Roofers

The earnings of roofers vary widely depending on how many hours they work, geographical location, skills and experience, and other factors. Sometimes bad weather prevents them from working, and some weeks they work fewer than 20 hours. They make up for lost time in other weeks, and if they work longer hours than the standard workweek (usually 40 hours), they receive extra pay for the overtime. While roofers in northern states may not work in the winter, most roofers work year-round.

In May 2019, median hourly earnings of roofers were $20.24, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, or a $42,100 yearly salary for full-time work. Annual wages ranged from less than $26,540 to more than $70,920. Mean annual earnings for foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors were $46,240 annually. Those who worked in residential building construction averaged $48,480 annually.

Hourly rates for apprentices usually start at about 50 to 60 percent of the skilled worker's rate and increase periodically until the pay reaches 90 percent of the full rate during the final six months. Workers who belong to a union usually receive higher hourly wages and fringe benefits.