Across U.S. metros, plasterers typically earn $8,680 more a year than roofers (17%). In the 55 metros where BLS publishes both, plasterers earn more in 31 and roofers in 24.
| Plasterer | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $58,820 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $37,130 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $120,180 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +2.8% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,500 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 17% | 20% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 157 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 58 | 265 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 vs. 157 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 plasterers out-earn roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers out-earn plasterers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, plasterers earn more in 19 states and roofers in 9. The gap favors plasterers most in New York ($54,160) and roofers most in Montana ($12,490).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Working at heights: sometimes for plasterers, very often for roofers. Hazardous conditions: occasionally for plasterers, often for roofers.
| Plasterer | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Rarely |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Very often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Plasterer
Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
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 →
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