Quick answer: Roofers in California typically bill $65–$90 per hour (2025) — and more in higher-cost metros like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. The median roofer earns $30.58/hr ($63,600/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a roofing company charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what roofers earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how California compares to other states.
Roofer income in California (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for California's ~21,190 roofers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $23.38 | ~$4,053 | ~$48,630 |
| Median (typical) | $30.58 | ~$5,300 | $63,600 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $42.79 | ~$7,417 | ~$89,003 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a roofer takes home. What a roofing company bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median roofer wage (earned) | ~$31/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $65–$90/hr |
Where California ranks
California pays roofers 15% above the national median, ranking 7th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Illinois | $37.45 |
| California (7th) | $30.58 |
| National median | $26.65 |
| Lowest — Oklahoma | $21.00 |
Roofer rates by California metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median roofer wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $36.85/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $35.74/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $30.56/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $30.44/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Fresno | $30.00/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $29.90/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Vallejo | $29.85/hr | $65–$90/hr |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for roofers, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common roofing jobs cost in California
At California billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical California range |
|---|---|
| Roof inspection | $125–$450 |
| Minor leak repair | $175–$700 |
| Replace missing shingles | $225–$800 |
| Flashing repair | $225–$700 |
| Gutter replacement | $900–$2,850 |
| Asphalt shingle roof replacement | $7,000–$17,000 installed |
| Metal roof installation | $11,500–$28,500 installed |
| Flat roof repair | $450–$1,700 |
| Roof ventilation install | $350–$1,025 |
| Skylight installation | $1,050–$2,850 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How roofers compare to other trades in California
Here's how roofer pay lines up against California's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $36.62/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Carpenter | $36.50/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Plumber | $35.01/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| HVAC technician | $34.88/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Roofer | $30.58/hr | $65–$90/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free roofer estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do roofers need a license in California?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See California contractor & trade licensing to check whether roofers need a state license in California, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do roofers charge per hour in California?
In 2025, most California roofers bill $65–$90 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $31/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average roofer salary in California?
The median roofer in California earns about $63,600 a year ($30.58/hr). Entry-level roofers earn around $49,000 and the most experienced earn $89,000 or more.
Do roofers earn more in California than nationally?
Yes — California's median roofer wage is about 15% above the national median of $26.65/hr, ranking 7th of 51 states.
Which California city pays roofers the most?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, at a $36.85/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.