Roofer Resume Guide: Build a Resume That Gets You Hired

A general laborer's resume lists tasks. A roofer's resume proves you can protect a building from the elements — safely, on schedule, and to code. That distinction matters because roofing contractors don't just want workers who show up; they want skilled tradespeople who understand material systems, slope calculations, and fall protection protocols. This guide shows you exactly how to build a resume that communicates that expertise.

Opening Hook

The roofing industry expects approximately 12,700 annual job openings through 2034, driven by a 5.9% growth rate and steady demand for roof replacements and storm damage repair [8].

Key Takeaways

• What makes a roofer resume unique: Recruiters prioritize safety records, material-specific expertise (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, asphalt shingles), and project scope over generic construction experience [13].
• Top 3 things recruiters look for: OSHA certifications, quantified production metrics (squares per day, projects completed), and documented experience with specific roofing systems.
• Most common mistake to avoid: Listing "roofing" as a single skill instead of breaking it into specific competencies — tear-off, underlayment installation, flashing, ventilation, and waterproofing are distinct skills that each carry ATS keyword weight [11].

What Do Recruiters Look For in a Roofer Resume?

Roofing contractors and hiring managers scan resumes differently than employers in other construction trades. They want to see three things fast: what systems you know, how safely you work, and how much volume you can handle.

Required Skills and Certifications

Every competitive roofer resume needs to demonstrate hands-on proficiency with at least one major roofing system. Residential employers look for experience with asphalt shingle installation, cedar shake, and metal roofing. Commercial employers prioritize single-ply membrane systems (TPO, PVC, EPDM), built-up roofing (BUR), and modified bitumen applications [6]. If you have experience across both residential and commercial systems, make that clear — it significantly expands your candidate pool.

OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety certification is effectively non-negotiable for most employers posting on major job boards [4]. Many contractors also look for fall protection training, scaffold competency, and first aid/CPR credentials. If you hold manufacturer certifications from GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning, those signal that you can install warranty-eligible systems — a direct revenue driver for your employer.

Experience Patterns That Stand Out

Recruiters notice candidates who show progression: from laborer to installer to lead or foreman. They also look for storm damage restoration experience, since insurance-funded projects require precise documentation and scope-of-work adherence. Experience with roof inspections, moisture surveys, or infrared scanning sets you apart from applicants who only list installation work [5].

Keywords Recruiters Search For

When contractors post on Indeed or LinkedIn, their applicant tracking systems filter for specific terms [11]. Include these naturally throughout your resume: tear-off, re-roofing, new construction, torch-down, hot-mop, cold-applied adhesive, drip edge, ice and water shield, ridge vent, soffit, fascia, and flashing. Recruiters also search for equipment terms like roofing nailer, kettle operation, and material hoist [4] [5].

The median annual wage for roofers sits at $50,970, with top earners reaching $80,780 at the 90th percentile [1]. Your resume should reflect the skills and certifications that justify compensation at the higher end of that range.

What Is the Best Resume Format for Roofers?

Use a reverse-chronological format. This is the strongest choice for roofers because it shows your career trajectory clearly — from helper or laborer up through journeyman, lead installer, or foreman. Roofing contractors want to see where you worked, how long you stayed, and what you did at each stop [12].

A functional (skills-based) format can work if you're transitioning from a related trade like siding or general construction, but most hiring managers in roofing find it suspicious. They want to see continuous employment because the trade rewards consistency and reliability.

Format Specifications

• Length: One page for roofers with under 10 years of experience; two pages if you've held foreman or superintendent roles across multiple companies.
• Font: Clean, readable fonts (Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica) at 10-11pt for body text.
• Sections in order: Contact information, professional summary, certifications, work experience, skills, education.
• Why certifications go high: In roofing, your OSHA card and manufacturer certifications carry more weight than your diploma. Place them above work experience so they're visible in a six-second recruiter scan [10].

Avoid graphics, columns, or tables — many roofing companies use basic ATS platforms that can't parse complex formatting [11].

What Key Skills Should a Roofer Include?

Hard Skills (8-12)

1. Asphalt shingle installation — The bread and butter of residential roofing. Specify whether you've worked with architectural (dimensional) or three-tab shingles, and note any manufacturer-specific training.

2. Single-ply membrane application (TPO/PVC/EPDM) — Commercial roofing's dominant systems. Mention whether you've done mechanically attached, fully adhered, or ballasted installations [6].

3. Modified bitumen and BUR systems — Torch-down and hot-mop applications require specific skill sets. If you're kettle-certified, say so explicitly.

4. Metal roofing installation — Standing seam, corrugated, and metal shingle systems each require different techniques. Specify which you've installed.

