Trades & Construction

How to become a Roofer

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–6 months

Typical pay

$40k–$58k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–2 weeks

   Get hired as a roofing labourer

   Almost no crew requires experience. Expect heat, ladders and heavy loads from day one.

   Typical titles at this level

   • Roofing labourer
   • Helper
2. 2

   1 week

   Learn fall protection properly

   Roofing has one of the highest fatality rates in construction. This is not a formality.

   Course that covers thisOSHA 30-Hour Construction Practice Test 2026Udemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   3–6 months

   Learn a system end to end

   Shingle, then flat or metal. Commercial flat roofing pays better and runs year-round.

4. 4

   2–4 years

   Move to foreman or estimating

   Crews need people who can run a job and talk to a homeowner. Few can do both.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Roofer

   Browse jobs now →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.