Roofer Career Guide in Washington
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Washington.
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How to Become a Roofer in Washington
Washington offers paid roofers-union apprenticeships in Seattle, Tacoma, and southwest Washington. Apprentices receive field experience, classroom instruction, safety training, wages, and benefits.
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 Washington
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Washington 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 Washington is approximately $5,200 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in Washington
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 Washington
Washington roofer employees normally train through supervised employment or registered apprenticeship. Businesses advertising, bidding, or performing roofing work must hold the appropriate contractor registration.
- Complete fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, PPE, and hazardous-material training.
- Learn steep-slope, built-up, modified-bitumen, single-ply, metal, insulation, and waterproofing systems.
- Complete paid on-the-job training and required classroom instruction through an approved apprenticeship.
- Contracting businesses must obtain a business license, bond, liability insurance, and L&I contractor registration.
Roofer Training Providers in Washington
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bates Technical College — Carpentry | Tacoma | View Program |
| Renton Technical College — Construction and Building Technology | Renton | View Program |
| Spokane Community College — Construction Technology | Spokane | 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 Washington
Oregon and Southwest Washington Roofers Apprenticeship
Organization: OR–SW Washington Roofers JATC
State Registered Apprenticeship Search
Organization: Washington Department of Labor and Industries
Roofer Licensing Requirements in Washington
Washington requires construction contractors to register with the Department of Labor and Industries. Roofing businesses may register as specialty roofing contractors or operate under an appropriate general-contractor registration. Registration requires a business license, bond, liability insurance, and application.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in Washington
Employment of roofers in Washington is projected to decline 2% from 2024 to 2034, but approximately 450 openings are projected each year due primarily to worker replacement.
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 Washington?
The statewide median wage for roofers in Washington is approximately $60,640 per year, or $29.16 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Washington require roofer licensing?
Yes. Washington 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 Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
How long does it take to become a roofer in Washington?
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 Washington?
Washington projects roofer employment to decline by approximately 2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 450 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
- Washington Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Roofer Wages
- Washington Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Roofer Employment Trends
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Licensing authority. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries