Summary
Comprehensive 2026 salary benchmarking for roofers in Los Angeles, highlighting a median annual wage of $64,600, entry-level pay around $40,000, top-end earnings up to $80,000+, with wages 27% above the national average amid high demand and cost of living pressures.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Approximately 27% 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), Phoenix ($50,380, BLS metro), and San Diego ($55,982, Glassdoor); lower than Chicago ($69,570, BLS metro), 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 membership
- High cost of living
- Labor shortages
- Commercial and sustainability demand
- Licensing and prevailing wages
Salary by Career Stage
Apprentice: $49K
Journeyman: $60K
Experienced: $70K-$80K
Master/Supervisor: $90K+
Job Outlook and Market Trends
10.9% employment growth projected through 2030 in LA County; 78% of contractors expect sales growth in 2026, driven by commercial activity, energy codes, and sustainable roofing; persistent skilled labor shortages.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Job seekers: Join union apprenticeships for prevailing wages up to $55/hr total package and benefits.
Employers: Offer competitive packages with health/pension to combat shortages; adjust billable rates to 2.5-3x labor costs for 25% margins amid high COL.
Cost of Living Context
LA's high housing and living costs reduce purchasing power; $60K roofer salary equates to ~$40K in lower COL areas like Texas due to 50%+ higher expenses, per salary adjustment indices.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Health, dental, vision insurance
- Pension/401k contributions
- Paid vacation, holidays, sick time
- Paid training and apprenticeships
- Tool purchase programs, safety bonuses
