, geometry, and shop can be useful for understanding measurements and material estimates.
- Physical Fitness: Roofing requires strength, balance, and endurance. You’ll need to be comfortable working on ladders, scaffolds, and sloped surfaces.
- Driver’s License: Many roofing jobs require a valid driver’s license for transportation between job sites.
- Drug and Background Check: Some programs and employers require drug screening or background checks to ensure safety compliance.
Step 3: Apply to a Roofing Training Program
Once you’ve selected a program that fits your needs, you can start the application process. While requirements may vary, most programs include the following steps:
- Application Form: Complete an application online or in person, providing your contact details, education history, and interest in the roofing trade.
- Proof of Education and ID: Provide documentation of your high school diploma or GED, along with a valid photo ID.
- Physical Exam: Some schools or unions require a physical fitness assessment to ensure you can safely handle the physical demands of roofing work.
- Interview or Orientation: Attend an interview or orientation session where you can learn more about program expectations, training schedules, and career opportunities.
Step 4: Complete Roofing Training
Your training will combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience to prepare you for real roofing projects. This blend of theory and practice ensures you’re ready for the job site from day one.
Classroom Instruction
Classroom lessons focus on roofing techniques, safety practices, and industry standards. Common subjects include:
- Roofing Materials: Study different materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and single-ply membranes, learning how to select the right one for each project.
- Blueprint Reading: Learn to interpret construction plans to determine material needs, slope angles, and installation sequences.
- Weatherproofing and Insulation: Understand how to properly seal, flash, and insulate roofing systems for long-term durability and energy efficiency.
- Safety and OSHA Standards: Study fall protection, ladder safety, and proper tool use to prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
Hands-On Training
Field training provides practical experience in roof installation and repair. Under supervision, you’ll practice techniques and develop real-world confidence.
- Shingle and Metal Roof Installation: Learn to cut, align, and fasten materials on different roof types and pitches.
- Flat Roof Systems: Gain experience installing built-up, rubber, and membrane systems commonly used on commercial buildings.
- Repair and Maintenance: Practice diagnosing and fixing leaks, replacing damaged sections, and performing seasonal maintenance.
Step 5: Earn Certification and Start Working
After completing your training, you’ll be qualified to begin work as a professional roofer or roofing apprentice. Certification can boost your credibility and earning potential.
- Journeyman Status: Completing a union apprenticeship or equivalent program qualifies you as a journeyman roofer, allowing you to work independently or train others.
- Manufacturer Certifications: Many roofing material manufacturers offer certification courses that allow you to specialize in specific products and systems.
- Career Opportunities: Roofers can find employment with roofing contractors, general construction firms, or even start their own roofing businesses. Experienced roofers may advance into estimator, supervisor, or foreman roles.
How to Pay for Roofing Training
Roofing training is affordable compared to college degrees, and many programs offer financial assistance or paid on-the-job learning. Common ways to fund your education include:
- Apprenticeship Wages: Most roofing apprenticeships are paid positions, allowing you to earn while you learn.
- Financial Aid: Accredited trade schools may qualify for federal or state aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to explore available grants or loans.
- Union Sponsorship: Many local roofing unions cover the cost of training and provide tools and materials for accepted apprentices.
- Scholarships: Roofing industry organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and local trade associations offer scholarships for aspiring roofers.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans may use GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of trade school or apprenticeship training in the roofing industry.
Roofing Schools, Programs & Apprenticeships.
Browse Roofing programs listed on TradeSchoolDudes.com. Filter by state or search by program name to find training that matches your goals.
| Program | State | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Roofers Local 8 – Roofing Apprenticeship Program | New York | Roofing Apprenticeship Training (Union, Full-Time) Commercial & Residential Roofing Apprenticeship Waterproofing & Air Barrier Systems Training Pathway to Journeyperson Roofer Status The Roofers Local 8 Apprenticeship Program in New York State provides a comprehensive pathway |
| Advanced Roofing, Inc. – ABC Roofing Apprenticeship Program | Florida | Roofing Apprenticeship Training (Full-Time, On-the-Job) Commercial Roofing Mechanic Training Pathway to Roofing Mechanic II and Leadman Roles College-Credit-Eligible Roofing Apprenticeship The ABC Roofing Apprenticeship Program at Advanced Roofing, Inc. provides a structured, nationally accredited pathway |
| New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association – Roofer Apprenticeship Program | New Mexico | Roofer Apprenticeship Training (Full-Time, On-the-Job) Commercial and Residential Roofing Apprenticeship Pathway to Journeyman Roofer Certification The New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association (NMRCA) Roofer Apprenticeship Program provides paid, full-time training for individuals interested in beginning a |
| Roofers Local #188 – Roofing Apprenticeship Program | West Virginia | Roofing Apprenticeship Training (Full-Time, On-the-Job) Commercial and Residential Roofing Apprenticeship Pathway to Journeyman Roofer Status The Roofers Local #188 Apprenticeship Program provides full-time, paid training for individuals interested in beginning a career in the roofing |
| Roofers Local 143 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | Roofers Local 143 offers a comprehensive apprenticeship program that trains individuals to become skilled union roofers prepared to work on large-scale commercial, industrial, and government projects. Apprentices are taught to work with a wide range |
| Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin – Roofing Apprenticeship | Wisconsin | Roofing Apprenticeship (4-Year Program) Hands-on Residential and Commercial Roofing Training Pathway to Journeyman Roofer Certification The Roofing Apprenticeship Program through the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) provides in-depth training in the installation, |
| Delaware Roofing Apprenticeship Program | Delaware | The Delaware Roofing Apprenticeship Program is designed for individuals looking to enter the roofing industry. Apprentices learn to install and repair all types of roofing systems, including asphalt shingles, tile roofs, and metal roofing. The |
Why You Should Get Into Roofing
When most people think about a solid, hands-on career that offers job security, a good paycheck, and satisfaction at the end of the day, roofing probably doesn’t come to mind. But here’s the thing: roofing isn’t just a job, it’s a career that offers more than most people realize. If you’re looking for a trade that provides freedom, growth, and the satisfaction of seeing your work literally stand above everyone else’s, then roofing might just be the career you’re looking for. Here’s why you should seriously consider getting into the roofing game.
