When you’re considering a career in roofing or thinking about hiring a roofer for your project in New Jersey, a natural question arises: How much does a roofer make on a house?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors—from the size and complexity of the roof to local market conditions across towns like Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, and Atlantic City—influence a roofer’s earnings on a residential project.

With CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, we’ll break down the costs, the margins, and the factors that shape roofing profits in the Garden State.
The Average Roofer’s Earnings Per House
In New Jersey, roofing contractors typically charge between $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot for asphalt shingle installation—the most common roofing material. Given that the average New Jersey home has around 1,700 to 2,100 square feet of roofing surface, a full replacement could run a homeowner anywhere from $8,000 to $16,000 or more.
However, not all of that goes directly into the roofer’s pocket. After materials, labor, insurance, permits, and overhead are accounted for, roofers typically net around 20% to 35% profit on a house.
- Low-end jobs: A small, straightforward roof might yield $1,500 to $3,000 in profit.
- High-end jobs: A complex, steep-slope roof with luxury materials could result in $5,000 to $10,000 in profit.
Factors That Affect a Roofer’s Take-Home Profit
- Type of Roofing Material
Material selection plays a huge role. Metal roofing, slate tiles, and wood shakes command higher installation prices compared to asphalt shingles. Roofers working with high-end materials in New Jersey’s affluent suburbs like Princeton or Short Hills might earn significantly more per project. - Roof Complexity
Roofs with steep pitches, multiple dormers, or intricate designs require more labor and safety equipment. In cities like Hoboken and Montclair, where older historic homes are common, roofing jobs tend to be more complex—and profitable. - Labor Costs
Roofing companies have to pay their crews. In New Jersey, labor costs for roofers range from $20 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and certifications like OSHA training or NRCA membership. - Insurance and Permits
Roofers in New Jersey must carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and often secure permits through municipal offices—like the Newark Construction Code Enforcement. These costs are deducted from gross earnings. - Seasonality
Roofing is highly seasonal. Demand peaks in late spring through early fall. During slower winter months, roofers may lower prices, affecting overall profit margins.
A Closer Look: Real-World Roofing Scenarios in New Jersey
Scenario 1: Small Asphalt Roof in Toms River
- Home size: 1,500 square feet
- Material: Asphalt shingles
- Gross charge: $8,000
- Material + labor cost: $5,200
- Net profit: ~$2,800
Scenario 2: Luxury Metal Roof in Princeton
- Home size: 2,500 square feet
- Material: Standing seam metal roofing
- Gross charge: $35,000
- Material + labor cost: $24,000
- Net profit: ~$11,000
💬 Takeaway? Location, house type, and roofing material massively impact a roofer’s earnings per house in New Jersey.
How Roofing Companies in New Jersey Set Prices
In New Jersey, roofing contractors usually calculate estimates based on:
- Roof size (measured in roofing squares: 1 square = 100 sq ft)
- Material choice
- Tear-off complexity (removing old roofs can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the bill)
- Access difficulty (tight urban lots vs. suburban sprawls)
- Warranty offerings (e.g., GAF-certified roofers may charge premium rates)
Many companies in areas like Morristown and Cherry Hill offer free roofing inspections, during which they factor in these variables to determine project pricing. For more, visit CJ Commercial Roofing NJ.
Roofing Trends Driving Earnings in New Jersey
🔎 Eco-Friendly Materials
There’s a growing demand for cool roofing materials and solar-ready roofs in cities like New Brunswick and Asbury Park, driven by New Jersey’s focus on sustainability. These materials often cost more and allow roofers to charge premium rates.
🔎 Storm Damage Repairs
With increasingly volatile weather patterns—including Nor’easters and hurricanes affecting coastal areas like Atlantic County—roof repair and replacement services after storm damage have become a lucrative niche.
🔎 Insurance Work
Roofers handling insurance claims often deal with higher job values. In towns like Paterson and Elizabeth, companies offering insurance claim assistance can capture bigger margins per project.
Should You Hire a Roofer in New Jersey?
If you’re considering hiring a roofer, you now know how their pricing—and profits—are structured. It’s smart to:
- Get multiple quotes from local roofers.
- Check licensing with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
- Request references from past clients in your town or city.
Hiring a reputable roofer ensures you’re getting quality workmanship, fair pricing, and peace of mind—even if it means contributing to a tidy profit margin for a skilled local tradesperson.
Conclusion: Roofing Is Lucrative—But Not Without Risks
While it’s clear that roofing can be a lucrative trade in New Jersey, roofers also assume significant risks—workplace injuries, material cost fluctuations, extreme weather, and competitive pressures from national roofing franchises.
For entrepreneurial roofers willing to navigate these challenges, however, each house offers an opportunity to nail down (pun fully intended 😜) solid profits.
Whether you’re considering becoming a roofer, hiring one, or just curious about the New Jersey housing market, understanding the financial dynamics behind roofing is essential.
🛠️ Pro tip: If you’re hiring in cities like Camden, Piscataway, or Edison, always look for contractors who are both licensed and insured. It protects both your home and your wallet.