Across U.S. metros, roofers typically earn $2,500 more a year than painters (5%). In the 259 metros where BLS publishes both, painters earn more in 80 and roofers in 179.
| Painter | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $47,640 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $23,180 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $84,370 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.0% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 24,900 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 31% | 20% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 124 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 359 | 265 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 vs. 124 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where painters out-earn roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers out-earn painters the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Painter
Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.
Roofer
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
Compare one trade across two cities →