Roofer Career Guide in West Virginia
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in West Virginia.
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How to Become a Roofer in West Virginia
West Virginia roofers learn through supervised employment, registered apprenticeship, technical education, or employer programs. Training commonly covers shingles, metal systems, membranes, flashing, waterproofing, fall protection, and severe-weather 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 West Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the West 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 West Virginia is approximately $4,270 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers in West 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 West Virginia
West Virginia roofers generally enter the occupation through supervised employment, technical education, or registered apprenticeship. Contractors must obtain a state license when a project reaches the applicable licensing threshold.
- Complete practical training in shingles, metal roofing, membranes, flashing, and roof-deck preparation.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, and personal protective equipment training.
- Meet examination and business-registration requirements for the Roofing Specialty classification.
- Maintain workers’ compensation, unemployment, tax, and insurance compliance.
- Obtain municipal permits and verify local contractor requirements before work begins.
Roofer Training Providers in West Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| BridgeValley Community and Technical College | South Charleston | View Program |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College | Huntington | View Program |
| Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College | Mount Gay | View Program |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College | Fairmont | 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 West Virginia
Construction Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors West Virginia Chapter
Construction Craft Training
Organization: West Virginia Construction and Design EXPO Education Partners
Roofer and Waterproofer Apprenticeship
Organization: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Roofer Licensing Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia requires a contractor license when the total value of qualifying construction work reaches the applicable statutory threshold. Roofing contractors use the Roofing Specialty classification. Businesses must also complete tax registration and comply with workers’ compensation and unemployment requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in West Virginia
West Virginia projects roofing employment to increase from approximately 520 jobs in 2024 to 610 in 2034, representing 17% growth and approximately 50 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 West Virginia?
The statewide median wage for roofers in West Virginia is approximately $51,170 per year, or $24.60 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does West Virginia require roofer licensing?
Licensing requirements for roofer workers in West Virginia vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a roofer in West 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 17% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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
- West Virginia Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. West Virginia Roofer Wages
- West Virginia Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. West Virginia Roofer Employment Trends
- West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board — Licensing authority. West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board