Roofing Labor Cost Per Square (2026 Guide for Contractors)

Roofing labor typically costs $50–$90 per square (100 sq ft) for basic asphalt shingle installation. Add $25–$50/square for tear-off, and adjust for pitch, layers, access, and complexity.

This guide breaks down labor-only pricing for contractors estimating roofing jobs. For the full estimating process from measurement to final bid, see how to estimate a roofing job. For a complete material takeoff to pair with these labor rates, see the roofing material list.

Quick Answer

Labor rates for asphalt shingle roofing:

• Install only (new construction): $50–$75/square
• Tear-off + install (re-roof): $75–$125/square
• Steep pitch (8/12+): Add 25–40%
• Multi-layer tear-off: Add $25–$40/square per layer

Note: “Per square” = per 100 square feet of roof area

Roofing Labor Rate Breakdown

Install-Only Labor

Task	Cost Per Square	Notes
Shingle installation	$50–$75	New deck, single-story
Underlayment	Included	Felt or synthetic
Ridge cap	Included	Linear footage varies
Starter shingles	Included	Eave + rake
Valley installation	+$5–$10	Open or woven

Tear-Off Labor

Layers	Cost Per Square	Time Factor
1 layer (shingles)	$25–$40	Standard
2 layers	$50–$75	1.5–2x time
3 layers	$75–$100	2–2.5x time
Wood shakes/tile	$60–$120	Heavy material

Additional Labor Adders

• Steep pitch (8/12–12/12): +25–40%
• Two-story: +$10–$20/square
• Poor access (no driveway): +$15–$25/square
• Chimney flashing: $150–$300 each
• Skylight flashing: $100–$200 each
• Pipe boots: $25–$50 each
• Drip edge install: $1.50–$3/linear foot

Production Rates (Labor Hours)

Standard Conditions (1 crew = 2–3 workers)

• Install only: 2–3 squares/hour/crew (30-square roof = 10–15 hours)
• Tear-off + install: 1.5–2.5 squares/hour/crew (30-square roof = 12–20 hours)
• Steep pitch (8/12+): 1–1.5 squares/hour/crew (30-square roof = 20–30 hours)

What Slows You Down

• Multiple layers: Each layer adds 30–50% to tear-off time
• Old shingles stuck hard: Add 20–30% time
• Lots of penetrations: Chimneys, vents, skylights = extra flashing labor
• Complicated valleys: Open valleys take longer than closed
• No dumpster access: Hand-carrying debris down = major time hit
• Hot weather: Shingles stick, tear-off is harder, crew slows down

How to Price Roofing Labor

Step 1: Measure the roof

• Use aerial measurement tools (EagleView, Hover) or manual measurement
• Calculate total square footage ÷ 100 = squares
• Include all roof planes, dormers, and bump-outs
• Don’t forget waste factor (typically 10–15%)

Step 2: Assess complexity

Check for:

• Pitch (4/12 = easy, 8/12+ = steep)
• Number of stories
• Layers to remove
• Penetrations (chimneys, skylights, vents)
• Access (can dumpster go in driveway?)
• Material type (shingles vs wood shake vs tile)

Step 3: Calculate base labor

Example: 30-square roof, 2-layer tear-off, 6/12 pitch, single-story

Tear-off: 30 squares × $60/square (2 layers) = $1,800
Install: 30 squares × $65/square = $1,950
Flashing: 2 chimneys × $200 = $400
Drip edge: 150 LF × $2/LF = $300
Total labor: $4,450

Step 4: Add complexity adjustments

• Steep pitch? Multiply install by 1.3–1.4
• Poor access? Add flat fee ($500–$1,500)
• Extra layers? Already factored in tear-off cost
• Difficult material? Adjust base rate up

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the pitch factor. An 8/12 pitch takes 30–40% longer than a 4/12. Don’t price them the same.

Underestimating tear-off time. Two layers isn’t twice as hard as one — it’s closer to 1.5–2x. Three layers is brutal.

Ignoring access. If the dumpster can’t go near the house, you’re hand-carrying every shingle down a ladder. Price that in.

Not accounting for flashing. Chimneys, skylights, and valleys are labor-intensive. Price each separately.

Assuming perfect conditions. Hot days, stuck shingles, rotten decking you didn’t see — always build a buffer.

Pro Tips for Accurate Labor Estimates

Walk the roof before bidding. Photos and aerials don’t show rotten decking, multiple layers, or how stuck the shingles are.

Track your actual production rates. Your crew’s real-world speed might be faster or slower than industry averages. Use your own data.

Price by the day if pitch is crazy steep. On a 12/12 pitch, hourly or daily rates might be safer than per-square pricing.

Separate tear-off from install. Makes change orders clearer when you find extra layers or rotten decking.

Include disposal in the estimate. Dumpster fees, dump runs, or hand-loading a truck — someone’s paying for it.

Add a contingency line. 5–10% buffer for unknowns (hidden rot, extra nails, weather delays).

Regional Variations

Labor rates vary by location:

Region	Typical Range (per square)
Southeast	$45–$80
Midwest	$50–$85
Northeast	$60–$100
West Coast	$70–$120
Mountain West	$55–$90

Urban areas run 15–30% higher than rural. High cost-of-living markets (SF, NYC, Seattle) can hit $150+/square for labor.

Example: Full Labor Estimate

Job: 32-square roof, 2 layers shingles, 6/12 pitch, 2-story, 2 chimneys, good access

Item	Quantity	Rate	Total
Tear-off (2 layers)	32 sq	$55	$1,760
Install shingles	32 sq	$70	$2,240
Two-story adder	32 sq	$15	$480
Chimney flashing	2	$250	$500
Drip edge	160 LF	$2	$320
Ridge vent labor	45 LF	$3	$135
Total Labor			$5,435

At 2.5 days with a 3-person crew, that’s ~$725/day/person — reasonable for skilled roofers.

Related Resources

• Roofing Calculator - instant square footage and material estimates
• Roof Pitch Calculator - calculate pitch ratio and slope factor for labor adjustments
• Labor Cost Calculator - build a fully burdened labor rate for your crew
• Contractor Markup Calculator - verify your markup percentage produces your target margin before sending a bid
• How to Estimate Construction Jobs - the step-by-step estimating system that applies to roofing and every other trade
• Overhead and Profit - understand what O&P includes so your roofing bids cover every real cost

FAQs

What’s a “square” in roofing?
One square = 100 square feet of roof area. A 3,000 sq ft roof = 30 squares.

How much should I charge for labor per square?
$50–$90/square for install, $25–$50/square for tear-off. Adjust for pitch, layers, and access.

How long does it take to roof a 30-square house?
With a 3-person crew: 2–3 days for tear-off + install on a standard-pitch roof. Steep pitch or multiple layers can add 1–2 days.

Should I charge more for steep pitch?
Yes. 8/12 pitch and steeper requires safety equipment, slower production, and higher risk. Add 25–40% to your base labor rate.

What if I find extra layers during tear-off?
Write your estimate to price by the layer. If you bid 1 layer and find 2, that’s a change order. Be clear in your contract.

How do I speed up production without cutting quality?
Good crew training, organized staging, dumpster placement close to the house, and investing in tools (nail guns, magnet sweepers, roof jacks).

---

Want faster, more accurate estimates? EstimationPro turns site photos and voice notes into line-item estimates in minutes — including labor, materials, and markup.