Across U.S. metros, rebar workers typically earn $6,695 more a year than roofers (13%). In the 23 metros where BLS publishes both, rebar workers earn more in 18 and roofers in 5.
| Rebar Worker | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $56,835 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $27,120 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $102,080 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | -5.3% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,000 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 20% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 34 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 24 | 265 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 vs. 34 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 rebar workers out-earn roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers out-earn rebar workers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, rebar workers earn more in 26 states and roofers in 6. The gap favors rebar workers most in Wisconsin ($62,250) and roofers most in Alaska ($5,270).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Working at heights: often for rebar workers, very often for roofers. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: sometimes for rebar workers, often for roofers.
| Rebar Worker | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Rarely |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Often | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Rebar Worker
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
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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