Roofer Career Guide in Virginia
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Virginia.
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How to Become a Roofer in Virginia
Entry routes include paid employer training, registered construction apprenticeships, union programs, and community-college building-trades courses. Contractor applicants must also complete approved prelicense education.
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 Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Virginia 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 Virginia is approximately $7,020 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in Virginia
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 Virginia
Virginia roofer employees normally train through supervised fieldwork or apprenticeship. A business contracting for roofing work must hold the appropriate contractor class and specialty.
- Complete fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, PPE, and construction-safety training.
- Learn roof preparation, shingles, metal, membranes, flashing, insulation, waterproofing, and repair.
- Gain documented paid experience through a roofing contractor or registered apprenticeship.
- Contractor applicants must complete prelicense education and satisfy the business, experience, examination, and specialty requirements.
Roofer Training Providers in Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Western Community College — Construction Technology | Roanoke | View Program |
| Tidewater Community College — Building Construction | Norfolk | View Program |
| Northern Virginia Community College — Construction Management Technology | Annandale | View Program |
| Reynolds Community College — Construction and Building Trades | Richmond | 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 Virginia
Construction Training and Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated General Contractors of Virginia
Roofer Apprenticeship Opportunities
Organization: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Roofer Licensing Requirements in Virginia
Virginia licenses contractor businesses rather than ordinary roofer employees. A contractor performing roofing work must hold the appropriate Class A, B, or C contractor license with the Roofing Contracting specialty. The license class determines the permitted project value.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in Virginia
Employment of roofers in Virginia is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 230 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 Virginia?
The statewide median wage for roofers in Virginia is approximately $48,420 per year, or $23.28 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Virginia require roofer licensing?
Yes. Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Contractors.
How long does it take to become a roofer in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 230 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
- Virginia Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Roofer Wages
- Virginia Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Roofer Employment Trends
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Contractors