5. Roof tear-off and deck preparation — Removing existing materials, inspecting decking for rot, and installing underlayment are foundational skills that many candidates fail to list separately.

6. Flashing and waterproofing — Step flashing, counter flashing, valley flashing, and penetration sealing around vents, pipes, and skylights [6].

7. Ventilation system installation — Ridge vents, soffit vents, turbine vents, and powered attic ventilators. Proper ventilation knowledge separates skilled roofers from laborers.

8. Blueprint and specification reading — Interpreting architectural drawings, slope calculations, and material specifications for bid accuracy and installation compliance [14].

9. Roof inspection and moisture detection — Experience with infrared scanning, core sampling, or visual inspection protocols adds significant value.

10. Equipment operation — Roofing nailers (coil and stick), material hoists, hot asphalt kettles, and power cutters [6].

Soft Skills (4-6)

1. Physical stamina and heat tolerance — Roofing demands sustained physical output in extreme conditions. Mention your ability to maintain production quality during peak summer months [14].

2. Crew coordination — Even if you're not a foreman, describe how you've coordinated with other installers on multi-section roofs or phased projects.

3. Safety awareness — Demonstrate this through your track record: years without incidents, participation in safety meetings, or mentoring newer workers on fall protection.

4. Time management — Roofing projects run on tight schedules, especially storm restoration work. Show how you've met or beaten deadlines.

5. Client communication — Residential roofers often interact directly with homeowners. If you've explained project scope, managed expectations, or handled warranty questions, include that experience.

How Should a Roofer Write Work Experience Bullets?

Generic bullets like "installed roofs" tell a recruiter nothing. Strong bullets follow the XYZ formula: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]." Here are 15 role-specific examples with realistic metrics:

1. Installed an average of 8-10 squares of architectural shingles per day on residential re-roofing projects, consistently exceeding crew production targets by 15%.

2. Completed 120+ residential roof replacements annually using GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, maintaining manufacturer warranty compliance on every installation.

3. Applied 50,000+ square feet of TPO single-ply membrane on commercial flat-roof projects, achieving zero leak callbacks over a 2-year period.

4. Led a 6-person roofing crew on new construction projects ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 square feet, finishing 90% of jobs ahead of schedule.

5. Maintained a zero-incident safety record across 4 years by enforcing OSHA fall protection standards and conducting daily toolbox talks for crew members [15].

6. Performed 200+ roof inspections for storm damage assessment, documenting findings with photos and measurements for insurance claim submissions.

7. Installed modified bitumen roofing systems using torch-down application on 30+ commercial buildings, passing all municipal code inspections on first attempt.

8. Reduced material waste by 12% by implementing precise measurement and cutting protocols for metal roofing panel installation.

9. Trained 10 apprentice roofers on proper nail gun operation, underlayment installation, and OSHA-compliant scaffold setup over a 3-year period.

10. Operated hot asphalt kettles for BUR system installation on projects up to 40,000 square feet, maintaining proper temperature control and safety protocols.

11. Installed copper and aluminum flashing systems around 500+ roof penetrations (chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents), eliminating water intrusion on all completed projects.

12. Managed material logistics for 15 concurrent job sites, coordinating delivery schedules with suppliers to prevent crew downtime.

13. Executed emergency tarp and temporary repair services within 24-hour response windows during hurricane season, securing 75+ properties against further water damage.

14. Installed ridge vent and soffit ventilation systems on 80+ homes per year, ensuring proper attic airflow per manufacturer specifications.

15. Earned GAF Master Elite Contractor status for the company by maintaining installation quality standards across 300+ annual projects [4].

Notice how each bullet includes a specific number, a roofing-specific task, and a measurable outcome. Adapt these to your actual experience — don't inflate numbers, but do quantify everything you can.

Professional Summary Examples

Entry-Level Roofer

Motivated roofing professional with 1 year of hands-on experience in residential shingle installation, tear-off, and underlayment application. OSHA 10-Hour certified with strong knowledge of fall protection protocols and ladder safety. Eager to contribute physical endurance, reliability, and growing technical skills to a production-focused roofing crew.

Mid-Career Roofer

Skilled roofer with 6 years of experience across residential and commercial roofing systems, including asphalt shingles, TPO membrane, and modified bitumen. Consistently installs 8+ squares per day while maintaining a clean safety record with zero OSHA violations. Holds OSHA 30-Hour certification and GAF-certified installer credentials, with proven ability to lead small crews on re-roofing and new construction projects.

