How much do roofers make in California in 2026?

California roofers at the median earn $63,600 a year, which works out to about $30.58 an hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That puts the state's roofing workforce in a range that runs from $59,420 (~$28.57/hr) at the 25th percentile up to $75,450 (~$36.27/hr) at the 75th percentile. Those numbers come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, released May 2025.

The $16,030 gap between the bottom and top of that range tells the real story. Entry-level workers or those doing mostly residential tear-offs and re-roofs tend to cluster near the 25th percentile. Roofers who have built years on the job, earned certifications, or moved into commercial flat-roofing and industrial work are the ones reaching the 75th percentile and above.

California's climate creates a year-round roofing season in most of the state, which matters for take-home pay. Unlike northern states where winter can shut down exterior work for months, a roofer in the Central Valley, Southern California, or the Bay Area can keep billing hours through December and January. That consistency is one reason California's median sits above the national median for the trade. Workers who do pick up overtime during peak storm-repair seasons — especially after heavy rain events that expose failing flat roofs and tile work — can push their annual earnings meaningfully above the figures listed here, since BLS wage data reflects straight-time rates and does not fully capture overtime premiums.

Where you work within California matters. The greater Los Angeles metro, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego all have higher costs of living, but they also carry higher prevailing wages and more commercial construction volume. A roofer working on large-scale commercial projects in downtown LA or on data-center roofing in Silicon Valley is more likely to be operating at the 75th percentile or above. Rural counties and smaller inland markets tend to pay closer to or below the median.

Specialty also drives pay. Built-up roofing (BUR), single-ply membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, PVC), and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) all require specific training and are standard on commercial and industrial buildings. Roofers who can work across multiple systems and read construction drawings are harder to replace and get paid accordingly. Tile work — both clay and concrete — is in heavy demand in California's residential market, and experienced tile roofers command a premium over workers limited to asphalt shingles.

California requires roofers to hold a C-39 Roofing Contractor license to run their own operation, but journeymen working under a licensed contractor are not required to hold an individual license. Still, earning a manufacturer's certification — from brands like Duro-Last, Firestone, or GAF — signals verified skill to employers and can be a direct path to higher-paying commercial work.

Some workers in this trade may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement — check with your local for current rates.

The BLS figures here are a solid benchmark, but they are a snapshot of reported wages at one point in time. They do not capture shift differentials, per diem on out-of-town jobs, tool allowances, or the value of employer-paid health and retirement benefits. Your actual compensation package may be higher or lower than what these numbers suggest depending on your employer and the type of work you do.

To move your number up: pursue manufacturer certifications in high-demand systems, build experience on commercial flat roofing, and look for employers with a strong commercial or industrial project pipeline. Supervisory roles — foreman and project manager — typically sit above the 75th percentile range for field workers.