Understanding the true worth of Roofing professionals in your community.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
✔ Roofers in the U.S. earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, with top professionals exceeding that range.
✔ Location, experience, and specialization all play major roles in determining pay.
✔ Roofers in New York, including Poughkeepsie, typically earn above the national average.
✔ Skilled, certified roofers justify their rates through safety, quality, and technical ability.
✔ Homeowners benefit from understanding roofing salaries to make informed hiring decisions.
Roofing is one of the most essential yet underestimated trades in home improvement. Homeowners often wonder, how much do roofers make?—a question that reveals not only curiosity about wages but also an appreciation for the skill, precision, and hard work behind every completed roof. Knowing the average roofing salary helps homeowners understand the value of quality craftsmanship and why hiring experienced professionals ensures long-term protection for their homes.
Across the U.S., roofers earn fair wages that reflect their expertise, the risks they face, and the critical role they play in safeguarding properties from the elements.
Experienced teams like Lyndsey Roofing exemplify that value—combining certified skill, safety commitment, and craftsmanship that reflects both national standards and local expectations.
How Much Do Roofers Make?
Roofers in the U.S. earn a wage that reflects the combination of skill, physical labor, risk, and local market conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for roofers was $50,970 in May 2024.
- The lowest 10% earned less than $37,060, and the highest 10% earned more than $80,780.
- Converting the median to hourly terms (assuming around 2,080 work hours per year) yields roughly $24.50/hour.
- Entry-level roofers (near the bottom percentile) may indeed find starting wages closer to $30,000–$40,000 annually, depending on location and employer.
- Top-earning roofers—especially those in management, highly specialized roofing types, or union settings—can exceed $80,000.
National Average Roofer Salary
- The BLS also presents mean wage data: in May 2023, roofers had a mean hourly wage of $26.85 and a mean annual wage of $55,840.
- According to PayScale’s more recent wage-survey reports, the average hourly rate for roofers in 2025 is around $22.40/hour (with a typical range from about $16 to $34)
- Using those figures:
- At $26.85/hr (mean) × 2,080 hours = ~$55,840/year (consistent with mean)
- At $22.40/hr (survey average) × 2,080 = ~$46,592/year
These multiple data sources show that a reasonable national full-time range sits between $40,000 and $65,000 for many roofers, with the possibility to go above $80,000 for top performers or specialized roles.
Regional Roofing Salary Differences
- For New York State, BLS’s state tables (May 2023) include wage estimates for many occupations, though the detailed roofer row is embedded in the downloadable OEWS spreadsheets.
- As of July 2025, Salary.com reports that roofers in New York average $43,103/year, with hourly rates around $21/hr. The reported range is from $35,091 (low) to $52,987 (high) for roofers in that state.
- Indeed’s job postings suggest an average of $27.21/hour for roofers in New York State, based on recent job data.
- In some New York localities that apply prevailing wage laws (for public construction contracts), roofers may be paid much higher hourly rates. For instance, in Dutchess County / Ulster / Poughkeepsie region, a prevailing wage schedule lists $50.25/hr (base wage) plus supplemental benefits for roofers/waterproofers under certain public work contracts.
Thus, a roofer in Poughkeepsie or nearby counties working under prevailing wage or unionized public contract settings could command significantly higher hourly rates than the state average.
How Much Do Roofers Make a Week?
The Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) series “Usual weekly earnings” for full-time roofers shows a median weekly wage (for wage & salary roofers) in recent years.
- Using the BLS median annual wage ($50,970), assuming 52 weeks and full-time work, the implied weekly wage is approximately $981/week (before taxes or overtime).
- However, many roofers work overtime, 50–60+ hours during peak season. So a roofer at the median or above might see $1,200 to $1,500 or more in those busy weeks.
Quick Facts: Roofing Income Snapshot
Metric | Value / Range |
Median annual wage (U.S.) | $50,970 (May 2024) |
Mean hourly wage (U.S.) | $26.85/hr (May 2023) |
Survey-average hourly (2025) | ~$22.40/hr (across U.S.) |
Weekly earnings estimate | ~$980/week base; $1,200+ peak |
New York prevailing wage example | $50.25/hr + benefits in Poughkeepsie region public contracts |
4 Key Factors That Impact a Roofing Salary
A roofing salary isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key elements determine how much a roofer can earn:
1. Experience and Skill Level
A beginner roofer or apprentice typically earns an entry-level wage while learning the trade. With certifications, safety training, and years of experience, roofers advance to journeyman or master level—roles that command significantly higher pay.
2. Roofing Material Expertise
Specialization often means higher income. Roofers skilled in metal roofing, slate installation, or solar panel integration can charge premium rates. These materials require advanced techniques that few general roofers possess, creating a niche opportunity for top earners.
3. Union Membership and Certifications
Unionized roofers benefit from structured wage scales, overtime pay, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Certified roofers—especially those trained in OSHA safety standards or manufacturer-approved installation systems—also stand out in the job market.
4. Seasonality and Job Demand
Roofing is highly dependent on the weather. In places like Poughkeepsie, NY, roofers experience busy seasons from spring through late fall, while winter months often slow down. Many roofing companies plan schedules strategically to maintain consistent income for their teams.
