Roofing Labor Cost Estimator
Estimate labor cost for a roofing job by size, material, pitch difficulty, and region. Based on current national averages — adjust the rate for your local market.
Typical labor rates by material (national average, per square)
| Material | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $60 | $75 | $95 |
| Architectural shingles | $75 | $90 | $115 |
| Metal roofing | $150 | $200 | $300 |
| Tile / slate | $200 | $300 | $450 |
| Flat / TPO / EPDM | $90 | $120 | $160 |
| Tear-off (per layer) | $30 | $40 | $60 |
What drives roofing labor cost?
The four biggest factors are roof size (squares), material type, pitch difficulty, and your local labor market. Steep roofs require safety equipment and slower work pace — typically adding 25–50% over a moderate pitch. Tear-off adds $30–60 per square per layer.
Labor vs. total project cost
Labor typically runs 40–60% of total roofing project cost for asphalt shingles. Materials, underlayment, flashing, and disposal make up the rest. For metal and tile, the material cost share increases and labor runs closer to 30–40% of total.
How contractors price jobs
Most roofing contractors price per square for labor. They calculate total squares, apply a rate for the material and complexity, add tear-off if needed, and factor in regional overhead. Use this calculator to sanity-check a quote or build your own estimate before bidding.