Washington median pay
$60,640 a year
National median
$55,440
Roofers in Washington
About 7,100
Openings per year
About 450
Roofers install and repair roofs on homes and commercial buildings using shingles, metal, membranes and other materials. Washington pays them above the national median, and Seattle–Tacoma roofers earn the most. It’s steady work that’s easy to get into, but it isn’t for everyone.
Looking for an apprenticeship? Search every registered apprenticeship program in Washington by trade, region and union or non-union, with starting and journey-level pay, in our free Washington Apprenticeship Finder.
What to know before you try roofing
From the dean’s desk
You have to be OK with heights and heat. Roofers do most of their work in the summer, and as you can imagine, there aren’t a lot of places you can go to get out of the sun.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship
- Heights: you’ll work on steep and high roofs every day, so fall protection training and gear are essential.
- Heat: roofs get much hotter than the ground in summer. Washington’s outdoor heat rule requires employers to provide water and shade at 80°F, and paid cool-down breaks of at least 10 minutes every two hours at 90°F or above.
- Seasonal work: summer is busy and wet winters slow things down, so plan your budget for the off-season.
- Physical demands: carrying bundles up ladders, kneeling and bending all day.
Licensing in Washington
Washington doesn’t license individual roofers. If you start your own roofing business, you must register with L&I as a specialty contractor, which requires a $15,000 bond, general liability insurance and a $150.20 registration fee. There’s no exam for basic contractor registration.
Training options
- Helper jobs: most roofers start as helpers and learn on the job.
- Registered apprenticeships: union and contractor-sponsored roofing apprenticeships combine paid work with classes. Search L&I’s apprenticeship program directory for current programs.
- Safety training: OSHA safety and fall protection training makes you more hireable.
What roofers earn in Washington
Washington roofers earned a median of $60,640 in May 2025, compared with $55,440 nationally.
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | $64,090 | $30.81 |
| Mount Vernon–Anacortes | $61,410 | $29.52 |
| Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro | $61,210 | $29.43 |
| Kennewick–Richland | $59,760 | $28.73 |
| Bellingham | $59,730 | $28.72 |
| Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| Spokane–Spokane Valley | $58,720 | $28.23 |
| Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater | $57,920 | $27.84 |
| Washington overall | $60,640 | $29.16 |
| United States | $55,440 | $26.65 |
Washington projects roofing employment to stay about flat through 2034 but still expects about 450 openings a year as roofers retire or move on.
Steps to become a roofer in Washington
1
Make sure heights and heat work for you
Spend a day on a roof before you commit if you can.
2
Get hired as a helper or apprentice
Learn installation, tear-off and safety on the job.
3
Get safety training
Fall protection and heat illness prevention are a must.
4
Build skills across roof types
Metal, membrane and commercial systems open higher-paying work.
5
Register as a contractor if you go out on your own
Get your bond, insurance and L&I registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do roofers need a license in Washington?
Individual roofers don’t. Roofing businesses must register with L&I as contractors.
How much do roofers make in Washington?
The median was $60,640 a year in May 2025, and $64,090 in the Seattle–Tacoma area.
What is the hardest part of roofing?
For most people, it’s the heights and the summer heat, with little shade on the job.
Sources
- Washington L&I: Outdoor heat exposure rule
- Washington L&I: Register as a contractor
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Roofers
- O*NET OnLine: Roofer wages and outlook in Washington (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Related: Carpenter in Washington · All Washington guides
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