If you’re considering a career in roofing, the best way to start is through hands-on training. A roofing apprenticeship program teaches you the skills, safety practices, and knowledge you need to work in this essential trade. In this guide, we will explain what a roofing apprenticeship is, how long it takes, and share some of the top roofing apprenticeship programs across the U.S.

Quick look

• The average apprenticeship length is 3 to 4 years, encompassing both on-the-job training and in-class instruction.
• Roofing apprenticeship training requires an average of 4,000 to 6,000 OJT hours + classroom instruction.
• Entry-level pay for a roofing apprentice ranges from $18 to $25/hr.
• Journeyman roofer pay averages around $45,000 to $70,000/year, but may vary based on your location and whether you’re part of a union. 

What is a roofing apprenticeship?

A roofing apprenticeship is a structured program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. During the day, apprentices work alongside experienced roofers to learn practical skills. In the evenings or on scheduled days, they take classes that cover safety, roofing materials, building codes, and job-site math.

Initially, apprentices concentrate on fundamental tasks, such as carrying materials, setting up equipment, and acquiring safety procedures. As they progress, they move on to more advanced skills such as layout, waterproofing, flashing, and full roof installations. This step-by-step learning process ensures apprentices build both confidence and competence.

The goal of a roofing apprenticeship is to complete the program, earn journeyman status, and receive industry-recognized certification. With that certification, a roofer can work independently, qualify for higher wages, and open the door to leadership roles in the trade.

Is roofing a good career?

A roofer is someone who installs, repairs, and maintains roofs on buildings. They work with shingles, metal, membranes, flashing, and other materials to keep roofs safe and weatherproof.

This role is essential. Every year, homes and buildings require new roofs or repairs due to weather, wear and tear, or upgrades. As cities expand and their infrastructure ages, the demand for roofers increases. Additionally, many experienced roofers are nearing retirement, creating opportunities for new workers to enter the trade.

Employment of roofers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,700 job openings are expected each year, mainly due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the trade.

Because roofing involves skills that take time to learn, apprenticeships are the main entry route into the trades. They combine paid work with classroom instruction, letting new roofers build experience while earning.

How long is a roofing apprenticeship?

Most roofing apprenticeship programs take 3 to 4 years to complete. During that time, apprentices log about 4,000 to 6,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) under the guidance of experienced roofers. Along with hands-on work, apprentices typically complete around 500 hours of classroom instruction, during which they learn about safety, roofing systems, materials, and construction codes.

For example, the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers offers a nationally recognized apprenticeship program that combines both jobsite and classroom learning. Apprentices typically attend 144 hours of classroom training each year, while working full-time in the field. Pay is structured in steps, with wage increases at set points as apprentices gain more experience and skills. This means you earn while you learn, and your paycheck grows as you progress toward journeyman status.

Top roofing apprenticeship programs across the U.S.

Here are several real roofing apprenticeship programs. For each, you can find official program or application pages to confirm details:

1. United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Apprenticeship

• Location(s): Nationwide
• Length: 3 to 5 years
• Application link: unionroofers.com

2. Roofers Local 11 Apprenticeship Program

• Location(s): Illinois (Chicago and Northern Illinois)
• Length: 5 years
• Application link: chicagoroofers.com

3. Roofers Local 30 JATC

• Location(s): Pennsylvania
• Length: 3 to 4 years
• Application link: rcaindustryfund.com

4. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Roofing Apprenticeship

• Location(s): Multiple states (varies by chapter)
• Length: ~3 years
• Application link: abc.org

5. Roofers Local 20 Apprenticeship

• Location(s): Kansas & Missouri
• Length: 3 to 4 years
• Application link: kansasworks.com (Kansas); missouriapprenticeconnet.com (Missouri)

6. Roofers Local 36 Apprenticeship

• Location(s): California (Los Angeles area)
• Length: 3 to 4 years
• Application link: urca.org

7. Roofers Local 23 Apprenticeship

• Location(s): Indiana
• Length: 3 to 4 years
• Application link: roofers23.com

8. NRCA ProCertification® / Roofing Alliance Programs

• Location(s): Nationwide
• Length: Varies by certification path
• Application link: nrca.net/ProCertification

General entry requirements for roofing apprenticeships

Most roofing apprenticeship programs have similar requirements, though some details can vary by state, local union, or contractor. In general, applicants should expect to meet the following:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is usually required.
• Driver’s license: A valid driver’s license is often needed, and some programs may prefer or require a CDL if job sites involve travel.
• Physical fitness: Roofing is a physically demanding profession that requires the ability to lift heavy materials, work outdoors in various weather conditions, and work safely at heights.
• Drug testing and safety orientation: Most programs require pre-employment drug screening and ongoing safety training.
• Background check: Some programs may require a background check, depending on the employer or union rules.

Meeting these requirements helps ensure apprentices can handle the demands of the trade and keep up with the training schedule.

Types of roofing apprenticeships

Some of the best apprenticeship programs, including the one you choose, can affect your pay, benefits, and work experience. Here are the main options:

• Union vs. non-union: Union apprenticeship programs often provide higher pay, strong benefits, and clear wage increases as you move through training. Non-union programs may not offer the same benefits, but they can sometimes be easier to get into and may have more flexible schedules.
• Public utility or large employer vs. private contractor: Some apprenticeships are run by big organizations or utility companies. These programs usually have more resources and steady work opportunities. Others are offered by smaller private contractors, which can give you more personalized training but may not guarantee as much long-term work.
• Specialties within roofing: Apprenticeships can also focus on different areas of roofing. For example, some specialize in residential roofing (homes), while others focus on commercial roofing (large buildings). There are also specialties in waterproofing systems and even newer fields, such as solar roof installation, which combine roofing with green energy.

Choosing the right type of apprenticeship depends on your goals, location, and whether you prefer steady, large-scale work or smaller, more flexible job sites.

What daily life looks like during a roofing apprenticeship

Life as a roofing apprentice is busy and hands-on. Workdays usually start early in the morning, and most of the job takes place outdoors. That means weather plays a big role; hot summers, cold winters, and rainy days all affect how and when you work.

• Year 1: Apprentices begin with basic tasks, such as carrying materials, setting up equipment, and learning safety procedures. Much of the first year is about supporting journeymen and getting comfortable on a job site.
• Years 2 to 4: Apprentices progress to more advanced techniques, including the installation of various roofing systems, cutting and sealing materials, and learning layout and waterproofing methods. By this stage, many are trusted to take on independent tasks and prepare for supervisory roles.
• Classroom training: In addition to fieldwork, apprentices spend time in the classroom. Lessons usually cover the math used on the job, safety rules, codes, and the application of different roofing materials. This mix of learning in class and applying it on site helps apprentices prepare for the journeyman test and for the more advanced work they’ll do later in their careers.

By the end of the program, apprentices have the knowledge and confidence to handle complex roofing projects and work as full journeymen.

Average roofing salary in the U.S.

Here’s a look at what roofers make, both as apprentices and as full journeymen, and how union status and location affect pay.

Entry-level/apprentice pay

• Many apprentices earn around $18 to $22/hr, depending on location and employer.
• That works out to roughly $30,000 to $40,000 per year if working full-time.
• In union locals, apprentices often earn a percentage of the journeyman wage that increases in steps as they progress.

Journeyman roofer pay

• Once you reach journeyman status, annual salaries often fall between $45,000 and $70,000, depending on experience, location, and union affiliation.
• A typical journeyman roofer in the U.S. earns about $51,809/year (roughly $25/hr) as of 2025.

BLS median and national wage data

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2024, the median annual wage for roofers was $50,97.
• Their data also shows hourly wages for roofers generally range from about $17.42 at the 10th percentile to $29.97 at the 75th percentile.

Union vs non-union and geographic differences

• Union roofers often get higher base wages plus health benefits, pension contributions, and stronger protections. Some online resources list a journeyman wage at $40/hr base rate plus benefits in their jurisdiction.
• Non-union roofers may have lower base pay and fewer benefits, but they sometimes have more flexibility in choosing employers or getting into a program.
• Wages are higher in states or metro areas with a higher cost of living or a greater presence of unions. For example, unions in some areas push package rates (wages plus benefits) above $50/hr in certain jurisdictions.

Location/Local	Apprentice/entry-level	Journeyman/fully certified
National average (BLS)	$17.42/hr (10th percentile)	Median: $50,030/year (≈ $24.05/hr)
Roofers Local 2 (St. Louis area)	60% level: $24.00/hr (plus benefits)	Journeyman: $40.00/hr base plus benefits (≈ $62.27/hr total package)
Roofers Local 153 (Washington state)	(Not published for apprentices)	Foreman ~ $53.00/hr base rate in 2025
Roofers Local 49 (Bay Area/Northern CA)	(Not published for apprentices)	Journeyman/contract rates in 2025 listed ~ $44.51/hr

Is a roofing apprenticeship right for you?

A roofing apprenticeship can be a great career path, but it’s not for everyone. The work is physically demanding—you will spend long days on your feet, lifting heavy materials, and working in various weather conditions. Roofers also need to be comfortable with heights and understand the safety risks that come with the job.

At the same time, there are many rewards. Roofing offers steady work because every community needs skilled roofers to build and maintain homes, schools, and businesses. Apprenticeship programs give you the chance to earn while you learn, with clear pay increases as you gain skills. Union programs, in particular, often provide strong benefits, such as healthcare and retirement plans. Many roofers also take pride in being part of a skilled trade that builds and protects essential structures.

If you are looking for a career that values hard work, offers advancement, and provides long-term stability, a roofing apprenticeship may be the right choice. It is a solid way to enter the construction industry and build a future with lasting opportunities.

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