Roofing Salaries by Job Type and Role
The pay for roofers varies depending on the role, responsibilities, and context. Below are more refined ranges and considerations based on recent U.S. data.
Residential Roofers
Residential roofers focus on single-family homes, roof replacements, repairs, and maintenance. According to the OEWS May 2023 data, the mean annual wage for roofers is $55,840, equivalent to about $26.85/hour.
Within that distribution:
- The 25th percentile annual wage is ~$44,150, and the 10th percentile is ~$36,240.
- The 75th percentile is around $62,330.
Thus, many residential roofers in middle skill tiers may fall into the $40,000 to $65,000 annual range rather than just $40,000–$60,000. Highly experienced residential roofers in high-cost regions or with specialization may exceed that.
Commercial Roofers
Roofers working on commercial, industrial, or institutional structures often deal with low-slope roofing systems (e.g., TPO, EPDM, PVC, built-up roofing) and more complex project coordination. These jobs generally pay at or above the higher end of roofer pay distributions.
From OEWS data:
- The 90th percentile for roofers reaches $79,850/year (approx $38.39/hr)
- Many commercial roofing roles may cluster near or above the 75th percentile (~$62,330).
Therefore, commercial roofers are plausibly earning $60,000 to $90,000+, especially in metropolitan or high-demand markets.
Roofing Foremen and Supervisors
Supervisors and foremen typically oversee crews, scheduling, site safety, quality control, and client oversight. While BLS does not always break out “roofing foreman” separately, we can look at general construction supervision pay:
- In the BLS’s “Construction and Extraction Occupations” group, first-line supervisors often command wages substantially above average craft workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- For example, unionized supervisors or those working under prevailing wage contracts often exceed base worker rates by significant margins.
A realistic range for roofing foremen in good markets—or under union/prevailing wage structures—is $70,000 to $100,000+, depending on region, crew size, and project scale.
Roofing Contractors and Business Owners
Roofing business owners or independent contractors take on the full burden of bidding, overhead, insurance, licensing, equipment, and staff. Their income is less about fixed wages and more about profit margins on contract volume.
- Successful roofing companies in robust markets often report six-figure incomes well above $100,000, particularly when scaling operations, winning large contracts, or specializing.
- But this comes with risks: business costs, variability, economic cycles, and liability all cut into net income.
In summary, while many roles fit into defined wage brackets, roofing professionals with supervisory responsibility or business ownership have the potential to exceed standard wage ceilings—sometimes substantially.
Average Roofing Salary in New York
Roofers in New York earn some of the highest wages in the country, averaging $60,000 to $75,000 per year. The combination of high demand, complex building codes, and challenging weather conditions drives up the value of skilled roofers in this region.
In Poughkeepsie, roofing work can be especially rewarding. The mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial buildings provides steady opportunities, while the city’s seasonal weather patterns ensure consistent demand for repairs and maintenance.
Local companies such as Lyndsey Roofing have built reputations on steady, year-round expertise—balancing seasonal demand with reliable workmanship for both residential and commercial projects.
Why Roofing Is a Profession Worth Respecting
Roofing is a demanding yet fulfilling career. Roofers balance physical endurance with technical knowledge—climbing steep angles, managing safety gear, and working in unpredictable conditions. Every roof represents protection, energy efficiency, and peace of mind for a homeowner.
Despite its challenges, roofing remains one of the most reliable trades. Job security is strong, wages are competitive, and skilled roofers can build lifelong careers with financial stability and pride in their craftsmanship.
What This Means for Homeowners in Poughkeepsie, NY
For homeowners, understanding how much roofers make sheds light on why quality roofing isn’t cheap—it’s an investment in safety, durability, and peace of mind. Choosing the lowest bidder often results in subpar work, leading to leaks or costly repairs later.
Homeowners in the Hudson Valley benefit from hiring established, reputable contractors—companies like Lyndsey Roofing, known for transparent pricing and consistent craftsmanship that reflect fair pay for skilled work.
FAQs About Roofing Salaries
How much do roofers make a week on average?
Most roofers earn between $800 and $1,400 weekly, depending on their experience, region, and workload.
What is the average roofing salary in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofers earn a median salary of about $50,970 per year (or roughly $24.50 per hour). Most roofers make between $40,000 and $65,000 annually, while top earners in high-demand areas can exceed $80,000
Do roofers in New York make more than in other states?
Yes. Roofers in New York tend to earn more due to higher living costs, strict building standards, and seasonal demand for experienced professionals.
Is roofing a good career choice financially?
Absolutely. Roofing offers solid income potential, consistent demand, and opportunities for advancement into supervision or business ownership.
How can homeowners ensure they’re paying fairly for roofing work?
Homeowners should look for licensed, insured contractors with proven experience. Transparent pricing and positive local reviews—like those from Lyndsey Roofing—are signs of fairness and professionalism.
Take the Next Step Toward Reliable Roofing Expertise in Poughkeepsie, NY
Roofing is more than just labor—it’s skilled craftsmanship backed by knowledge, experience, and commitment. The question “how much do roofers make?” reveals just how valuable these professionals truly are.
For homeowners in Poughkeepsie, NY, the takeaway is clear: when you understand what roofers are truly worth, it’s easier to recognize the value of trusted experts. Lyndsey Roofing stands as a local example of that integrity—delivering fair, lasting solutions that protect what matters most.
