If you’re considering a career as a roofer in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2026, it’s important to understand how much professionals in this field earn, what influences their pay, and what opportunities exist in the local job market. Roofing is a skilled trade involving installation, repair, and maintenance of roofs — work that’s especially relevant in Hawaii’s climate. This comprehensive, SEO‑friendly article breaks down salary ranges, experience‑based earnings, key influencing factors, job trends, benefits, certifications, and comparisons with nearby areas.
📊 Average Roofer Salary in Honolulu (2026)
Roofers in Honolulu can earn competitive wages due to the high cost of living and ongoing construction and maintenance demand.
Typical Salary Range
| Measure | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~$42,638 per year (Salary.com) |
| Hourly Average | ~$20/hour (Salary.com) |
| 25th–75th Percentile Range | ~$38,489 – ~$47,756/year (Salary.com) |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | ~$52,415/year (Salary.com) |
| Indeed Hourly Average | ~$32.83/hour (10 salaries) (Indeed) |
| Statewide Average (Hawaii) | ~$34.08/hour (Indeed Hawaii) |
Note: Salaries can vary depending on data source and type of employer; hourly figures on Indeed may reflect job postings with experienced workers and overtime considered, while Salary.com provides broader market salary data.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a key role in roofing wages. While exact local breakdowns vary, typical patterns based on national and regional data show the following:
| Experience | Typical Earnings (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–2 years) | Lower end of pay scale (~$19–$22/hr) |
| Mid‑Level (3–5 yrs) | Median range (~$20–$30/hr) |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | Closer to high range (~$30–$40+/hr) — postings show roles up to ~$45/hr in Oahu area jobs |
| Top Skilled / Specialist | Potential higher compensation (foreman/supervisor roles) |
Job posting data from the broader Honolulu area reveals roofers and supervisors earning $36–$46/hour for experienced positions like foreman or senior crew members.
💼 Key Factors Influencing Roofer Earnings
Several elements affect how much roofers earn in Honolulu:
🧑🔧 Experience & Skill Level
Roofers with more experience and specialized skills (e.g., working with TPO, metal roofing, or multi‑family homes) generally earn more.
📍 Location & Demand
Honolulu’s higher cost of living and competitive labor market often push wages above national averages. Hawaii filings show that roofing work often pays above basic construction wages.
🛠 Employment Type
Full‑time employees may get hourly pay plus benefits.
Independent contractors can set hourly rates that reflect their skills and reputation, sometimes earning more on private jobs.
🪜 Seasonality
While roofing is often a year‑round demand in Honolulu due to the warm climate, extreme weather events can spike roofing repair and installation demand, occasionally boosting short‑term earnings.
📈 Job Market Trends — Roofing in Honolulu 2026
Honolulu’s construction landscape supports strong demand for roofers:
🏠 Steady Construction Activity
Residential construction, renovation, and maintenance continue to keep roofers busy in urban Honolulu. The need for skilled roofing crews and supervised teams is part of this trend.
🌦 Weather & Maintenance Demand
Honolulu’s tropical climate, sun, and occasional storms increase roofing wear and tear, maintaining consistent demand for inspections, repairs, and replacements.
⚒ Hybrid Roles
Some workers move into related roles like commercial roofing crews, supervisory roles (foreman), or estimating positions (e.g., Commercial Roofing Estimator roles average significantly higher salaries — ~$94K/year in Honolulu) .
🎓 Certifications and Education That Impact Salary
Formal education isn’t strictly required to become a roofer, but training and credentials can elevate earnings:
📌 Helpful Credentials
OSHA Safety Certifications
Apprenticeship or Technical Training
Specialized roofing system certifications
CSCS or other construction safety training
Roofers with formal training and safety credentials often stand out to employers and can qualify for better pay and leadership roles.
🧾 Benefits of Working as a Roofer in Honolulu
Roofing offers several advantages for career seekers:
✔ High Demand
Roofing remains a necessary skill across residential and commercial property sectors in Honolulu.
✔ Hands‑On Work
For those who enjoy physical, outdoor, and results‑oriented work, roofing offers daily satisfaction and progress.
✔ Pay Potential
Experienced roofers and foremen can command higher wages, especially with specialized skills or commercial experience, sometimes well above the average.
✔ Opportunities for Advancement
Roofers can advance into supervisory roles, foreman positions, or even start their own roofing businesses.
📊 Roofer Salary Comparison: Honolulu vs Nearby Areas
To understand how Honolulu stacks up in 2026:
| Location | Approx. Roofer Pay |
|---|---|
| Honolulu, HI | Avg ~ $20/hr ($42,638/yr) – region data |
| Hawaii State Average | ~$21/hr (~$42,855/yr) |
| Indeed reported Honolulu postings | ~$32.83/hr average current jobs |
Wages in Honolulu often compare well with broader Hawaii state averages, while specific job postings sometimes show higher premium pay for experienced roles.
📉 Job Outlook for Roofers in Honolulu
The roofing profession in Honolulu has a positive job outlook in 2026:
📌 Sustainable Demand
Ongoing construction and regular maintenance needs keep roofers in demand.
📌 Career Flexibility
Roofers with certification and experience may transition to supervisory or estimating roles.
📌 Seasonal Stability
Unlike some colder regions, Honolulu’s stable weather allows roofing work year‑round with fewer seasonal slowdowns.
Conclusion
In 2026, roofers in Honolulu, HI continue to earn competitive wages, with average annual salaries around $42,600+ and hourly rates typically in the $20+ range, depending on experience and employer. Factors like experience, certifications, and job type significantly influence earnings, while ongoing construction and weather‑related maintenance help maintain stable demand for roofing professionals. Whether you’re starting your career, seeking advancement, or considering self‑employment, roofing in Honolulu offers solid income potential and opportunities for growth in this unique and dynamic market.