Senior Roofer / Foreman

Roofing foreman with 12+ years of progressive experience managing crews of up to 10 installers on commercial and residential projects valued at $50K-$500K. Expert in single-ply membrane systems, BUR, and metal roofing installation with a career safety record of zero lost-time incidents. NRCA ProCertified and manufacturer-trained by GAF and CertainTeed, with a track record of completing 95% of projects on or ahead of schedule while maintaining full code compliance.

What Education and Certifications Do Roofers Need?

The BLS reports that roofing requires no formal educational credential for entry, with most roofers learning through moderate-term on-the-job training [7]. That said, certifications dramatically affect your earning potential and hiring priority.

Essential Certifications

• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety — Minimum requirement for most employers. List the completion date and card number [15].
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety — Preferred for lead and foreman roles. Shows deeper safety knowledge.
• NRCA ProCertification — Issued by the National Roofing Contractors Association. Available for roofing workers and foremen. This is the industry's most recognized professional credential [16].

Manufacturer Certifications

• GAF Certified Installer / Master Elite Contractor — Demonstrates proficiency with GAF roofing systems.
• CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster — Validates installation quality for CertainTeed products.
• Owens Corning Preferred Contractor — Recognized credential for Owens Corning system installation.

How to Format Certifications

List each certification with the issuing organization and year obtained. Place this section directly below your professional summary:

CERTIFICATIONS
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety | OSHA | 2021
NRCA ProCertification – Roofing Worker | NRCA | 2023
GAF Certified Installer | GAF | 2022
First Aid/CPR | American Red Cross | 2024

If you've completed a formal apprenticeship program through a union (United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers) or a trade school, list it under Education with the program name, institution, and completion year [7].

What Are the Most Common Roofer Resume Mistakes?

1. Listing "Roofing" as a Single Skill

Why it's wrong: "Roofing" is a trade, not a skill. ATS systems search for specific terms like "TPO installation" or "torch-down application" [11]. Fix: Break your experience into specific systems, techniques, and materials.

2. Omitting Safety Records

Why it's wrong: Safety is the #1 liability concern for roofing contractors. A resume without safety data is a red flag. Roofing consistently ranks among the most dangerous occupations, with a fatal injury rate of 21.0 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers [17]. Fix: Include your incident-free record, OSHA certifications, and any safety training you've led or attended.

3. No Production Metrics

Why it's wrong: Roofing is a production-driven trade. Without numbers, recruiters can't gauge your speed or capacity. Fix: Include squares per day, projects per season, or square footage completed annually.

4. Using Generic Construction Language

Why it's wrong: Phrases like "performed construction duties" or "worked on buildings" don't differentiate you from a general laborer. Fix: Use roofing-specific terminology: "installed ice and water shield," "performed torch-down modified bitumen application," "set up perimeter fall protection systems" [6].

5. Ignoring Manufacturer Certifications

Why it's wrong: Manufacturer certs directly impact a contractor's ability to offer extended warranties. Leaving them off costs you interviews. Fix: List every manufacturer certification prominently, even if it's expired — note the expiration and whether you plan to renew.

6. Not Specifying Residential vs. Commercial Experience

Why it's wrong: These are functionally different specializations. A commercial roofing company needs to know you've worked on flat-roof membrane systems, not just steep-slope shingles. Fix: Clearly label each position with the type of roofing (residential, commercial, or both) and the systems you installed.

7. Leaving Off Crew Size and Project Scope

Why it's wrong: Foreman and lead candidates who don't mention crew size or project value look like solo installers. Fix: Specify crew sizes you've managed and the dollar value or square footage of your largest projects.

ATS Keywords for Roofer Resumes

Applicant tracking systems filter candidates based on keyword matches to the job posting [11]. Incorporate these terms naturally throughout your resume:

Technical Skills

Shingle installation, TPO membrane, EPDM, PVC roofing, modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR), metal roofing, standing seam, torch-down application, hot-mop, cold-applied adhesive, roof tear-off, waterproofing, flashing installation

Certifications

OSHA 10, OSHA 30, NRCA ProCertification, GAF Certified Installer, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, fall protection certified, scaffold competent person

Tools and Equipment

Roofing nailer, pneumatic nail gun, hot asphalt kettle, material hoist, power cutter, chalk line, roofing square, moisture meter, infrared scanner [14]

Industry Terms

Re-roofing, new construction, storm restoration, roof inspection, code compliance, warranty installation, squares per day, slope calculation, ice and water shield, drip edge, ridge vent, soffit, fascia

Action Verbs

Installed, applied, inspected, repaired, replaced, sealed, waterproofed, supervised, trained, coordinated, maintained, operated, measured, documented

Key Takeaways

Your roofer resume needs to do three things: prove your technical expertise with specific roofing systems, demonstrate a strong safety record, and quantify your production output. Place certifications high on the page — they carry more weight than education in this trade. Use the XYZ formula for every work experience bullet, and include roofing-specific terminology that ATS systems scan for [11]. Avoid generic construction language that makes you look like a laborer instead of a skilled tradesperson. With the industry projecting 12,700 annual openings through 2034 [8] and top earners reaching $80,780 annually [1], a well-crafted resume positions you for the best-paying opportunities.

