Roofer Jobs in the USA: Salary, Skills, and Career Growth

Being a roofer is one of the jobs that can land you a work visa sponsorship in the United States. A roofer is someone skilled in roof construction, installation, and repair. It’s a challenging yet delicate role that requires skills and experience in roofing. They often work on the top of buildings, from bungalows to skyscrapers, while ensuring the building is shielded from harsh weather. Whether citizens or foreign nationals, people skilled in roofing are needed in the US construction industry. Likewise, working as a roofer in the US has benefits, which we will find out shortly. If you have what it takes to be a roofer in the US, then you should pay attention to all the information we have for you.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Roofer in the United States

The roof is an important area of any building, and it is key in protection from heavy rain, scorching sun, winds and snowfall. However, the roof itself cannot provide all of these unless there’s an expert to fix them accordingly. It takes an expert to repair a roof that keeps rain out and prevents leaks. Without wasting time, let’s see some responsibilities of a roofer:

• Tend to different roofing systems such as working with roof with thermal regulation, sound insulation, and air ventilation.
• Work closely with the client to get details of what they would like, as well as the estimate for the project.
• Removing old roofing materials such as shingles and debris from the old roofing materials to prepare for the new one.
• Measure and calculate the quantities of needed materials.
• Purchasing roofing materials.
• Installation of new roofing systems, such as metal panels and asphalt shingles,
• Detect and fix roof defects such as wear and tear, damages, or potential issues.
• Roof maintenance and routine inspection.
• Maintain a hazard-free work environment and comply with safety protocols, especially when working with high buildings.

Tops Cities For Roofing Jobs in the US 

Here are the top 5 cities perfect for a Roofer in the United States looking for consistent jobs and excellent pay:

1. San Antonio

If you need a reason why you should be a roofer in San Antonio, Texas, then its housing market and commercial development are more than enough. Likewise, it houses several companies and contractors, so it’s easy to spread your application across these companies. With Texas experiencing rapid population growth, San Antonio remains a substantial market for roofing jobs, from new builds to storm damage repairs. In San Antonio, the average salary per year is about $40,000.

2. Seattle

With an average annual salary of $59,000, you can agree that Seattle, Washington, is one of the US cities offering excellent pay. In addition to the fantastic pay, the Seattle real estate market is blossoming meaning you don’t have to panic about being out of job. Roofing falls into the construction sector, and with the development of new residential and commercial projects, there’s a lot of work to go around. Aside from fresh projects, roof repair is also a common thing in Seattle since Seattle is a city with a wet climate. You can find an excellent job in this fantastic city if you have good roofing knowledge and can provide solutions to roof damage.

3. Lexington

Lexington is popularly known for its historical buildings and is home to many cultural heritage which always draw people’s attention. Kentucky, generally of which Lexington is no exception, experiences seasonal weather changes that impact roofs, so there’s always a need for roofers. The roofing sector in Lexington is quite competitive with lots of roofing companies. With the numerous roofing industries in Lexington, it’s easy to get into any of them so far you meet their requirements. You can expect an annual salary of $ 38,000.

4. Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with a strong construction industry supporting both new developments and renovations. If we describe Columbus, it’s a mixture of old and recent buildings. This makes it a befitting city for roofers who are good with installation and repairs. If you’re a roofing professional with knowledge of energy-efficient and weather-resistant roofing systems, you might want to give Columbus a shot. Regarding salary, the average annual salary is about $40,000, which is impressive for a fast-growing city like Columbus.

5. Buffalo

For a city like Buffalo, New York, that experiences heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions, the role of roofers can’t be underplayed. The impact of the heavy snowballs on house roofs has caused structural damages and, in mild cases, leaks. This has no doubt led to the constant demand for a roofer that can help with repair and maintenance. Since it’s in the popular city of New York, the pay is quite good, with an average salary of $50,000.

Requirements and Qualifications 

Becoming a roof worker is not something you wake up to; it’s something that you must be intentional about. There are a lot of efforts that go into being a roofer, especially if you want to practice in the United States. Here are some key requirements:

• Complete an apprenticeship training with a roofing company to gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
• Have at least a high-school diploma or something equivalent to stand a chance at jobs. Also, attending a trade school will help you stand out.
• Consider taking a course in construction management; it will help you increase your chances of employment.
• Although being a roofer does not need an advanced degree, getting your roof construction license and certification will go a long way.
• Foreign nationals who want to work as a roofer in the US should consider getting a work visa sponsorship from a US employer in the construction sector.
• Meeting visa requirements is another thing a foreign worker aiming to work in the US must do.

Benefits Of Working as a Roofer in the United States

Beyond the satisfaction of beautifying and securing people’s buildings, roofers in the US enjoy other things.

1. Advanced Degree Is Usually Not Needed

Like many labor jobs, roofing jobs do not require an advanced degree. In terms of education, you need your expertise and a minimum of a high school diploma; then you are good to go. If you don’t have a degree and want a job that does not restrain you due to your lack of a degree, I guess you have found the perfect career path for yourself. 

2. Health Insurance

Being in good health is non-negotiable for a physical job like roofing. Most employers know this, which is why most construction companies in the US offer health insurance to their employees, especially those working long-term. This coverage allows roofers to take good care of their health and return to work quickly after treatment to give their best. 

3. Staying Active

The roofing sector is perfect for anyone who likes to be up and doing. For someone who prefers jobs that require activeness rather than being boxed up. Working in the roofing industry allows you to explore, work outside, and exercise while doing your job. This not only helps you achieve your career goal but also helps you stay physically fit.

4. Great Pay

One of the jobs that earns good pay in the US is being a roofer. On average, a roofer takes home a minimum of $40,000 annually, which is reasonable since not many laborious jobs will get you that pay. With this, you can save up or invest your money into something tangible, and for foreign nationals who want to send money home, it will be easier for them.

5. Career Development

If you want to build a career as a roofer, working regularly will help you become so good at the job. Likewise, it’s a good space to gain international experience for foreign nationals, which could be a good bonus in the labor market or when they return to their home country. Since the roofing industry in the US now adapts to technologies, working in this sector allows you to learn and adapt to new industry practices.

Type of US Visa for Roofers

As a foreign national who wants to work in the roofing industry in the United States, you need a visa that permits you to work legally. So, how do you go about that? Here are some visas that can help you achieve that:

• H-2B Visa
• EB-3 Visa

How to Apply for a Roofer Role in the United States

The application process is relatively straightforward for a US citizen or green card holder. You just need to get the necessary certification and expertise, look for job openings, apply and ace the interview. On the other hand, foreign nationals must apply for a visa to seek work visa sponsorship and the essential job requirements. To get started, search and apply for jobs in the US.