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Roofer
Skilled TradesYou work on top of buildings in blazing sun, freezing rain, and wind that's trying to kill you. You'll haul shingles up ladders, tear off old roofs with your bare hands (and a pry bar), and balance on sloped surfaces that would make a mountain goat nervous. The views are great if you're not terrified of heights.
Salary Range
Low
$32k
Median
$47k
High
$72k
10-Year Growth
average
US Workers
156K
Education
No formal education — on-the-job training + apprenticeship
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Asphalt shingle, membrane, and metal roof installation
- ▸Roofing nail gun and torch operation
- ▸Flashing and waterproofing techniques
- ▸Roof deck inspection and repair
- ▸OSHA fall protection compliance
- ▸Blueprint and specification reading
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Physical endurance
- ▸Heat and weather tolerance
- ▸Teamwork
- ▸Safety awareness
- ▸Reliability
What you'll actually do
- 01Tear off old roofing materials while discovering horrors that were hiding underneath
- 02Install shingles, membrane, or metal roofing in heat that turns the surface into a frying pan
- 03Carry 80-pound bundles of shingles up a ladder because the conveyor broke again
- 04Apply tar and sealant while pretending the fumes aren't making you lightheaded
- 05Work on slopes steep enough to make your life insurance agent nervous
- 06Check weather forecasts obsessively because rain means no work and no pay
Related Shifts
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