Roofer Career Guide in Illinois
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
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How to Become a Roofer in Illinois
Illinois offers paid roofers-union apprenticeships, construction training through community colleges, and employer-sponsored programs covering commercial and residential roofing systems.
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 Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois 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 Illinois is approximately $22,460 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in Illinois
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 Illinois
Illinois roofer employees generally train through supervised employment or apprenticeship. The roofing business must hold an IDFPR license and designate a qualifying party.
- Complete fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, fire-safety, PPE, and material-handling training.
- Learn residential and commercial roofing, waterproofing, insulation, flashing, and repair.
- Complete paid work hours and related technical instruction through an apprenticeship or employer.
- Contracting businesses must obtain the appropriate limited or unlimited roofing license and maintain required insurance and bonding.
Roofer Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| City Colleges of Chicago — Dawson Technical Institute | Chicago | View Program |
| College of DuPage — Construction Management Technology | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| Southwestern Illinois College — Construction Trades | Belleville | View Program |
| Rock Valley College — Building Construction | Rockford | 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 Illinois
Registered Apprenticeship Illinois
Organization: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Roofer Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois requires a roofing contractor license for businesses offering roofing services. A licensed business must designate a qualifying party and meet insurance, workers’ compensation, unemployment-insurance, bond, and examination requirements. Employees working for the licensed contractor do not each need a separate contractor license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in Illinois
Employment of roofers in Illinois is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 530 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 Illinois?
The statewide median wage for roofers in Illinois is approximately $77,900 per year, or $37.45 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require roofer licensing?
Yes. Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
How long does it take to become a roofer in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Illinois projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 530 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
- Illinois Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Roofer Wages
- Illinois Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Roofer Employment Trends
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Licensing authority. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation