Roofing

Why Become a Roofer?

Roofing professionals quite literally keep a roof over your head. While one of the more physically demanding trade skills available, roofers experience many job benefits including varied work environments, higher recession proof job stability, and ability to make upwards of $70k. As Georgia remains one of the fastest-growing states in the US and will see a 10-year growth rate of 14.4%, it’s safe to say the roofing industry provides a stable and rewarding career.

Roofer
Career Pathways

Becoming a Roofer

Apprenticeship & Straight to the Workforce

Roofing is an industry where an apprenticeship is key. Finding the right apprenticeship opportunity and learning from the best in the field is a must to educate yourself on everything roofing has to offer for profitable career opportunities. Standard pathway to becoming a skilled roofer includes:

  • Meet Education Requirements (typically high school diploma)
  • Safety Training
  • Complete Apprenticeship
  • Learn everything you need on the job

Roofing jobs typically do not require any formal education beyond high school. General maintenance and repair workers often learn their skills on the job. They start by doing simple tasks and watching and learning from skilled roofers.

A roofer specializes in roof construction, as well as monitor the entire process of roofing in residential as well as commercial construction.  They analyze the construction plans and make sure that the roofing is done in strict accordance with the design and regulations.  Roofers also determine the materials and supportive accessories to be used for roof installations.  Even the specifications of the beams, trusses, and rafters installed upon roofs are decided by roofers.

As a Roofer/Shingler, your duties may include the following:

  • Installing, repairing or replacing roofing systems using materials such as asphalt and gravel
  • Installing, repairing or replacing shingles and other roofing tiles
  • Apply waterproof coatings to concrete surfaces
  • Installing and repairing metal roofs using hand and power tools
  • Installing scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs
  • Estimating required materials and costs

Trade Career Opportunities for Roofers

Roofing Technician

General maintenance and repair roofing technicians fix and maintain roofs for residential and commercial buildings. Their primary role is to cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood or related materials. They may spray roofs, siding, and walls with materials to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.

As a Roofer/Shingler, you will work mostly outdoors, and with a crew of other construction professionals. The job can be physically demanding - you may have to lift heavy materials, and roofing can be quite hot during the summer.

As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Roofers and shinglers are trained to work safely and wear special equipment such as safety harnesses to protect against injury.

Business Owner

Use the skills and experience learned from your on-the-job training, apprenticeship and/or training courses to build your foundational trade and business skills and start your own company while becoming your own boss.

Source: Zippia.com Zippia Logo

**Above career path chart shows how you might advance from one job title to another within the trade industry; not all trade pathways are the same and depend on each person’s ultimate goals and job opportunities

Apprenticeships

Have a career path in mind? Find apprenticeship opportunities near you.

Dual Enrollment

Maximize education and career training by taking courses that earn college and high school credit at the same time.

Search for Open Positions in Roofing