Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming, but if you’re considering skilled trades, you might be wondering: is a roofer a good career? Especially in places like New Jersey, where housing developments and storm recovery keep the construction industry lively, roofing offers some surprising advantages. With CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, let’s dig deep into why roofing might be a smart, stable, and rewarding career choice in the Garden State.

Strong Demand for Roofers in New Jersey
New Jersey’s dynamic climate — featuring hot summers, heavy rains, and snowy winters — puts significant strain on residential and commercial roofs. This creates a steady demand for roof repair, roof replacement, and new roof installations across cities like Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Edison.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for roofing professionals is expected to grow steadily through 2030. In New Jersey, ongoing residential construction, commercial developments, and frequent storm damage repairs fuel a particularly strong market.
🏡 Local Insight: After major events like Hurricane Ida, many New Jersey homeowners faced urgent roofing needs — creating job openings for skilled roofers almost overnight.
Takeaway: If you want a career that offers consistent opportunities without needing a college degree, roofing in New Jersey delivers.
What Makes Roofing a Good Career?
Besides high demand, a career in roofing brings several distinct advantages:
1. Competitive Wages
The average roofer salary in New Jersey ranges between $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and specialization (e.g., metal roofing, flat roofing, or solar panel installation). Union roofers often command even higher wages and better benefits.
💡 Pro Tip: Cities like Princeton, Hoboken, and Morristown tend to offer premium pay rates due to higher living costs.
2. Career Growth and Specialization
Roofing isn’t just about hammering shingles all day. Skilled roofers can branch into specialties such as:
- Green roofing systems (eco-friendly roofs)
- Solar panel installation
- Roof inspections and certifications
- Historic roof restoration (especially prominent in historic New Jersey towns like Cape May)
Moreover, experienced roofers often move into foreman, project manager, or even roofing company owner roles.
3. Job Stability
While some industries rise and fall with economic trends, people always need safe, reliable roofs. Especially in New Jersey, where seasonal storms, hurricanes, and heavy snowfall frequently compromise roof integrity, the need for skilled tradespeople remains constant.
Local fact: New Jersey experiences around 25-30 inches of snow annually — which wreaks havoc on roofs and ensures consistent repair work.
For more, visit CJ Commercial Roofing NJ.
What Skills Make a Successful Roofer?
Roofing requires more than muscle. Successful New Jersey roofers typically have:
- Physical stamina and balance: Essential for working on high and often steep surfaces.
- Attention to detail: A single missed shingle could lead to costly leaks.
- Problem-solving skills: Especially important for diagnosing complex roof issues.
- Customer service skills: Homeowners value clear communication and professionalism.
🎯 Bonus: Getting certified with programs like OSHA 10/30 or NRCA ProCertification can set you apart from the competition.
Is Roofing Right for You?
✅ You enjoy working outdoors (even in the New Jersey humidity!).
✅ You want a career with minimal student debt.
✅ You’re comfortable with heights and physical labor.
✅ You want fast access to full-time work without years of schooling.
If you checked most of these boxes, roofing could be your ideal path.
🙄 Of course, roofing isn’t all sunshine and paychecks. The job is physically demanding and sometimes weather-dependent. Winters in New Jersey can slow projects, while summers can expose workers to extreme heat.
That said, many seasoned New Jersey roofers thrive by planning around seasonal slowdowns, taking advantage of indoor roofing jobs like working on new builds or repairing commercial structures during colder months.
How to Start a Roofing Career in New Jersey
If you’re ready to jump into this high-demand trade, here’s a step-by-step:
- Find an apprenticeship: Many roofing companies in New Jersey offer on-the-job training programs.
- Earn necessary certifications: Focus on safety training like OSHA 10 and specialty certifications if you’re interested in solar or eco-roofing.
- Network locally: Get to know roofing contractors around Newark, Trenton, Toms River, and Atlantic City.
- Consider union membership: Joining groups like the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local 8 can provide extra benefits, job security, and higher wages.
🛠️ Hot Tip: New Jersey’s construction boom is centered around towns like Bayonne, Elizabeth, and Cherry Hill, making these excellent spots to start job hunting.
Final Verdict: Roofing Is a Solid Career Choice in New Jersey
If you want a career that’s hands-on, high-demand, and potentially lucrative, becoming a roofer in New Jersey makes a lot of sense. You’ll gain access to steady work, competitive pay, and opportunities for advancement — all without a mountain of college debt.
In short: Yes, roofing is a good career, especially if you’re based in New Jersey.
Whether you dream of working on high-end homes in Princeton, historic properties in Cape May, or commercial centers in Newark, there’s a roofing niche waiting for your skills. Plus, with the rising demand for sustainable roofing solutions, the future looks even brighter for skilled roofers across the state.