The roofer is an essential specialist in the construction and maintenance of roofs in Quebec. They install, repair, and replace different types of roofing materials, ranging from asphalt to elastomer membranes, including metal roofs depending on the type of project. The job requires precision, excellent physical condition, and great attention to safety, as the work is primarily conducted at heights.

For those wishing to work in this field, there are numerous opportunities across the regions. Candidates can consult construction jobs to get a comprehensive overview of the market.

To see the current demand, check out the roofer jobs available on ConstruMD.

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General Job Description

The roofer works on houses, residential buildings, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities. Their role is to ensure the building's waterproofing against weather conditions by installing roofing materials according to standards and plans. They often need to work in teams, manage specialized tools, and adapt to weather conditions.

Like many specialized trades of the CCQ, the roofer is part of the construction trades and occupations, a category that includes all the essential professions for the industry's operation.

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Main Tasks of the Roofer

The roofer notably performs:

1. Roof Preparation

• inspection of surfaces;

• removal of old materials;

• installation of base panels or membranes.

2. Material Installation

• asphalt shingles;

• elastomer membranes;

• multi-layer systems;

• metal roofs in some cases.

3. Waterproofing and Finishing

• application of sealants;

• installation of flashings;

• verification of slopes and water drainage.

4. Safety

• working at heights;

• use of harnesses, lifelines, and anchors;

• managing risks related to weather, wind, and heat.

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Roofer Salary in 2025 (CCQ)

Hourly rates for the institutional / commercial / industrial (ICI) sector, effective April 27, 2025:

• Journeyman: $48.76/h

• Apprentice – period 1: $34.13/h

• Apprentice – period 2: $41.45/h

See all CCQ rates for 2025–2026 (official dates + amounts) for this trade?
Check our complete reference: CCQ Rate Chart 2025–2026

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Training and Access to the Trade

The roofer trade is primarily accessible through the DEP in roofing or recognized equivalencies. The program covers:

• different roofing systems;

• waterproofing methods;

• membrane installation;

• blueprint reading;

• height safety, essential in this trade.

After training, the apprentice must obtain a guarantee of hours to access their competency card. Those entering the industry can refer to the article explaining how to find a 150-hour guarantee in construction, useful for understanding the procedure.

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Employment Outlook 2025-2029

The outlook for the roofer trade is very favourable, particularly due to:

• the frequency of roof replacement work;

• the aging of Quebec's building stock;

• the labour shortage in several regions;

• the numerous commercial and institutional projects requiring waterproofing specialists.

Experienced roofers and motivated apprentices generally find work quickly, especially in regions where companies are actively seeking qualified personnel.

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In Summary

Being a roofer means:

• holding a demanding and dynamic job;

• working with a variety of materials and buildings;

• enjoying a competitive salary from the apprenticeship;

• having access to good employment prospects throughout Quebec;

• advancing to specialized roles or team leader positions.