Renovation & BuildingSkilledSpecialty Restoration
Roofer
Tear-offs, re-roofs, and flashing details. Directly adjacent to solar — many roofers move into solar install and back.
What you'd actually do
- Tear off and dispose of old roofing
- Install underlayment and shingles or membrane
- Flash penetrations and valleys
- Diagnose and repair leaks
The facts
- Training time
- 6-18 months
- Experience expected
- 6 months to 2 years
- Physical demand
- high
- Room to advance
- moderate
- Path to ownership
- high
- Level
- Skilled
Work environment
Outdoors · At height · Physical · Team-based
Skills
Core to the job
- Roofing
- Ladder & roof work
- Waterproofing & sealing
- Manual labor
- Jobsite safety
- Hand & power tools
Helps you stand out
- Carpentry
- Measuring & layout
- Customer service
Education & credentials
- No formal education required
- On-the-job training
- OSHA 10/30Commonly expected
- Manufacturer installer certificationCommonly expected
Licensing rules vary by state, county, and job scope. Always confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Shortest route from the ground up
The usual ladder people climb to reach this role.
Where this leads
Construction Foreman
Renovation & BuildingLead
You run the site day to day: crews, sequence, safety, and quality.
- Training:
- 5-8 years
- Experience:
- 5-8 years
General Contractor
Renovation & BuildingOwner
You hold the license, carry the risk, and run the business. The classic destination for skilled tradespeople.
- Training:
- 5-10 years
- Experience:
- 5-10 years
Solar Installer
Solar & EnergySkilled
You mount racking, set panels, and land basic connections. This is the backbone role of the industry and the fastest route to a real trade wage.
- Training:
- 6-12 months
- Experience:
- 6 months to 1 year
Similar roles nearby
Your skills also transfer to
- Solar InstallerSolar & Energy
- Solar Installer HelperSolar & Energy