How much does roofing labor cost per square?
How much does roofing labor cost per square?
$200 – $350 shingle roof labor cost per square (100 SF)
$400 – $800 metal roof labor cost per square (100 SF)
$3,000 – $8,800 average total cost of roofing labor
Roofing labor cost per square foot
Roofing labor costs $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot on average or $200 to $350 per square to install shingles, not including materials and supplies. Installing a metal roof costs $4.00 to $8.00 per square foot for labor alone. Roofers charge $30 to $100 per hour for labor.
| Roof size (square foot) | Labor cost for shingle roof* | Labor cost for metal roof* |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000 – $5,300 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 – $7,000 | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| 2,500 | $5,000 – $8,800 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 3,000 | $6,000 – $10,500 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| 3,500 | $7,000 – $12,300 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
*Not including materials and supplies.
Roofers typically charge by the square. One roofing square equals 100 square feet.
Old roof removal adds $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on the material.
Roofing labor cost per square breakdown
Roofing labor makes up 50% to 70% of the cost to replace a roof. Labor costs are highest for steep, multi-story, or difficult-to-access roofs due to the extra safety precautions and equipment required.
| Factor | Shingle roof cost per square (100 SF) | Metal roof cost per square (100 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Old roof removal cost* | $100 – $300 | $100 – $300 |
| Roofing materials cost | $100 – $250 | $100 – $800 |
| Roofing labor cost | $200 – $350 | $400 – $800 |
| Total cost to replace | $400 – $900 | $600 – $1,900 |
*Not required for roof-over, overlay, or new construction installations.
Roofing labor cost per square calculator by type
Roofing labor costs $200 to $1,700 per square, depending on the material. Labor to install shingles costs the least. Installing tile or slate requires more skill and experience, increasing labor costs.
| Type | Labor cost per square* | Material cost per square* | Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $200 – $300 | $80 – $130 | 15 – 20 |
| Architectural / dimensional shingles | $300 – $350 | $100 – $250 | 20 – 30 |
| Metal | $400 – $800 | $100 – $800 | 30 – 80 |
| Tile | $500 – $1,700 | $200 – $1,200 | 30 – 200 |
| Wood shakes | $400 – $800 | $300 – $700 | 25 – 30 |
| Slate / stone | $400 – $1,400 | $600 – $1,600 | 50 – 200 |
| Flat / rolled / built-up | $200 – $450 | $15 – $800 | 5 – 60 |
*100 square feet
Labor cost to install shingles
Labor costs $200 to $350 per square to install shingles, depending on if they're standard asphalt fiberglass or architectural laminated shingles. Shingle roof replacement costs $5,700 to $16,000 total on average, including installation labor and materials.
Metal roofing labor cost per square
The labor cost to install metal roofing is $400 to $800 per square, depending on the roof size, type, and location. Standing seam metal roofs typically require more labor time and expertise than corrugated sheet metal roofing. A new metal roof costs $7,500 to $40,000 total on average.
Tile roof labor prices per square
Installing a tile roof costs $500 to $1,700 per square for labor alone, depending on the tile type, material, and job complexity. Labor typically costs more for roofs with ornate designs or color patterns. A new tile roof costs $10,500 to $62,500 total on average, including labor and materials.
Labor cost to install a wood shake roof
Labor to install a cedar shake roof costs $400 to $800 per square. Cedar shake installation is labor-intensive as each shake requires hand-nailing. Wood shake materials add $300 to $700 per square, for a total installed cost of $12,900 to $28,200 on average.
Flat roofing labor cost per square
Labor to install flat roofing costs $200 to $450 per square, depending on the type and job complexity. Materials add $100 to $650 per square, bringing the total installed cost to $300 to $1,100 per square or $4,000 to $16,800 total on average.
Additional roofing labor costs & factors
| Factor | Average cost for materials | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| Underlayment | $0.10 –$0.80 per square foot | $0.75 – $4.00 per square foot |
| Decking / plywood / sheathing | $0.30 – $2.60 per square foot | $2.00 – $5.00 per square foot |
| Nails / fasteners | $0.03 – $0.40 per square foot | $50 – $1,000 (total) |
| Truss / rafters | $60 – $700 per truss | $5.00 – $14.00 per square foot |
| Flashing | $1.00 – $2.00 per linear foot | $200 – $1,000 (total) |
| Ridge vent | $2.00 – $3.00 per linear foot | $7.00 – $15.00 per linear foot |
| Drip edge | $0.50 – $1.00 per linear foot | $1.50 – $3.00 per linear foot |
| Soffit and fascia | $1.00 – $10.00 per linear foot | $4.00 – $22.00 per linear foot |
| Removing old roof material | – | $1.00 – $3.00 per square foot |
*Including labor and materials.
