Roofers and shinglers

Overview

Roofers install, repair or replace flat roofs as well as shingles, shakes or other roofing tiles on sloped roofs. Shinglers install and replace shingles, tiles and similar coverings on sloped roofs. They are employed by roofing and general contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Roofers

  • Install, repair or replace built-up roofing systems using materials such as asphalt saturated felts and hot asphalt and gravel

  • Install, repair or replace single-ply roofing system using waterproof sheet materials such as 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.

Job titles

  • apprentice roofer
  • apprentice shingle roofer
  • asphalt and gravel roofer
  • asphalt roofer
  • asphalt shingle roofer
  • asphalt shingler

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$47,969

Median

$62,568

High

$79,253

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

483

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary 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 compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.

Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Roofers and shinglers in B.C.

  • Roofer Red Seal Certification
  • Skilled Trades Certification - Roofers
  • Skilled Trades Certification - Residential Steep Roofers

Roofer Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Skilled Trades Certification - Roofers

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a roofer in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Skilled Trades Certification - Residential Steep Roofers

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a residential steep roofer in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No programs available in B.C.

There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for these careers. Please see the SkilledTradesBC website for other options.

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