Roofing: A Trade That Will Never Go Out of Style
Let’s be real—people need roofs. Always. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial, roofs are a critical part of every building, and they wear out or get damaged over time. In other words, the demand for roofing work is never going to disappear. In fact, as more and more people build homes, offices, and commercial buildings, the demand for roofers is only going up. This means job security, my dude. There’s always going to be a need for skilled roofers to keep people covered—literally.
The Pay: Roofers Make Good Money
Now let’s talk numbers—because let’s face it, that’s what everyone wants to know. Roofing isn’t a minimum wage job; it’s a trade that can bring in some serious dough. Starting pay for an apprentice roofer is usually around $40,000 per year, but once you gain experience, you can make upwards of $60,000 to $70,000 a year. And if you specialize in high-end residential roofing or commercial projects, you can make even more. Some experienced roofers, especially those who run their own businesses, are making six figures. That’s not bad for a job where you can learn on the job, with minimal schooling required.
Physical Work That Keeps You Fit
If you like the idea of staying active and not being stuck behind a desk all day, roofing is perfect for you. This job is physically demanding, and you’ll never find yourself bored. From hauling materials up ladders to climbing roofs in all sorts of weather conditions, roofing keeps you on your toes. It’s a job that builds strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Plus, because you’re working on roofs all day, you’re bound to get in better shape. It's not the typical office job where you’re glued to a chair—roofing is all about staying in motion and staying fit while you work.
Hands-On Work: Get Immediate Results
One of the best things about roofing is that it’s a trade that shows immediate results. Unlike jobs that involve sitting in front of a computer and creating plans or reports, roofing is all about seeing your work take shape in real time. When you finish a roof, you can step back and say, “I built that.” There’s a level of satisfaction that comes with seeing your work completed in such a visible way. Every time you look at a building, you’ll be able to say, “I helped put that roof over someone’s head.”
Roofing: A Skill You Can Take Anywhere
Roofing isn’t just a local trade—it’s a skill that can take you places. Want to travel the country or even the world? Roofing gives you that option. Skilled roofers are needed everywhere. From commercial roofing projects in big cities to emergency storm damage repairs in rural areas, you can find work almost anywhere you go. Whether you’re helping to rebuild after a natural disaster or working on a luxury home in a new development, roofing opens doors to a wide variety of projects. If you ever get tired of working in one location, you can take your skills and work wherever you want.
Independence: Own Your Own Roofing Business
One of the most appealing aspects of roofing as a career is the ability to work for yourself. Once you’ve built up enough experience, you can start your own roofing business. Imagine being your own boss, making your own schedule, and taking home all the profits from the work you do. Whether you want to specialize in residential roofing, commercial roofing, or even both, owning your own business can be incredibly rewarding. You set your prices, your work hours, and the jobs you want to take on. Plus, being a roofing contractor puts you in a position to hire other roofers, grow your company, and really make an impact in your community.
Job Flexibility: Work Year-Round
One concern some people have about roofing is the potential for downtime in the off-season. While it’s true that roofing is often seasonal in some areas, many roofing companies offer year-round work, especially if they’re involved in commercial or emergency services. And with the right skills, you can specialize in areas like metal roofing, flat roofing, or even solar roof installations, which are in high demand year-round. If you’re working for a company that specializes in emergency storm damage repairs or commercial roofing, you’re likely to have work no matter what time of year it is. So while roofing might slow down during the winter in some areas, the right skills will keep you employed and earning year-round.
Roofing Is About Problem-Solving
Another reason roofing is such a solid trade is that it involves a lot of problem-solving. No two roofs are the same. Every project comes with its own unique challenges, from the type of roofing material to the condition of the roof itself. Whether you’re working on a flat roof or a steep-pitched roof, each job requires critical thinking and creative solutions. You’ll need to figure out the best way to approach each project, what materials are most appropriate, and how to get the job done efficiently. And when you figure it out, there’s a real sense of accomplishment in knowing you solved the puzzle and got it done right.
There’s Always Room for Advancement
Another reason to consider roofing is the potential for advancement. As you gain more experience, you can move up in the ranks. Whether it’s becoming a roofing supervisor, managing large-scale projects, or moving into sales or estimating, there’s always a way to grow. The more experience you gain, the more you can take on leadership roles, which translates into better pay and greater opportunities. And if you’re the entrepreneurial type, starting your own roofing company is a natural progression as you build a reputation and gain more experience in the industry.
Respect for Roofers
Being a roofer comes with a certain amount of respect. It’s hard work, often in tough conditions, but it’s also a skill that everyone values. After all, a roof is one of the most important parts of any building. It protects everything inside from the elements, keeps homes warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and provides shelter. Roofers are literally the people who make sure that buildings stand strong and safe. Whether you're repairing a roof after a storm or installing a new one from scratch, you’re doing work that matters and earns respect.
Start Your Roofing Career Today
If you’re looking for a career that offers good pay, job security, physical activity, and the satisfaction of seeing your hard work literally standing above the rest, roofing is the way to go. Whether you want to work for a company or eventually start your own business, roofing provides plenty of opportunities. It’s a trade that keeps you on your toes, gives you real-world results, and rewards you for your hard work. So grab your tools, find an apprenticeship or training program, and start building your future—one roof at a time.