Introduction: Busting Myths About Roofing Pay
When most people think of six-figure salaries, they imagine doctors, lawyers, or tech moguls. Rarely does “roofer” top the list. But times are changing, and so is the roofing industry. If you’re wondering, “Can roofers make 100K?”—the answer is a qualified yes, especially in thriving markets like New Jersey, USA.
With Charles Jimerson of CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, we’ll explore how roofing professionals can break into the six-figure club, the economic and geographic factors that influence earnings, and what it takes to climb to the top of this surprisingly lucrative trade.
1. The Roofing Landscape in New Jersey
New Jersey’s dynamic real estate market, frequent storms, and aging infrastructure make roofing services an essential, recession-resilient profession. Towns like Edison, Trenton, Jersey City, and Newark are experiencing construction and remodeling booms. Add the seasonal damage from Atlantic storms and Nor’easters, and you have a constant demand for roof repair, replacement, and maintenance.
In fact, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, skilled trades like roofing are experiencing a skilled labor shortage, pushing up wages for experienced professionals.
2. Average Roofing Salaries vs. Six-Figure Incomes
Let’s start with the numbers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for roofers nationwide as approximately $48,000, but that figure doesn’t tell the whole story. In states with higher costs of living, like New Jersey, average wages trend higher. Here, experienced roofers often earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually. So, how do some break the $100,000 ceiling?
Key Pathways:
- Experience & Skill Specialization
- Entrepreneurship
- Union Affiliation
- Storm Response Contracts
- Commercial Roofing Projects
Let’s dig deeper.
3. Experience, Certifications & Specialization
A new roofer in Toms River might start out earning $18–$22 per hour. But a seasoned roofer in Hoboken with certifications from organizations like NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) or expertise in high-end roofing systems—metal, slate, solar-integrated—can command $40–$60 per hour.
Certifications that boost earnings:
- Certified Roofing Torch Applicator
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
- GAF Master Elite Certification
- IB Roof Systems Installer
Roofers who upskill into roles like roofing estimator, project manager, or roofing inspector often see a jump in pay and more consistent year-round work. See CJ Commercial Roofing NJ for more.
4. Starting a Roofing Business in New Jersey
Want to blow past 100K? Start your own company.
Many six-figure earners in the trade are not employees—they’re small business owners, running operations that serve local communities from Cherry Hill to Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Starting a roofing business requires:
- A New Jersey Contractor’s License
- Liability insurance & bonding
- A good crew (even subcontracted)
- Local SEO presence and Google Business Profile
- Partnerships with suppliers like ABC Supply or Beacon Roofing Supply
Entrepreneurial roofers who successfully market themselves—through Angi, HomeAdvisor, Yelp, and local SEO—can generate $300K to $600K in annual revenue, taking home well over 100K after expenses.
5. Commercial Roofing: The 6-Figure Fast Lane
Residential roofing may pay the bills, but commercial roofing is where the big money often lies. These projects, from office parks in Princeton to warehouses in Elizabeth, involve large square footage and high-ticket contracts.
Companies specializing in:
- TPO and EPDM systems
- Flat roof membrane installation
- Green roofs and solar panel integration
…can command contracts worth tens or hundreds of thousands per job. Project supervisors, lead estimators, and licensed commercial roofers can make $100K+ with consistent work throughout the year.
6. Storm Restoration & Insurance Work
New Jersey weather brings opportunity—and damage. Hurricanes, blizzards, and hailstorms leave behind roof damage, leading to a boom in insurance restoration work.
Roofers who partner with public adjusters or get certified in Xactimate (insurance estimating software) can help homeowners file claims—and in turn, land big jobs.
In peak storm years, these roofers:
- Handle more high-margin jobs
- Close faster due to insurance approvals
- Upsell on full replacements rather than repairs
Smart roofing professionals in Monmouth County or Atlantic City, for instance, often ride the seasonal waves to well over $120,000/year, especially when subcontracting extra crews.
7. Union Roofing Jobs: Security + Pay
New Jersey has several strong roofing unions, like Roofers Local 10 and Local 30, which offer higher wages, pensions, and healthcare.
Union journeymen in major metros like Paterson or Camden can make between $40–$55 per hour, with overtime and benefits that easily push annual compensation into six figures.
Benefits of union affiliation:
- Structured apprenticeship programs
- Prevailing wage jobs (especially for government contracts)
- Access to larger commercial projects
- Job security and legal support
8. The Role of Local SEO & Digital Savvy
Yes, even for blue-collar trades, digital marketing matters.
Roofers in New Brunswick or Bayonne who optimize their Google My Business, earn good reviews, and maintain an updated website often pull ahead. A solid local SEO strategy brings in leads with zero advertising cost.
Local keywords and LSI terms that matter:
- “Roof replacement New Jersey”
- “Best roofers near me”
- “Affordable roof repair NJ”
- “Emergency roofing services New Jersey”
- “GAF-certified roofer NJ”
With savvy content marketing, even solo operators can earn like a small agency.
9. What It Really Takes to Make 100K as a Roofer
💼 Hard truth: Not everyone makes six figures roofing. But those who treat it like a craft and a business do.
You need:
- Work ethic: Roofing is physically demanding.
- Business acumen: Budgeting, marketing, hiring.
- Specialization: Set yourself apart.
- Consistency: Show up, deliver, build trust.
It also helps to network locally, keep licenses current, and continue education through NATE, NRCA, and local trade schools.
Conclusion: Yes, 100K is Possible—and Closer Than You Think
So, can roofers make 100K in New Jersey? Absolutely. The combination of a robust housing market, commercial infrastructure, seasonal demand, and storm recovery work creates a perfect storm of opportunity.
Whether you’re a tradesperson starting out in Passaic, an estimator in Middletown, or an ambitious entrepreneur looking to dominate local search, roofing in New Jersey has the potential to be not just a job—but a six-figure career path.