How to become a roofer or shingler
Official title: Roofers and shinglers
Also called: Roofer, Shingler, Tar roofer, Flat roofer, Tile roofer, Metal roofer, Gravel roofer, Wood shingler, Asphalt roofer, Cedar shingler, Roofer trainee, Shingle roofer
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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. Trade certification for residential steep roofers is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia. Red Seal endorsement 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.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. 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. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $60,392 a year The middle half earn $50,700 to $74,100.
- About 23,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 26,700 are projected by 2033. (+16.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a roofer or shingler?
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. Trade certification for residential steep roofers is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia. Red Seal endorsement 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.
How much does a roofer or shingler earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $60,392 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $50,700 to $74,100.
Is a roofer or shingler a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2033, from about 23,000 to about 26,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a roofer or shingler?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03