Summary
Comprehensive analysis of roofer salaries in the New York City metropolitan area, featuring median wages, entry-level and top-end pay, year-over-year growth, and comparisons to national and peer city averages based on recent BLS data extrapolated to 2026 amid ongoing labor shortages.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Approximately 46% above the BLS national roofer median of $50,970.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Higher than Chicago ($69,570, BLS metro), Los Angeles ($64,600, BLS metro), and Washington D.C. ($62,400, BLS metro); comparable to Seattle ($71,140, BLS metro) and San Francisco ($74,020, BLS SF-Oakland-Fremont); slightly below San Jose ($75,570, BLS metro).
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- Union dominance and prevailing wages
- High cost of living
- Construction demand and specializations (e.g., waterproofing, green roofing)
- Overtime and seasonal work
Salary by Career Stage
1st Year Apprentice: ~$37K
2nd Year Apprentice: ~$52K
3rd Year Apprentice: ~$63K
4th Year Apprentice: ~$78K
Journeyman Roofer: ~$104K (based on $50/hr prevailing wage)
Job Outlook and Market Trends
National employment growth of 6% projected through 2034, with 12,700 annual openings; NY construction workforce expected to reach 578,000 by end-2026 amid infrastructure and retirements; roofing industry anticipates sales volume increases in 2026.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Field service owners: Set billable rates at 2.5-3x prevailing wages (~$50/hr journeyman) to cover benefits and margins; compete with union packages via health/pension offerings and signing bonuses.
Job seekers: Pursue union apprenticeships for rapid pay progression and top benefits; target NYC metro for highest rates.
Cost of Living Context
NYC cost of living 75% above national average, primarily housing (137% higher rents at $3,200+/mo for 1BR); a $63K median roofer salary equates to ~$36K national purchasing power after COL adjustment.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Industry-leading health insurance
- Pension and annuity funds
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Apprenticeship training programs
- Supplemental education funds
