Roofing is one of the essential building trades — every structure with a roof will eventually need maintenance, repair, or replacement. Qualified roofers, particularly those with specialist skills in flat roofing or leadwork, earn well above the national average. Here is what roofers earn in 2026.
For a broader comparison, see our Salary by Profession hub.
Employed Roofer Salaries (2026)
| Experience level | Typical annual salary |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | £11,000–£15,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 2) | £15,000–£20,000 |
| Newly qualified (NVQ Level 2) | £25,000–£30,000 |
| Experienced roofer | £29,000–£38,000 |
| Lead worker / flat roof specialist | £33,000–£42,000 |
| Site supervisor / contracts manager | £40,000–£55,000 |
Employed roofers typically work for roofing contractors, national housebuilders, or specialist heritage restoration firms. Hourly rates for qualified roofers run £14–£19/hour.
Self-Employed Roofer Day Rates (2026)
| Region | Typical day rate | Typical annual gross (44 weeks, 5-day) |
|---|---|---|
| London and South East | £260–£360 | £57,200–£79,200 |
| Midlands / North West | £190–£250 | £41,800–£55,000 |
| Yorkshire / North East | £180–£230 | £39,600–£50,600 |
| Scotland | £190–£250 | £41,800–£55,000 |
| National average | £195–£260 | £42,900–£57,200 |
Roofers typically work fewer days per year than indoor trades due to weather restrictions — 44 working weeks is a realistic annual estimate. Self-employed roofers must also fund their own harness and fall arrest equipment, tools, and public liability insurance.
Take-Home Pay on Roofer Salaries (2026/27)
Employed roofer
| Gross salary | Income tax | National Insurance | Take-home (annual) | Take-home (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £27,000 | £2,886 | £1,154 | £22,960 | £1,913 |
| £32,000 | £3,886 | £1,554 | £26,560 | £2,213 |
| £38,000 | £5,086 | £1,854 | £31,060 | £2,588 |
Self-employed roofer (sole trader, before expenses)
| Gross earnings | Income tax | Class 4 NI | Take-home (annual) | Take-home (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £35,000 | £4,486 | £1,854 | £28,660 | £2,388 |
| £45,000 | £6,486 | £2,254 | £36,260 | £3,022 |
| £55,000 | £8,486 | £2,554 | £43,960 | £3,663 |
For how allowable business expenses reduce taxable profit, see our self-employment tax guide.
Roofing Specialisms and Earning Potential
Not all roofing work pays the same rate. Specialisms drive significantly higher earnings:
| Specialism | Day rate premium | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lead work (flashings, dormers, valleys) | +20–30% | Specialist skill, high value |
| Heritage slate / clay tile restoration | +25–40% | Scarce expertise, listed building work |
| Flat roofing (GRP / single-ply systems) | +10–20% | Qualification requirements |
| Commercial roofing (industrial cladding) | +15–25% | Height risk, contractor environment |
A lead worker charging £300/day versus a standard tiler at £220/day earns approximately £16,000 more per year at the same working days — before the additional materials and project complexity that heritage work commands.
Roofer vs Other Trades: Salary Comparison
| Trade | Employed range | Self-employed (typical annual gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Roofer | £27,000–£38,000 | £38,000–£60,000+ |
| Bricklayer | £32,000–£42,000 | £45,000–£70,000+ |
| Plasterer | £28,000–£38,000 | £40,000–£60,000+ |
| Tiler | £26,000–£36,000 | £35,000–£55,000+ |
| Scaffolder | £30,000–£42,000 | £45,000–£65,000+ |
Roofing is at the lower end of the trades earnings spectrum for standard work, but specialist roofers earn comparably to bricklayers and above plasterers.
Roofer Apprenticeships
The Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Roofing Occupations takes approximately 2 years. Covering pitched roofing, slating, tiling, and flat roofing, the apprenticeship is funded by the CITB levy.
| Year | Minimum pay | Typical actual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £7.55/hour | £10–£13/hour |
| Year 2 (19+) | National Living Wage | £12–£16/hour |
Health and Safety on the Roof
Roofing is classified as work at height under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Employers are legally required to provide appropriate fall prevention or arrest equipment. Self-employed roofers must supply their own — a full harness system typically costs £150–£400.
CSCS cards (blue for skilled worker, gold for supervisors) are required on most commercial and managed residential sites. Training in working at height and asbestos awareness is also expected for most roofing roles.
See our bricklayer salary guide, scaffolder salary guide, and average salary UK guide.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) for Roofers
Self-employed roofers working for contractors are typically paid under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). The contractor deducts 20% tax at source if you are CIS registered, or 30% if you are not. You declare the deductions on your Self Assessment return and reclaim any overpaid tax. Registering for CIS is free — do it through HMRC before you start.
Roofers working directly for homeowners (domestic clients) are not covered by CIS and are paid gross. These self-employed roofers must set aside tax and NI independently and file a Self Assessment return each year. A reasonable rule of thumb: set aside 25–30% of gross income for HMRC.
Roofer Apprenticeships
| Apprenticeship | Duration | Typical pay |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Roofing Apprenticeship (Level 2) | 2–3 years | £13,000–£18,000 |
| Advanced Roofing Apprenticeship (Level 3) | 3–4 years | £17,000–£23,000 |
Apprenticeships are available through CITB-registered employers and training providers. On completing an apprenticeship, roofers can apply for their Blue (Skilled Worker) CSCS card and are eligible to apply to the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) register.
Demand for Roofers
The UK housing stock is ageing, and the backlog of roof repairs and replacements is substantial. The NFRC estimates chronic skill shortages in roofing — particularly in heritage lead work and flat roofing. For qualified roofers, this means consistent work and pricing power. Energy efficiency retrofitting (insulation, solar panel preparation) adds further demand, especially in the commercial and domestic sectors over the next decade.