The following factors also affect roofing labor prices:
Roof slope / size / accessibility – Multiple stories, pitches over 6:12, and complex roofs increase labor costs.
Reroofing vs. replacement – Reroofing, also called a roof-over or overlay, saves on removal costs but may reduce the roof's lifespan. Most cities limit roofs to a maximum of two layers. Some roofing materials are not eligible for an overlay.
Geographic location – Labor charges vary by location and demand. Replacing a roof in a major city may cost more.
Warranty – A roofing warranty is typically 25 to 30 years. However, some manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty for high-end products.
Off-season – The peak season for roofing is late spring to fall. Roofing done during the off-season is typically cheaper but may take longer due to extreme cold or inclement weather.
Environment and storms – Roofing labor prices typically increase in times of high demand after widespread storm damage.
Permits – Roof replacement permits cost $100 to $500, depending on location.
Inspections – A roof inspection costs $100 to $400. An inspector can determine whether the roof needs new decking, trusses, or other repairs.
Structural issues – Dry rot and sagging indicate structural issues, sometimes requiring truss or roof deck replacement.
Repairs – Roof repairs cost $150 to $1,000 for small leaks or $3,000 to $6,000 for major structural damage.
Roof underlayment – Roofing underlayment costs $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot, depending on the material. Roof replacement estimates typically include a new underlayment.
Roof decking / sheathing – Roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot to replace rotted or damaged areas.
Rafters or trusses – Roof truss replacement costs $5 to $14 per square foot installed.
Roof penetrations / ventilation – Roof vent installation costs $200 to $700.
Soffits and fascia – Soffit replacement costs $4 to $22 per linear foot. Fascia replacement costs $5 to $12 per linear foot.
Drip edge – Installing a drip edge costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot and redirects water away from the fascia into the gutters to prevent water damage.
Gutter installation/replacement – Gutter replacement costs $6 to $17 per linear foot. New gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
Skylights – Skylight installation costs $1,600 to $4,200 on average, while skylight replacement costs $800 to $2,400.
Roofers charge per hour
Roofers charge $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the roof size and shape, accessibility, and material. Hourly labor rates for a shingle roof installation are cheaper than labor rates for metal, tile, or slate roofs requiring more skill and experience to install.
New construction roofing labor cost
New construction roofing labor costs $200 to $350 per square on average and typically takes less time than roof replacement as it does not require removing the old roof first. Shingle roof installation for new construction costs $300 to $600 per square, including labor and materials.
Labor cost to tear off old roof
The cost to tear off a roof is $1 to $5 per square foot for labor to remove the old material, depending on the type and number of layers:
Tearing off shingles or metal costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average.
Removing heavier materials like slate or tile costs $2 to $5+ per square foot.
Labor cost to add a roof over patio
Labor to add a patio roof costs $25 to $40 per square foot on average, depending on the roof size and material. Labor to install a retractable canvas cover costs the least, while a metal patio roof is the most expensive option.
How to estimate roofing labor
Roofing contractors typically estimate costs by the square. One square equals 100 square feet. When calculating the number of squares needed, keep in mind a pitched roof's square footage is typically 15% to 40% greater than the home's floor square footage.
Contractors begin by measuring and thoroughly inspecting the roof to determine if any structural repairs are required. After confirming your choice of roofing materials, the installer uses the measurements and inspection results to calculate the total costs for materials, labor, repairs, and overhead.
Getting estimates from roofing contractors
Before hiring a roofing contractor near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates from licensed roofing contractors to compare.
Choose a contractor who is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose insured and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as they often use low-quality materials.
Never pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan instead and request receipts for each payment.
Beware of companies offering roof replacement scams involving homeowners insurance.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How many roofs have you installed in the past year?
Can you provide references from recent work?
Are you NCRA-certified?
Do you provide a free estimate?
Does the estimate include tearing off the old roof and disposing of the debris?
Can you provide an itemized estimate listing all potential costs?
Will you handle the project yourself or subcontract it?
How long will the project take?
How will you access my roof? What safety precautions will you take?
What will you do in the event of unexpected bad weather?
Will you obtain the necessary permits?
How long is the warranty, and what does it include?