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Employment Prospects

Employers

There are approximately 161,600 people employed as roofers in the United States. Most (about 73 percent) work for established roofing contractors. Approximately 19 percent of roofers are self-employed, and many specialize in residential work.

Starting Out

People who are planning to start out as helpers and learn on the job can directly contact roofing contractors to inquire about possible openings. Job leads may also be located through the local office of the state employment service, online employment sites, or newspaper classified ads. Graduates of vocational schools may get useful information from their schools' placement offices.

People who want to become apprentices can learn about apprenticeships in their area by contacting local roofing contractors, the state employment service, or the local office of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.