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
Outlook: average, mostly balanced conditions in the labour market.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: moderate with occasional opportunities.
Demand: Employment growth will lead to several new positions. There is a low level of employee turnover in this occupation. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation. Employment can be seasonal with more opportunities in the summer months. A small number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Workhours: full-time, usually. Jobs are typically permanent positions.
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$22.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,005
Minimum$26,815
Median$54,957
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
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
- journeyperson roofer
- metal roofer
- roofer
- roofing mechanic
- shingler
- wood shingler
Skills
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Sure-footed and able to work at heights
- Strength and stamina
- Agility and coordination
- Interest in working outdoors
- Ability to work as a team
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- For roofers - training through a 5,400-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
- Certification for roofers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for roofers.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Shinglers require one to two years of on-the-job training.
Other considerations
- Roofers install, repair, maintain and replace roofing systems. They work with membrane roofing systems that consist of a variety of materials with different application methods. They also install, replace, maintain and repair shingles, slates, shakes, roofing tiles, sheet metal, and other pre-formed sheeting on sloped roofs.
- Roofers and shinglers work outdoors on roofs of varying heights. When the weather is good and building activity is high, roofers may work a considerable amount of overtime.
- The work environment is exposed and may vary from extreme cold to extreme heat.
- Roofing is physically demanding work and requires considerable effort in lifting, climbing, bending, kneeling, and balancing on high, sloped, and sometimes slippery surfaces.
- Risks include injury from falls and from working with hazardous, hot materials.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program are completed.
- Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
- Roofers work with other tradespeople in the construction trades. With additional training, roofers may transfer their skills to related trades like carpenter or sheet metal workers. With experience, they may advance to positions such as supervisors, contractors, or inspectors.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
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
$31,061 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$23,714 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$30,678 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared 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
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
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 work in this trade.