Roofers

Employment for roofers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Roofers will continue to be in demand for the construction of new buildings, and roofs tend to need more maintenance and repair work than other parts of buildings. About 75 percent of roofing work is on existing structures. Roofers will always be needed for roof repairs and replacement, even during economic downturns when construction activity generally decreases. Also, damp-proofing and waterproofing are expected to provide an increasing proportion of the work done by roofers. On the other hand, more construction workers are completing roofing projects as part of their work, which could impede job growth.

Turnover in this job is high because roofing work is strenuous, hot, and dirty. Many workers consider roofing a temporary job and move into other construction trades. Since roofing is done during the warmer part of the year, job opportunities will probably be best during spring and summer.

There is a shortage of skilled roofers. “Lack of qualified workers” was listed as the top concern of roofing industry professionals surveyed for Roofing Contractor’s 2024 Commercial Roofing Trends report. Sixty-one percent of contractors cited it as a major concern.