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How Much Do Roofers Make
in 2026

By the Bizzby Team · Updated 2026-03-18 ·

📅 Last updated: March 07, 2026

Real numbers, not vague ranges. We break down exactly what you can expect to invest and earn, based on industry data and real business owner reports.

$2K-$15K
Startup Cost
2-4 Weeks
Time to Launch
$40K-$120K+
Year 1 Income Potential

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Step-by-Step Guide
5 Steps to Start Earning as a Roofing Contractor

Follow this sequence to get licensed, equipped, and earning revenue from roofing jobs in your first 30 days.

1

Get Licensed and Choose Your Roofing Specialty

Most states require a contractor's license for roofing. Start with the highest-demand work in your area.

  • State roofing license: $50-$600 depending on state. Requires trade exam and proof of insurance in most states.
  • Asphalt shingles: 80% of residential roofing. Fastest to learn and highest demand.
  • Metal roofing: growing market, higher margins ($500-$800/square vs. $300-$500 for shingles).
  • Repair vs. replacement: start with repairs ($200-$1,000/job) to build skills, then add full replacements ($5,000-$15,000+).
  • Insurance restoration: storm damage work is 40-60% of revenue for many roofers. Learn how to work with adjusters.
2

Buy Safety Gear, Tools, and a Work Vehicle

Roofing has higher equipment costs than most trades, but one residential job can cover your entire startup investment.

  • Safety gear (non-negotiable): harnesses ($100-$200), roof anchors ($50-$100), rope grabs ($75-$150). OSHA requires fall protection above 6 feet.
  • Pneumatic nailers (2-3): $200-$500 each. Coil nailer for shingles, cap nailer for underlayment.
  • Air compressor: $200-$500. Powers your nailers. Get a portable roofing compressor.
  • Ladders and roof jacks: $400-$1,500 total. Extension ladder (28ft+) and adjustable roof brackets.
  • Truck or trailer: $3,000-$15,000 used. Needs to carry ladders, materials, and tools to job sites.
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3

Get Insurance and Set Up Your Business

Roofing insurance is expensive but mandatory. No insurance means no commercial work and massive personal liability.

  • General liability: $3,000-$8,000/year. Required by every client and GC.
  • Workers' compensation: $1,500-$15,000/year (high because roofing is classified as high-risk).
  • Surety bond: $100-$400/year. Required in most states for licensed contractors.
  • LLC formation: $100-$600. Separates personal assets from business liability.
  • Supplier accounts: open accounts at ABC Supply, SRS Distribution, or local suppliers for material credit.
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4

Get Your First Jobs: Storm Chasing, Google, and Referrals

Roofing leads come from urgency (storms), trust (referrals), and search (Google).

  • Storm chasing: after hail or wind events, canvas affected neighborhoods door-to-door. Offer free inspections.
  • Google Local Service Ads (LSAs): pay-per-lead model. Most roofing leads cost $30-$80 each.
  • Google Business Profile: optimize with "roofing contractor" category, before/after photos, and reviews.
  • Real estate agent partnerships: inspectors and agents refer pre-sale roof work regularly.
  • Yard signs: place a branded sign at every job site. Neighbors see the work and call.
5

Scale to a Crew and Add Insurance Restoration Work

Solo roofers cap out fast. Adding a crew and insurance work is how you break $200K+.

  • Hire your first crew (2-3 laborers): $15-$25/hour. Train on safety, speed, and quality.
  • Insurance restoration: become a preferred vendor for insurance companies. Higher volume, faster payment.
  • Supplement claims: learn to identify and document damage that adjusters miss. Increases average job revenue 20-40%.
  • Track close rate: roofing close rates average 20-35%. Improve with faster follow-up and financing options.
  • Offer financing: partner with GreenSky or Hearth for homeowner financing. Increases close rate significantly.
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Investment
Roofing Business Startup Costs

Roofing has higher startup costs than most trades, but a single residential job can recover your entire initial investment.

ItemBudget StartProfessional Setup
State roofing contractor license$50-$200$200-$600
General liability insurance (annual)$3,000$6,000-$8,000
Workers' comp insurance (annual)$1,500$5,000-$15,000
Surety bond$100-$200/year$300-$400/year
Safety gear (harnesses, anchors, rope grabs)$500$1,500-$3,000
Pneumatic nailers (2-3) + compressor$600-$1,200$1,500-$2,500
Ladders and roof jacks$400-$700$800-$1,500
LLC registration + business license$100-$300$300-$600
Truck or trailer (used)$3,000-$5,000$15,000-$40,000
Initial marketing (LSAs, Google Ads)$500-$1,000$2,000-$4,000/mo
Business operations (Bizzby)$199/mo (Starter)$499/mo (Scale)
Total~$10,000~$50,000
Earning Potential
Roofing Contractor Income Tiers

Income depends on crew size, job mix (repairs vs. replacements vs. insurance work), and how quickly you build a referral pipeline.

Solo Repair Roofer
$50K-$90K
per year
Owner-operator doing leak repairs, small patches, and gutter work. 2-4 jobs per week at $200-$1,000 each.
Small Crew Owner
$120K-$250K
per year
Owner plus 2-4 laborers running full replacements and insurance restoration jobs. 1-3 roofs per week at $5,000-$15,000.
Roofing Company
$300K-$1M+
per year
Multiple crews, office staff, insurance preferred vendor status, and Google/LSA lead flow. 5-15+ roofs per week.
Pricing Guide
What to Charge for Roofing Services

These ranges reflect typical U.S. residential roofing pricing. Adjust for local labor rates, material costs, and roof complexity.

🔧 Roof Repair
$200-$1,500
Leak patches, missing shingles, flashing repair, and small damage fixes. Fast turnaround, high margin.
🏠 Full Roof Replacement
$5,000-$18,000+
Complete tear-off and re-roof. Priced per square ($300-$800/sq). Most residential jobs are 15-35 squares.
⛈️ Emergency Tarp / Storm Damage
$300-$1,500
Emergency tarping and temporary repairs after storm damage. Premium pricing for immediate response.
🔍 Roof Inspection + Maintenance
$150-$400
Annual inspection with photo report. Upsell repairs and build recurring revenue from property managers.
Pricing
Run Your Business with AI — From $199/mo

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  • AI receptionist (24/7 call & text handling)
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Action Plan
Your First 30 Days Checklist

Execute this in order and you will launch with pricing discipline, operational control, and early revenue momentum.

Week 1-2: Foundation

  • Get your roofing contractor license (required in most states)
  • Get general liability, workers comp, and roofing-specific insurance
  • Register LLC, get EIN, and open business checking
  • Purchase basic tools: nail guns, air compressor, ladders, safety harnesses
  • Build relationships with material suppliers (ABC Supply, SRS, Beacon)
  • Set up estimating software (Xactimate for storm, CompanyCam for documentation)
  • Create a pricing sheet by roofing square and material type

Week 3-4: Launch

  • Offer 10 free roof inspections to homeowners in your neighborhood
  • Complete your first paid roofing job (start with a repair, not a full replacement)
  • Document every job with before/during/after photos
  • Visit 5 real estate offices and introduce your inspection and repair services
  • Set up Google Business Profile and ask your first clients for reviews
  • Place yard signs at your first 3 job sites
  • Follow up on all estimates within 24 hours
Common Questions
Roofing Business FAQ
How much do roofers make per year?
Self-employed roofers earn $50K-$150K+ per year depending on crew size, location, and specialty. Solo operators doing repairs and small jobs earn $50K-$80K. Small crews (2-4 workers) doing full replacements earn $100K-$200K+. Commercial roofing commands higher rates. Top earners in storm-prone areas can hit $250K+.
How much do roofers charge per square?
Roofers charge $300-$500 per square (100 sq ft) for asphalt shingles, $500-$800 for metal roofing, $800-$1,200+ for tile or slate. Labor is 40-50% of total job cost. Most residential jobs are 15-35 squares ($4,500-$17,500). Steep roofs, multiple stories, and tear-off add 20-40% to the price.
Do I need a contractor's license to start a roofing business?
Most states require a contractor's license for roofing work over a certain dollar amount ($500-$5,000 depending on state). Requirements: trade exam, proof of insurance, and experience hours. Check your state's licensing board. Start with small repairs under the limit while getting licensed.
What equipment do I need to start a roofing business?
Essential tools: ladders, safety harnesses, nail guns, shingle cutters, chalk lines, and a truck. Initial investment: $3,000-$10,000. Rent larger equipment (scaffolding, dumpsters) as needed. Insurance (general liability + workers comp if you hire) is $3,000-$8,000/year. Don't cheap out on safety gear.
How do roofing companies get customers?
Top channels: storm chasing (door-to-door after hail/wind damage), insurance restoration work, Google Ads, SEO, referrals from contractors/real estate agents, and yard signs. Insurance jobs are 40-60% of revenue for many roofers. Build relationships with insurance adjusters and restoration companies.

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