100 Years of Roofing: How the Job Has Changed from 1925 to 2025

100 Years of Roofing: How the Job Has Changed from 1925 to 2025

A hundred years ago, roofing was one of the hardest, lowest-paying jobs in construction. Fast forward to today, and the industry has transformed — but not always for the better. In this video, Dmitry looks at how life, pay, and opportunity for roofers have changed over the last century.

1925: Hard Work, Little Reward

In 1925, most roofers made around $20,000 a year (adjusted for inflation). Union roofers did a bit better, earning up to $60,000, but only 1 in 10 workers had union benefits.

Most roofers rented small homes, and buying a house meant saving for 20 years. Milk and eggs were luxury items, and overtime pay didn’t exist. Still, the industry was booming, and small business owners were already finding success — averaging $75,000 a year in personal income.

1975: The Union Era

By 1975, roofing was finally a solid middle-class trade. Union membership hit its peak, and many roofers were earning $80,000 to $100,000 a year with healthcare and pension benefits.

But the decade brought challenges too. Recession and high inflation led to record unemployment — almost 1 in 5 construction workers were jobless at the peak. Even so, roofers who stayed employed could afford homes, cars, and family stability.

For business owners, profits were strong — smaller roofing contractors averaged 18% net margins, nearly double that of large general contractors.

2025: A Divided Industry

Today, the average roofer makes about $51,000 a year, though it varies wildly by state. In Minnesota or Massachusetts, roofers can earn $70,000+, while in Texas or Florida it’s closer to $45,000.

Union jobs still pay the best — journeymen in Minneapolis can make around $80,000 — but union membership has dropped to historic lows.

Meanwhile, the cost of living keeps climbing. Rent now eats up 40% of a roofer’s paycheck in many states. The median home price sits near $400,000, and a down payment alone can take nearly a decade to save.

On the other hand, roofing business owners are doing better than ever. There are now 2 million specialty trade contractors, averaging $100,000 a year with 16% profit margins. The industry’s top firms report billions in revenue and healthy 6% margins even after paying 7-figure executive salaries.

The Takeaway: The American Dream Still Exists — But It’s Changed

From 1925 to 2025, roofing has come a long way. The tools are better, the safety is higher, and the opportunities are bigger — but the financial gap between workers and owners has grown.

The path to the American Dream today looks different. Roofers who want to build wealth need to think like business owners — learn, adapt, and take advantage of the tools past generations never had: the internet, education, and community.