Roofer Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become a Roofer in Tennessee
Roofers usually learn through paid employer training, registered construction apprenticeships, union training, or technical-college building programs.
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 Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is approximately $9,750 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Tennessee roofer employees generally do not need personal contractor licenses. Licensing depends on the contractual role and the monetary value of the project or roofing subcontract.
- Complete fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, heat-stress, and power-tool safety training.
- Learn shingles, metal systems, roof decks, membranes, flashing, gutters, waterproofing, and repair.
- Gain supervised paid experience through a qualified roofing employer or apprenticeship.
- For roofing work of $25,000 or more, verify the contractor’s license, monetary limit, and BC-21 or broader authorized classification.
Roofer Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville — Building Construction Technology | Nashville | View Program |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville — Building Construction Technology | Knoxville | View Program |
| Chattanooga State Community College — Construction Technology | Chattanooga | View Program |
| Northeast State Community College — Construction Technologies | Blountville | 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 Tennessee
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Construction Training and Employer Pathways
Organization: Music City Construction Careers
Roofer Apprenticeship Opportunities
Organization: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Roofer Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
A Tennessee contractor license is required before bidding or contracting on projects of $25,000 or more. Roofing subcontractors also require a contractor license when their roofing portion is $25,000 or more. The applicable roofing subclassification is BC-21.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in Tennessee
Employment of roofers in Tennessee is projected to grow 20% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 250 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 Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for roofers in Tennessee is approximately $45,690 per year, or $21.97 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require roofer licensing?
Licensing requirements for roofer workers in Tennessee vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a roofer in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 20% from 2024 to 2034, with about 250 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
- Tennessee Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Roofer Wages
- Tennessee Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Roofer Employment Trends
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing authority. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors