Summary
Comprehensive 2026 salary benchmarking for roofers in Fort Worth, TX (part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area). Roofers here earn an average annual wage of approximately $46,820 per BLS Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington data, with entry-level pay around $41,000 and top-end pay reaching $80,800. Fort Worth pay tracks with the broader DFW metro because BLS reports DFW as a single metropolitan statistical area for wage purposes.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Approximately 8% below the BLS national roofer median of $50,970.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Tracks with Dallas ($46,820, same DFW metro area for BLS purposes); comparable to Phoenix ($50,380), Houston ($51,289), and San Antonio ($37,471, lower). Fort Worth is well below top-paying metros like Chicago ($69,570), New York City ($74,470), and San Francisco ($74,020).
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- Severe weather demand (hail, thunderstorms, extreme heat drive constant repair/replacement needs)
- Persistent skilled labor shortage across DFW metro
- Commercial vs. residential specialization (commercial pays significantly more)
- Union membership (limited Texas union presence; union journeymen earn ~$42.51/hr base vs. non-union ~$26/hr)
- Licensing and certifications (impact-rated installation, OSHA safety, manufacturer certifications)
- Green/sustainable roofing skills (cool roofs, solar-ready systems) commanding premiums
Salary by Career Stage
Apprentice/Entry-Level: $37,339/year (Texas average; Fort Worth entry-level commercial starts at ~$57,238)
Mid-Level Roofer: $49,972–$76,011/year ($24–$37/hr)
Experienced/Commercial Roofer: $80,000/year average ($40.49/hr); top earners up to $125,750/year
Roofing Foreman/Supervisor: $68,800/year
Roofing Service Manager: $118,293/year ($104,853–$138,358 range)
Job Outlook and Market Trends
National employment of roofers is projected to grow 6% through 2034 (faster than the average for all occupations), rising from 166,700 to 176,500 jobs. In the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, demand is amplified by persistent labor shortages. Companies struggle to find and retain experienced workers, driving up wages and slowing project timelines. Fort Worth's frequent hail and thunderstorm activity keeps repair and replacement demand consistently high.
Emerging trends include growing adoption of impact-rated shingles, cool/reflective roofing systems, solar-ready roofs, and green roofing solutions as businesses and homeowners seek energy savings and sustainability. Building codes are tightening to require higher wind and hail resistance standards, creating demand for roofers with specialized certifications.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Job Seekers: Pursue commercial roofing certifications and manufacturer-specific training (GAF, Owens Corning, Carlisle) to access the higher-paying commercial segment where average salaries reach $80K+. Consider union membership for access to journeyman-scale wages ($42.51/hr base plus benefits totaling $62.62/hr package). Specialize in storm-damage restoration and insurance-claim roofing, DFW's severe weather makes this a year-round revenue center. OSHA 30 certification and impact-rated installation credentials can add $5–$10/hr to your rate.
Employers/Service Owners: To remain competitive in Fort Worth's tight labor market, budget hourly billable rates of $65–$85/hr for residential and $85–$120/hr for commercial work to maintain margins after paying competitive wages. Offer signing bonuses ($5K–$10K), vehicle allowances, and performance-based commission structures, these are now standard among DFW roofing companies. Invest in paid training programs to develop apprentices; the labor shortage means homegrown talent is more reliable than poaching. Factor in Fort Worth's below-average cost of living when setting wages, while you can offer slightly less than coastal metros, you must stay competitive with the DFW market where experienced roofers command $25–$40+/hr.
Cost of Living Context
Fort Worth's cost of living runs approximately 3–8% below the national average (index of 97), with housing costs 17–20% below the U.S. median. The median home price is roughly $310,000–$340,000 compared to the national median of ~$416,000. Texas levies no state income tax, which meaningfully boosts take-home pay. However, property tax rates are elevated at ~1.8–2.1%, and utilities run slightly above average due to extreme summer heat and a deregulated electricity market. For roofers earning the Fort Worth average of ~$50K–$76K, the affordable housing market and zero state income tax mean their dollars stretch further than equivalent salaries in higher-cost metros like Los Angeles or New York, where roofers earn nominally more but face housing costs 2–3x higher.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Sign-on bonuses up to $10,000
- Vehicle/truck giveaways and monthly gas cards
- Performance-based commission with uncapped earning potential
- Paid training and certification programs
- Healthcare coverage and retirement plans (union shops)
- Sales contest trips and incentive bonuses
- Company-provided technology and inspection tools
