Roofer Career Guide in California
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in California.
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How to Become a Roofer in California
California offers paid roofer and waterproofer apprenticeships throughout the state. Programs generally combine approximately 42 months of employment-based training with required classroom instruction.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Roofer Salary in California
The salary figure shown on this page represents the California median wage for roofer workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $55,440, the median wage in California is approximately $8,160 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in California
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONRoofer Training Requirements in California
California roofers can enter the occupation through paid apprenticeship or supervised employment. A contractor who bids or contracts for covered roofing work must hold the appropriate CSLB license.
- Complete fall-protection, ladder-safety, heat-illness-prevention, and hazardous-material training.
- Learn built-up, single-ply, tile, shingle, metal, waterproofing, flashing, and roof-insulation systems.
- Complete paid on-the-job and classroom training through an approved apprenticeship when available.
- Contractors should obtain the C-39 Roofing classification and maintain required bonding and workers’ compensation coverage.
Roofer Training Providers in California
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Trade-Technical College — Construction Technology | Los Angeles | View Program |
| College of San Mateo — Apprenticeship Programs | San Mateo | View Program |
| Bakersfield College — Construction Technology | Bakersfield | View Program |
| Fresno City College — Construction Program | Fresno | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESRoofer Apprenticeship Programs in California
Southern California Roofers and Waterproofers Apprenticeship
Organization: Southern California Roofers & Waterproofers JATC
Northern California Roofing and Waterproofing Apprenticeship
Organization: Roofers & Waterproofers Local 81
Central Valley Roofer Apprenticeship
Organization: Central Valley Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers JATC
California Roofer and Waterproofer Apprenticeship Network
Organization: California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association
Roofer Licensing Requirements in California
Employees do not normally need an individual roofing license, but a business that contracts to perform regulated roofing work must hold the appropriate California contractor license. The principal roofing classification is C-39 Roofing Contractor.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in California
Employment of roofers in California is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 2,050 job openings per year.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the roofer salary in California?
The statewide median wage for roofers in California is approximately $63,600 per year, or $30.58 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does California require roofer licensing?
Yes. California requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt roofer work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with California Contractors State License Board.
How long does it take to become a roofer in California?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Up to 1 Year On-the-Job Training, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are roofers in demand in California?
California projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,050 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- California Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. California Roofer Wages
- California Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. California Roofer Employment Trends
- California Contractors State License Board — Licensing authority. California Contractors State License Board