Roofing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the technical expertise needed to effectively prepare, install, and maintain exterior roofing systems across residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Emphasis is placed on precision, safety, and compliance with industry standards, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of a skilled trades environment.
- Building Materials: Study of durable, weather-resistant materials used in roofing, including asphalt shingles, metal panels, slate, tile, and synthetic alternatives, with focus on performance, longevity, and suitability for different climates.
- Flashing and Sealing Techniques: Mastery of methods for installing metal and rubber flashings around roof penetrations, joints, and intersections to prevent water infiltration and ensure long-term integrity.
- Lag Bolts and Fastening Systems: Training in proper use and installation of structural fasteners to securely anchor roofing components to underlying frameworks, maintaining load-bearing stability.
- Site Safety Protocols: Comprehensive instruction in hazard identification, fall protection, equipment handling, and emergency procedures to maintain a safe working environment on elevated and complex roof surfaces.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Hands-on experience with power tools, lifts, torches, and specialized roofing machinery, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure operational efficiency.
- Layering and System Integration: Understanding of multi-layer roofing assemblies, including underlayment, insulation, vapor barriers, and membrane systems, and how they function together to create a weatherproof envelope.
- Site Preparation and Surface Readiness: Techniques for assessing and preparing roof decks, addressing structural imperfections, and ensuring proper substrate conditions before material installation.
- Basic Internal Structural Design: Foundational knowledge of roof framing principles, load distribution, slope considerations, and how structural elements influence roofing system selection and performance.
- Finishing and Aesthetic Detailing: Focus on clean, professional finishes, including edge treatments, trim installation, and alignment, to enhance durability and visual appeal.
- Waterproofing Systems: Study of advanced methods for creating watertight seals, including membrane application, sealant use, and integration with drainage systems to prevent leaks and moisture damage.
- Applicable Codes and Standards: In-depth review of national and local building codes, fire safety regulations, energy efficiency requirements, and industry best practices governing roofing installation and maintenance.
Roofing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Roofing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Roofing degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Solar Photovoltaic Installers and Roofers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 971,100 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers 47-2231 | $51,860 | $39,070 - $80,150 | 28,280 | $24.93 |
| Roofers 47-2181 | $50,970 | $37,060 - $80,780 | 136,740 | $24.51 |
Roofing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,077 in Arkansas to $86,820 in Minnesota—a 67% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 971,100 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Roofing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Roofing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Roofing is found at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) (19 graduates), and Centralia College (18 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 37 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) |
Other Award
|
19 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | cptc.edu |
| Centralia College |
Residency
Other Award
|
18 | Centralia, Washington | Public | centralia.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Roofing programs
How much can I earn with a Roofing degree?
Salaries for Roofing graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn around $51,860. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Minnesota average $86,820 compared to $52,077 in Arkansas. Approximately 971,100 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Roofing programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Roofing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) (19 graduates), Centralia College (18 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Roofing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 49 in 2010 to 37 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Roofing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Solar Photovoltaic Installers, and Roofers. Related occupations employ approximately 971,100 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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