Roofer
Roofers prepare and apply protective coverings to flat and sloped roof surfaces in accordance with construction plans and specifications.
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Shingle Installer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to apply waterproof coatings to concrete and other masonry surfaces above, and below, ground level
Interest in operating hand and power tools to install and repair metal roofs
Interest in repairing roofing systems, and in installing, repairing and replacing shingles, shakes and other roofing tiles on sloped roofs
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Most flat roofs can be covered by a:
On the flat roofs of commercial and industrial buildings under construction, roofers:
Most sloped residential roofs are covered with shingles made of asphalt, fibreglass, tile, rubber, slate, wood shakes or metal. Roofers working on sloped roofs:
Roofers also may:
Roofers work outdoors on roofs of varying heights. When the weather is good and building activity is high, roofers may work a considerable amount of overtime. There is risk of injury from falls and from working with hazardous, hot materials.
Roofers may be required to lift items that weigh over 25 kilograms. The heat can be intense for those working with hot bitumen in the summer.
Roofers need:
They should enjoy physical exercise and working with their hands.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 14, 2023 and May 30, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
Work Setting: Various locations | 83 |
---|---|
Tasks: Install, repair or replace shingles, shakes and other roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings | 81 |
Tasks: Install, repair or replace single-ply roofing system using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric or other asphaltic compositions | 79 |
Tasks: Install and repair metal roofs using hand and power tools | 77 |
Tasks: Install, repair or replace built-up roofing systems using materials such as asphalt saturated felts and hot asphalt and gravel | 72 |
Work Site Environment: At heights | 61 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 55 |
Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 55 |
Construction Specialization: Reliability | 51 |
Tasks: Install sheet metal flashings | 51 |
To work in Alberta, a roofer must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Roofer apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Roofers prepare and apply protective coverings to flat and sloped roof surfaces in accordance with construction plans and specifications. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Roofer.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most roofers are employed by roofing contractors on construction or repair jobs. Some roofers are members of unions and work from union halls. With experience, there are opportunities for roofers in education and technical marketing, as well as inspection and supervisory roles. Roofers may also become self-employed.
This occupation is less sensitive to economic changes than some construction trades because there is steady demand for repair work even if construction is slow. Roof systems require replacement every 15 to 30 years depending on the system used.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7291: Roofers and shinglers occupational group, 76.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7291: Roofers and shinglers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson roofers wage rates vary between $28 and $40 per hour, plus benefits (2019 estimates), depending on the location of the job and the type of roofing system being installed. Apprentices earn at least 65% of the journeyperson wage rate in the first year, 75% in the second, 85% in the third year, and 95% in the fourth.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $21.00 | $37.00 | $24.09 | $21.00 |
Overall | $24.75 | $37.94 | $31.55 | $31.00 |
Top | $26.00 | $48.00 | $38.85 | $40.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $66,576 |
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Construction | $66,576 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.