KENTUCKY CAREER DATA PROFILE

Roofer Career Guide in Kentucky

Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Kentucky.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Roofer in Kentucky Snapshot
Median Salary $46,940
Hourly Wage $22.57
Job Growth +4% (2024–2034)
License Local Requirements Apply

How to Become a Roofer in Kentucky

Kentucky roofers commonly enter the occupation through employer training, construction programs, or registered apprenticeships emphasizing installation techniques, fall prevention, weatherproofing, and jobsite safety.

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 Kentucky

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Kentucky 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.

Kentucky Median $46,940
Hourly Wage $22.57
National Median $55,440

Compared with the national median of $55,440, the median wage in Kentucky is approximately $8,500 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Roofers in Kentucky

Applicable City or County Contractor Licensing Authority

Official Website: https://dhbc.ky.gov/

License Types:

  • Local Contractor Registration
  • Local Occupational or Business License
  • Local Building Permit

Authority Notes:

Kentucky does not administer a statewide roofing license. Requirements must be confirmed with the local building, planning, or occupational-license office. Separate state credentials apply if roofing work includes regulated electrical, HVAC, or plumbing activities.

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 PREPARATION

Roofer Training Requirements in Kentucky

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Kentucky does not issue a statewide roofer occupational license. Workers normally learn through supervised employment, apprenticeship, or construction-trades education, while roofing businesses must comply with applicable local requirements.

  • Complete supervised roofing training or a registered construction apprenticeship.
  • Learn shingles, membranes, flashing, insulation, waterproofing, and roof-deck preparation.
  • Complete OSHA, fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, and personal protective equipment training.
  • Check city or county contractor-registration and competency requirements.
  • Obtain required permits, insurance, tax registration, and local business licenses.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Roofer Training Providers in Kentucky

Provider City Program Website
Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville View Program
Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington View Program
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Bowling Green View Program
Big Sandy Community and Technical College Prestonsburg 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Roofer Apprenticeship Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: Kentucky Career Center

Program Website

Construction Apprenticeship

Organization: ABC Kentuckiana

Program Website

Kentuckiana Builds Pre-Apprenticeship

Organization: Louisville Metro Government

Program Website

Roofer and Waterproofer Apprenticeship

Organization: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Roofer Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Kentucky does not maintain a statewide occupational license specifically for roofers. Contractor registration, occupational licensing, permits, insurance, and competency requirements may be imposed by the city or county where the work is performed.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Roofer Job Outlook in Kentucky

+4% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
100 Annual Openings

Kentucky projects roofing employment to increase from approximately 1,330 jobs in 2024 to 1,390 in 2034, representing 4% growth and about 100 annual openings.

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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the roofer salary in Kentucky?

The statewide median wage for roofers in Kentucky is approximately $46,940 per year, or $22.57 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Kentucky require roofer licensing?

Kentucky does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all roofer work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.

How long does it take to become a roofer in Kentucky?

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 Kentucky?

Kentucky projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Kentucky Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kentucky Roofer Wages
  3. Kentucky Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kentucky Roofer Employment Trends
  4. Applicable City or County Contractor Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Applicable City or County Contractor Licensing Authority
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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