How to become a Roof Tiler
Covers roofs with tiles, sheets and shingles to form a waterproof surface.
Main tasks
- Studies drawings, specifications and work sites to determine roofing materials required
- Prepares the roof face by setting out the roof surface and applying sarking
- Measures, cuts and fixes battens using fasteners
- Cuts and shapes roofing materials to fit around vents, chimney edges, corners and ridges
- Installs and secures roof tiles, sheets or shingles, including fixing edge and ridge tiles in cement mortar
- Checks existing roof coverings, battens, sarking, boarding and flashing installations for damage, and repairs or replaces them as required
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Roof Tiling. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820); Diploma of Construction Waterproofing Design and Survey (CPC50722); Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 10,300 people work in this job group now, and about 10,700 are projected by 2035. (+4.4%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Roof Tiler?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Roof Tiling; Diploma of Construction Waterproofing Design and Survey; Certificate III in Roof Tiling.
Is a Roof Tiler a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 10,300 to about 10,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Roof Tiler?
Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Roof Tiling; Diploma of Construction Waterproofing Design and Survey; Certificate III in Roof Tiling.
Will AI change the work of a Roof Tiler?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04