Roofers and Shinglers
(NOC 7291)
in All Trades and TransportationRoofers install, repair, or replace flat roofs and shingles, shakes or other roofing tiles on sloped roofs. Shinglers install and replace shingles, tiles, and similar coverings on sloped roofs. They work for roofing and general contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Roofers and Shinglers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 34% of Roofers and Shinglers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $40,471. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$20.00
Median$28.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,005
Minimum$26,815
Median$54,957
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Roofers install, repair, or replace flat roofs and shingles, shakes or other roofing tiles on sloped roofs. Shinglers install and replace shingles, tiles, and similar coverings on sloped roofs. They work for roofing and general contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Roofers:
- Install, repair or replace built-up roofing systems using materials like asphalt saturated felts and hot asphalt and gravel.
- Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing system using waterproof sheet materials like modified plastics, elastomeric or other asphaltic compositions.
- Install, repair, or replace shingles, shakes and other roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings.
- Install sheet metal flashings.
- Apply waterproof coatings to concrete or other masonry surfaces below or above ground level.
- Install and repair metal roofs using hand and power tools.
- Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
- May estimate materials required and quote costs.
Shinglers:
- Install or replace asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes and masonry or baked clay roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings.
- Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
Sample job titles
- apprentice roofer
- asphalt shingle roofer
- journeyman/woman roofer
- metal roofer
- roofer
- roofing mechanic
- shingler
- wood shingler
Skills
You should have physical stamina, agility, and coordination, and be capable of climbing, reaching, crouching, and handling heavy materials. You must be willing to work outdoors and at heights.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- For roofers, completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade are usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Roofing trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified roofers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
- Shinglers require one to two years of on-the-job training.
Other considerations
Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions, and many are on a project basis. As a result, workers in these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
15-24
45-54
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$30,238 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,777 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$32,651 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$28,148 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Roofer
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare, install, and maintain exterior roofing materials and roofs. They include courses in building materials, flashing, lag bolts, site safety, equipment operation and maintenance, layering, site preparation, basic internal structural design, finishing, waterproofing, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.