Quick answer: The median roofer in Rhode Island earns $29.63/hr — about $61,630 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $94,000+. To hire one, a roofing company typically bills $65–$90 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, 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 Rhode Island compares to other states.
Roofer income in Rhode Island (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Rhode Island's ~360 roofers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $20.89 | ~$3,621 | ~$43,451 |
| Median (typical) | $29.63 | ~$5,136 | $61,630 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $45.07 | ~$7,812 | ~$93,746 |
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) | ~$30/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $65–$90/hr |
Where Rhode Island ranks
Rhode Island pays roofers 11% above the national median, ranking 10th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Illinois | $37.45 |
| Rhode Island (10th) | $29.63 |
| National median | $26.65 |
| Lowest — Oklahoma | $21.00 |
What common roofing jobs cost in Rhode Island
At Rhode Island billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Rhode Island range |
|---|---|
| Roof inspection | $100–$450 |
| Minor leak repair | $175–$675 |
| Replace missing shingles | $225–$775 |
| Flashing repair | $225–$675 |
| Gutter replacement | $900–$2,800 |
| Asphalt shingle roof replacement | $6,500–$16,500 installed |
| Metal roof installation | $11,000–$28,000 installed |
| Flat roof repair | $450–$1,650 |
| Roof ventilation install | $325–$1,000 |
| Skylight installation | $1,000–$2,800 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How roofers compare to other trades in Rhode Island
Here's how roofer pay lines up against Rhode Island's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $36.77/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Electrician | $35.62/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| HVAC technician | $32.39/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Roofer | $29.63/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.25/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 Rhode Island?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Rhode Island contractor & trade licensing to check whether roofers need a state license in Rhode Island, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do roofers make in Rhode Island?
The median roofer in Rhode Island earns about $61,630 a year ($29.63/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level roofers earn around $43,000 and the most experienced earn $94,000 or more.
Can a roofer make $100,000 a year in Rhode Island?
Rarely as an employee — the top 10% of roofers in Rhode Island earn about $94,000 a year. The usual path past $100,000 is running your own roofing company and billing $65–$90/hr, where revenue — not just an hourly wage — is the ceiling.
How much do roofers charge per hour in Rhode Island?
In 2025, most Rhode Island roofers bill $65–$90 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $30/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do roofers earn more in Rhode Island than nationally?
Yes — Rhode Island's median roofer wage is about 11% above the national median of $26.65/hr, ranking 10th of 51 states.
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. Updated August 2026.