Are you curious about how much roofers in Cleveland, Ohio can expect to earn in 2026? With construction activity, home improvement demand, and ongoing infrastructure projects, roofing continues to be a solid career path in the Cleveland metro area. This article covers average salaries, how experience affects pay, key factors influencing earnings, job market trends, benefits, necessary certifications, and comparisons to nearby cities — all designed to give you valuable insight if you’re considering this trade.
📊 Average Roofer Salary in Cleveland, OH (2026)
Typical Roofer Pay
| Salary Metric | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~$39,932/year |
| Average Hourly Wage | ~$19/hour |
| 25th Percentile | ~$36,047/year (~$17/hr) |
| 75th Percentile | ~$44,725/year (~$22/hr) |
| Top Earners (90th) | ~$49,088/year |
Roofers in Cleveland typically earn around $39,932 per year or about $19 per hour. Salaries vary depending on company, experience, and specific roofing work.
Job postings also show hourly pay rates ranging widely based on experience and type of roofing work — from around $19/hr up to $35/hr or more.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a big role in a roofer’s earnings. Here’s how pay typically progresses:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly & Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–2 yrs) | ~$17/hr — ~$35K/year |
| Mid‑Level (2–5 yrs) | ~$19–$22/hr — ~$38K–$45K/year |
| Experienced (5–10 yrs) | ~$22–$28/hr — ~$45K–$55K/year |
| Foreman / Lead | ~$60K+/year* |
*Roofing foremen — who supervise crews — commonly earn more, with averages near $62,973/year.
🧠 Factors That Influence Roofer Earnings
Several key elements affect how much roofers make in Cleveland:
📌 Skill Level and Specialization
Roofers with advanced skills in steep‑slope roofing, metal roofing, tile systems, or flat commercial systems tend to earn higher pay. Specialized certifications and experience also help negotiate higher rates.
📌 Type of Roofing Work
Residential roofing jobs often differ from commercial roofing jobs, which can pay more due to larger scale and complexity. Commercial roofers in Cleveland can average around $55,000/year, with some roles paying even more.
📌 Employment vs. Contracting
Employed roofers receive set hourly wages and may have benefits.
Independent contractors and self‑employed roofers can set their own pricing but may face uneven workloads.
📌 Seasonal Demand
Roofing is seasonal in Northeast Ohio due to winter weather. Spring and summer months typically offer more work and the opportunity for overtime pay.
📌 Reputation and Client Base
Roofers with strong local reputations often secure higher‑paying jobs, repeat clients, and referrals.
📈 Job Market Trends for Roofers in Cleveland (2026)
Roofers in Cleveland benefit from several ongoing trends:
🏘️ Residential Renovation Growth
Aging homes in the Cleveland area require roof repair and replacement, driving demand for experienced roofers.
🏢 Commercial & Industrial Projects
New and retrofitted commercial buildings often require more advanced roofing systems, increasing opportunities for skilled roofers.
🪚 Skilled Workforce Demand
Nationwide and regionally, there is continued demand for skilled tradespeople, including roofers, due to construction growth and workforce shortages.
🛠️ Wage Pressures
Wages for roofers have been pushed up by labor shortages, especially for workers with advanced roofing skills and safety training.
🎓 Certifications & Training That Impact Salary
While formal education isn’t required, training and credentials can increase earning potential:
🧰 Valuable Certifications
OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification
Apprenticeship Training
Roofing Manufacturer Certifications (e.g., CertainTeed, GAF)
Commercial roofing system training
Certified roofers demonstrate safety and specialized skills that companies may reward with higher pay.
🧠 Apprenticeships & On‑the‑Job Training
Many roofers enter the trade through apprenticeship programs or on‑the‑job training, which provide structured skill growth and enhance experience credentials.
💼 Benefits of a Roofing Career
Roofing offers several appealing professional advantages:
✔ Hands‑On Skill
Roofers work with their hands daily, building practical skills that are transferable across regions and construction sectors.
✔ Employment Opportunities
With ongoing construction and renovation activity, roofers often find steady work throughout peak seasons.
✔ Earning Potential
Experienced roofers, particularly those with specialized skills, can earn solid wages and move into supervisory or contractor roles.
✔ Entrepreneurial Option
Experienced roofers may start their own roofing businesses, taking on higher‑margin residential and commercial projects.
🌆 Salary Comparison — Cleveland vs Nearby Cities (2026)
Here’s how roofer wages in Cleveland compare with regional averages — based on broader Ohio wage data:
| City / Region | Median Roofer Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | ~$39,932/year (~$19/hr) | Local average. |
| Ohio Statewide | ~$39,924/year (~$19/hr) | Similar statewide. |
| Akron, OH | Slightly similar to Cleveland (OEWS data suggests close range) | Regional similarity. |
| Columbus, OH | Similar to Ohio average or slightly higher | Regional trend. |
Overall, Cleveland’s roofer pay is in line with broader Ohio averages, though specialized roles and certifications can push earnings higher.
📉 Job Outlook for Roofers in Cleveland
The job outlook for roofers in Cleveland remains positive in 2026, driven by:
Ongoing home repairs and replacements in older housing stock.
Commercial construction and renovation needs.
Continued infrastructure investment.
Demand for skilled tradespeople across the building and construction sector.
Roofers with strong safety records, diverse roofing system experience, and certifications are particularly well positioned to secure better jobs and pay.
🧠 Conclusion
In 2026, roofers in Cleveland, OH can expect a solid salary that reflects local construction demand, skill level, and experience. The typical roofer earns around $39,932 per year (about $19 per hour), with variations based on experience, specialization, and job type. With strong demand for both residential and commercial roofing, and opportunities to grow into supervisory or contractor roles, roofing remains a stable and rewarding skilled trade in the Cleveland area.