Build your ATS-optimized Roofer resume with Resume Geni — it's free to start.

FAQ

How long should a roofer resume be?

One page is ideal for most roofers. If you have fewer than 10 years of experience, keep everything on a single page. Roofers with extensive foreman or superintendent experience across multiple companies can justify a second page, but only if every line adds value. Recruiters spend an average of six to seven seconds on an initial resume scan [10], so conciseness matters more than length.

Do I need a resume if I'm applying to roofing jobs in person?

Yes. Even if you walk onto a job site and shake the foreman's hand, having a printed resume sets you apart from other walk-in applicants. Many roofing companies now use digital applicant tracking systems even for field positions [11], so a well-formatted resume ensures your information gets entered correctly into their system and doesn't get lost after a verbal conversation.

Should I include my high school diploma on a roofer resume?

You can, but don't give it prime real estate. The BLS notes that roofing requires no formal educational credential [7], so certifications and hands-on experience carry far more weight. If your highest education is a high school diploma or GED, list it briefly at the bottom of your resume. If you completed a trade school program or union apprenticeship, prioritize that instead — it demonstrates structured training.

What salary should I expect as a roofer?

The median annual wage for roofers is $50,970, with a median hourly rate of $24.51 [1]. Entry-level roofers at the 10th percentile earn around $37,060, while experienced roofers at the 90th percentile reach $80,780 [1]. Your earning potential increases significantly with certifications, foreman experience, and specialization in commercial roofing systems. Geographic location also plays a major role in compensation differences.

Is it worth getting NRCA ProCertification?

Absolutely. NRCA ProCertification is the most widely recognized professional credential in the roofing industry, issued by the National Roofing Contractors Association [16]. It validates your skills through both written and hands-on assessments. Employers increasingly list it as a preferred qualification on job postings [4] [5], and holding it can justify higher pay. It also signals to hiring managers that you take the trade seriously enough to invest in formal credentialing.

What if I have gaps in my employment history?

Employment gaps are common in roofing due to seasonal slowdowns, weather-dependent schedules, and project-based hiring cycles. Recruiters in the trades understand this. If you used downtime productively — earning certifications, completing safety training, or doing side work — list those activities. A brief note like "Completed OSHA 30-Hour certification during seasonal layoff" turns a gap into a credential. Honesty works better than trying to hide gaps with creative date formatting [12].

Should I list every roofing job I've had?

Focus on the most relevant and recent positions — typically the last 10 to 15 years. If you worked for five different contractors doing identical shingle installation, consolidate by highlighting the roles where you had the most responsibility, largest project scope, or best safety record. Recruiters care about depth and progression, not a long list of short stints [12]. If frequent job changes are unavoidable in your history, emphasize project-based work to provide context.

References

[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024: 47-2181 Roofers." U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472181.htm

[4] O*NET OnLine. "47-2181.00 - Roofers." https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2181.00

[5] O*NET OnLine. "47-2181.00 - Roofers: Technology Skills." https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/47-2181.00

[6] O*NET OnLine. "47-2181.00 - Roofers: Tasks." https://www.onetonline.org/link/tasks/47-2181.00

[7] Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Roofers: How to Become a Roofer." Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm#tab-4

[8] Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Roofers: Job Outlook." Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm#tab-6

[10] Ladders, Inc. "Eye-Tracking Study: How Recruiters View Resumes." 2018. https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/you-only-get-6-seconds-of-fame-make-it-count

[11] Jobscan. "ATS Resume Guide." https://www.jobscan.co/applicant-tracking-systems

[12] Harvard Business Review. "How to Write a Resume That Stands Out." https://hbr.org/2014/12/how-to-write-a-resume-that-stands-out

[13] National Roofing Contractors Association. "Workforce Development." https://www.nrca.net/workforce

[14] O*NET OnLine. "47-2181.00 - Roofers: Skills." https://www.onetonline.org/link/skills/47-2181.00

[15] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "OSHA Outreach Training Program." U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach

[16] National Roofing Contractors Association. "NRCA ProCertification." https://www.nrca.net/procertification

[17] Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2022." U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.nr0.htm