Summary
Detailed salary benchmarking for Roofing Technicians in Chicago, IL, highlighting median wages of $69,570, entry-level around $46,570, top-end up to $104,800, amid strong demand and above-national averages based on most current BLS data.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Approximately 37% above the BLS national roofer median of $50,970.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Higher than Dallas ($46,820, BLS DFW metro), Houston ($51,289, Glassdoor), and Phoenix ($50,380, BLS metro); comparable to Los Angeles ($64,600, BLS metro) and Seattle ($71,140, BLS metro); slightly below New York City ($74,470, BLS metro), San Francisco ($74,020, BLS SF-Oakland-Fremont), and San Jose ($75,570, BLS metro).
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- Union dominance (Chicagoland Roofers Local 11)
- High cost of living
- Seasonal demand from harsh winters and storms
- Skilled labor shortages
- Specializations in waterproofing and storm repair
Salary by Career Stage
1st Year Apprentice: $58K ($27.63-$31.20/hr)
2nd Year Apprentice: $58K+ ($28.02/hr)
3rd Year Apprentice: $63K ($30.15/hr)
4th Year Apprentice: $68K ($32.66/hr)
5th Year Apprentice: $74K ($35.17/hr)
Journeyman: $105K ($50.25/hr)
Foreman/Master: $115K ($55.25/hr)
Non-union averages lower: Entry $42K, Avg $47K-$70K, Experienced $75K+
Job Outlook and Market Trends
Employment growth projected 2-6% through 2034 (faster than average nationally); hundreds of annual openings in IL due to replacements and retirements. High demand from storm damage, roof replacements, and solar installs.
In-demand skills includ: safety certifications, waterproofing, commercial roofing.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Job seekers: Join Chicagoland Roofers JATC apprenticeship for paid training starting ~$31/hr + benefits; target union jobs for top pay.
Employers/field service owners: Budget $80/hr total package for union labor; set billable rates at $120-150/hr to maintain 30-40% margins amid shortages. Offer incentives in non-union to compete.
Cost of Living Context
Chicago's cost of living is ~25% above national average, driven by high housing ($2,200/mo median rent vs $1,700 national) and taxes. A $70K roofer salary has purchasing power similar to $55K in lower-COL areas like Texas, necessitating higher wages to attract talent despite elevated nominal pay.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Comprehensive health
- Pension contributions
- Paid apprenticeship training
- Union dues coverage
- Take-home vehicles (non-union)
- Signing bonuses for experienced hires
