Roofer
Keep the weather out. Roofers install and repair the roof systems that protect every building — asphalt shingle for residential, single-ply membrane (TPO/EPDM) for commercial, slate and metal for premium work.
Roofer goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Roofer trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Roofers tear off old roofing, install underlayment and flashing, and apply the new roof material. The work is fast-paced, weather-dependent, and physical. Heights and ladders are constant.
Specializations diverge by material. Residential Roofers work asphalt shingle and metal. Commercial Roofers work single-ply membrane (TPO, EPDM, PVC) on flat roofs. Slate Roofers work historic and high-end residential — premium pay.
Most roofers work for roofing subcontractors. The trade has high turnover and reliable hiring — direct hire is the standard path. Union UURWAW work on commercial and federal projects pays better with stronger benefits.
How you move up as a Roofer
Most roofers come up through the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (UURWAW) 3-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a roofing subcontractor. BLS OES 47-2181, May 2024.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Roofers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Roofer trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Roofer trade
UURWAW Roofers Union
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers — the dominant roofing union. Locals serve VA/DC/MD/NC. UURWAW →
ABC Roofing Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered roofing apprenticeships through ABC Virginia, ABC Metro Washington, ABC Greater Baltimore.
Direct hire on roofing crew
Most roofers come in as helpers at residential or commercial roofers. No prior credentials required. Pay scales with demonstrated speed.
Certifications that help
NRCA ProCertification (Journeyman, Foreman), OSHA 10/30, fall-protection trainer, manufacturer Master Installer (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning), HAAG storm-damage inspector.
Common pathways into Roofer work
KinTrades welcomes Roofer workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Air Force 3E3X1 Structural covers roofing in civil-engineering work. Navy BU (Builder, Seabees) handles military-construction roofing.
Army 12W Carpentry & Masonry may overlap depending on assignment.
Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to UURWAW + ABC roofing apprenticeships.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Roofing has the lowest entry barrier of any construction trade — most roofers come in as helpers with no prior credentials. UURWAW apprenticeships start at age 18.
Direct hire is the most common path.
FastForward VA covers construction-trade tuition for VA students.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Roofing is among the most second-chance friendly trades on KinTrades.
The work is hot, hard, and reliably hiring — most roofing contractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to work weather-exposed.
UURWAW and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.
Second-chance hiringIf Roofer interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Roofer
What does a Roofer do?
Roofers tear off old roofing, install underlayment and flashing, and apply the new roof material. The work is fast-paced, weather-dependent, and physical. Heights and ladders are constant.
What does a Roofer make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Roofers earn an annual median of $48K in Virginia (range $36K–$64K), $58K in DC ($44K–$76K), $52K in Maryland ($40K–$70K), and $44K in North Carolina ($34K–$58K).
How do you become a Roofer?
UURWAW Roofers Union: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers — the dominant roofing union. Locals serve VA/DC/MD/NC. UURWAW →
How long is Roofer apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
2–3 years to journey-level. Most roofers come up through the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (UURWAW) 3-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a roofing subcontractor.
Is Roofer a good career path for someone with a record?
Roofing is among the most second-chance friendly trades on KinTrades. The work is hot, hard, and reliably hiring — most roofing contractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to work weather-exposed. UURWAW and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.