Roofers
SOC Code: 47-2181
Roofers carries a 17% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $50,970 and +5.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 166,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 17% AI exposure, Roofers sits 20 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 3% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Roofers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Roofers has ai exposure of 17%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Roofers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Roofers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Roofers (SOC 47-2181) carries an AI exposure score of 17%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 166,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.9% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $50,970, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Roofers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Roofers is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
- 2. Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
- 3. Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
- 4. Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
- 5. Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
- 6. Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
- 7. Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.
- 8. Apply plastic coatings, membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.
- 9. Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems, using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric, or other asphaltic compositions.
- 10. Attach roofing paper to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials.
Key Skills Required
- Coordination
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Time Management
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Roofers?
Roofers has an AI exposure score of 17%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Roofers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Roofers is projected to grow by 5.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 166,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Roofers?
Key skills for Roofers include Coordination, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Roofers earn?
The median annual wage for Roofers is $50,970, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Roofers?
The typical entry-level education for Roofers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Roofers?
Roofers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).