How Hard Is It To Start A Roofing Company

November 29, 2025

2 min read

Starting a roofing company is hard, but it’s possible if you plan ahead and work hard. You need money to buy tools and a truck. You need to learn the skills or hire people who know roofing. Most roofing companies today are small, local businesses, not big chains. According to IBISWorld, there are 99,203 roofing companies in the U.S., and the industry is growing. The roofing business is tough because you face competition, need skilled workers, and must handle safety rules. But the market is strong right now because people need roof repairs and replacements.

Do You Need Special Training?

Yes, you need to know roofing or hire people who do. Most roofers have just a high school diploma, but they learn on the job for years. You don’t need a college degree to start, but you do need hands-on skill.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 58% of roofers have only a high school diploma. You can learn by working under other roofers first. Then you can start your own company. Safety training is very important because roofing is the second most dangerous job in construction.

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What Are Your Main Startup Costs?

Startup costs are high. You need a truck, tools, insurance, and money to pay workers while you get jobs. According to RubyHome, roof installation costs range from $4 to $40 per square foot, so you need enough money to do the first job right.

Here are the main costs:

Truck and ladders: $15,000-$50,000
Tools and equipment: $5,000-$10,000
Insurance and licensing: $3,000-$10,000 per year
First month payroll: $10,000-$30,000
Office space: $1,000-$3,000 per month

Is There a Labor Problem?

Yes, finding good workers is very hard. According to the NRCA 2024 survey, 85% of contractors face skilled labor shortages. This means if you start a roofing company, you might struggle to find people to work for you.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 136,740 roofers work in the U.S., but more are retiring than starting. The median wage for roofers is $48,000 to $52,000 per year. You need to pay fair wages to keep good workers. Only 0.6% of roofers are women, so the workforce is very male-dominated and shrinking.

Can You Make Money?

Yes, but it takes time. According to the Roofing Contractor Association, the average roof repair costs $1,150, and replacements average $11,500. Your profit depends on how much you charge minus what you pay workers and buy materials. According to IBISWorld, the roofing industry market size is $81.3 billion in 2025, so there’s plenty of work.

The key is to start small, do good work, and build a good name. Many roofing companies grow slowly over five to ten years. If you’re willing to work hard and solve the worker shortage problem, starting a roofing company can work.

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Contact a qualified roofing services for expert guidance on roof repair, replacement, or installation.