Roofer Career Guide in Rhode Island
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Rhode Island.
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How to Become a Roofer in Rhode Island
Rhode Island roofers typically learn through registered apprenticeship, employer training, technical education, or construction programs. Training covers steep- and low-slope roofing, membranes, flashing, waterproofing, fall protection, and coastal-weather conditions.
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 Rhode Island
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island is approximately $6,190 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island
Rhode Island roofers generally learn through employer training, registered apprenticeship, or technical education. Businesses performing qualifying roofing work must maintain the appropriate contractor registration.
- Complete practical training in shingles, slate, metal roofing, membranes, flashing, and waterproofing.
- Learn installation practices for wind, coastal moisture, snow, and freeze-thaw conditions.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, and personal protective equipment training.
- Complete required contractor pre-registration education when applicable.
- Maintain registration, liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, renewals, and local permits.
Roofer Training Providers in Rhode Island
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich | View Program |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | View Program |
| Davies Career and Technical High School — Adult Education | Lincoln | View Program |
| Providence Career and Technical Academy | Providence | 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 Rhode Island
Rhode Island Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Construction Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Rhode Island
Roofer Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires residential and commercial contractors, including roofing contractors, to register with the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board when their work falls within the Board’s jurisdiction. Registration, insurance, education, renewal, and local permit requirements apply.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in Rhode Island
Rhode Island projects roofing employment to increase from approximately 420 jobs in 2024 to 470 in 2034, representing 12% growth and approximately 40 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 QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the roofer salary in Rhode Island?
The statewide median wage for roofers in Rhode Island is approximately $61,630 per year, or $29.63 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Rhode Island require roofer licensing?
Yes. Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.
How long does it take to become a roofer in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 12% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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
- Rhode Island Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Roofer Wages
- Rhode Island Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Roofer Employment Trends
- Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board — Licensing authority. Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board