Helpers--Roofers
Help roofers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Also called: Commercial Roofing Helper, Hot Tar Roofer Helper, Industrial Roofer Helper, Residential Roofer Helper, Roofer Apprentice, Roofer Assistant
Median pay
$44,160
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$30,140 – $62,400
People employed
6,030
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 8.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Helpers--Roofers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (26 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What helpers--roofers do
- 01Check to ensure that completed roofs are watertight.
- 02Set ladders, scaffolds, and hoists in place for taking supplies to roofs.
- 03Clean work areas and equipment.
- 04Maintain tools and equipment.
- 05Provide assistance to skilled roofers installing and repairing roofs, flashings, and surfaces.
- 06Locate worn or torn areas in roofs.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from helpers--roofers
- Carpenters88% · +37%
- Roofers85% · +26%
- Terrazzo Workers and Finishers82% · +72%
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers81% · +33%
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall80% · +11%
Change into helpers--roofers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Roofers79% · $55,440
- Pipelayers76% · $49,000
- Carpet Installers74% · $50,340
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance73% · $49,400
- Construction Laborers71% · $47,120