How Much Do Most Roofers Charge Per Square? Labor Costs & More
Jul 27, 2025
Roofers charge $300 to $900 per square, based on materials, complexity, and availability of materials. This quote can change based on the materials you're using, the scarcity in an area, and the complexity of installation. As a roofer or contractor, it's important to understand these costs to avoid over- or undercharging clients.
Most roofers charge unreasonable amounts per square, which ruins customer relations or bankrupts the business. In this guide, we explore average material and labor costs so you can make an informed decision before signing any contract.
Average Roofing Cost per Square Overview
On average, replacing a roof can cost from $300 to $900 per square (100 square feet). This cost includes tearing off old shingles, buying new materials, and installing them. These figures are mercurial and often region-specific.
Here's an overview to put things into perspective:
- National Average: $400 to $700 per square.
- Budget Roof (Asphalt Shingles): $300 to $400 per square.
- High-End Roof (Metal or Tile): $800 to $1,200+ per square.
In Illinois, the average roof replacement can cost around $350 to $750 per square. You have to understand these costs and the factors that influence them to give clients the right estimates.
Factors that Influence Roof Cost Per Square
The average cost to replace a roof completely depends on material, labor, roof size, and various other factors. However, here's a rough estimate of regional pricing ranges for a roof installation per square:
This figure can change because of factors like:
- Roof Pitch: Steeper roofs require more effort and time
- Home Story: Roofs of multi-story homes are harder to work on and riskier
- Type of Roof: Certain roofs are harder to work on because of the structure
- Roof Layers: Roofs with multiple layers require tear-offs and cost more
- Job Goals: Roof repairs require fewer materials compared to replacement
Furthermore, commercial and residential roofing work have different costs per square. For example, a commercial roofing job will pay more compared to residential jobs. This happens because commercial roofing jobs have stricter regulations, extensive paperwork, and skill requirements.
Roofing Material Costs per Square
The type of roofing material you choose significantly impacts the roof replacement cost. On average, roofing materials might cost between $100 and $450 per square. However, there are tens of different types of roofing materials.
Here's a brief comparison list that may help you understand the cost per square of different roofing materials.
|
Material Type |
Average Cost per Square |
Cost Factor |
|
Asphalt Shingles |
$150 - $200 |
These are common, easy to handle, and install. |
|
Architectural Shingles |
$200 - $300 |
These are thicker, more durable, but harder to install. |
|
Metal Roofing |
$350 - $650 |
Great material, but complex and time-consuming to install. |
|
Clay or Concrete Tile |
$450 - $900 |
Very heavy and brittle, making them hard to manage and install. |
|
Wood Shakes/Shingles |
$300 - $450 |
Easy to acquire and install, but requires precision and ingenuity. |
Generally, tile roofs have the highest cost per square, because they require superior skill, more labor, and time. Asphalt shingle roofs are much easier to install and carry, which brings down their cost per linear foot.
Roof Types and Per Square Cost
The type of roof (structure) can significantly affect the cost per square. For example, flat roofs are safer and easier to work with, bringing down labor and installation costs. A mansard roof is much harder to work with because of its structure, which increases its cost.
Here's an overview of different roof types and their average cost per square:
| Roof Type | Average Cost per Square | Reasons for Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gable Roof | $300 – $600 | Simple design, easy installation, low material waste, and widely available materials. |
| Hip Roof | $400 – $700 | More complex framing, more materials than gable, requires skilled labor. |
| Mansard Roof | $600 – $1,200 | Complex structure, high labor costs, multiple slopes, and often needs custom materials. |
| Flat Roof | $350 – $800 | Requires special waterproofing, drainage systems, and labor-intensive sealing processes. |
| Shed Roof | $250 – $500 | Single slope, easy to build, minimal framing, but limited to smaller buildings. |
| Gambrel Roof | $500 – $800 | Similar to barn roofs, complex shapes, high material use, and more difficult to install. |
| Butterfly Roof | $600 – $1,000 | Modern aesthetic requires advanced waterproofing and drainage, complex framing. |
| Clerestory Roof | $700 – $1,100 | Includes vertical windows, needs structural reinforcements, difficult installation. |
| Combination Roof | $750 – $1,300 | Combines two or more types, increases labor time and complexity, and custom design costs. |
You can think about this in terms of roof pitch (elevation angle or slope). The cost and difficulty of a roof installation are directly correlated to the pitch. The steeper a roof is, the more a roofer will charge for work.
Roofing Job Types and Cost Per Square
The cost of a new roof is higher than the cost of repairs and minor replacements. This happens because installing a new roof requires the removal of the previous roof. The time and effort it takes to install a new roof leads to higher labor costs.
| Roofing Job | Average Cost per Square | Reasons for Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | $400 – $1,000 | Includes removal, disposal, new materials, labor; varies by roof type and material used. |
| Roof Repair | $150 – $600 | Depends on the extent of damage, the location of repair, materials needed, and urgency. |
| Roof Removal (Tear-Off) | $100 – $300 | Labor-intensive, involves disposal fees, old roofing condition affects pricing. |
| Roof Overlay (Re-Roofing) | $250 – $600 | Skips removal, uses fewer materials, but may shorten lifespan of new layer. |
| Flashing Replacement | $300 – $500 | Requires precision, works around chimneys, skylights; uses metal and sealants. |
| Gutter Installation | $150 – $400 (per square) | Includes downspouts and hangers; varies with gutter type (aluminum, copper, etc.). |
| Skylight Installation | $500 – $1,200 (per unit) | Involves cutting the roof, flashing, and sealing; prone to leaks if not installed properly. |
| Roof Inspection | $100 – $300 (flat rate) | Includes manual check, drone inspection, or infrared scanning; may be waived with repairs. |
Common roofing procedures are often less labor-intensive, which decreases labor costs. You must understand the types of roofing jobs and their impacts on labor costs. Doing this will help you make more accurate judgements about estimates.
Note: Emergency roof repairs or work have higher costs because you are abandoning other work to invest in that specific project.
Roofing Labor Cost per Square Foot
A roofing project isn't just about nails, hammers, and materials. You have to charge for the effort it takes to use those materials and the time you invest. On average, labor costs for roofing range from $3 to $4 per square foot.
Moreover, project complexity and your location can increase labor costs. Meaning, you charge almost $100 to $300 per square for the labor. For clarity, you are charging this amount for:
- Removing the old roofing materials, such as shingles, nails, etc.
- Applying a moisture barrier or a felt layer on the roof.
- Sealing around chimneys, vents, and edges during the roofing job.
- Removing debris, sweeping for nails, and hauling waste from the new roof.
- Carrying materials, managing their integrity, and your skill.
Charge the client for your skill, experience, effort, and time. While you're doing this, remember that it's not about charging someone more. Be honest, truthful, and realistic when you're generating estimates.
Roofing Labor Cost vs. Material Cost for Roofers
Every roofing estimate is a combination of the material and labor costs. You must understand different roofing needs and charge the right amount for labor costs. On average, the cost per square of a roof is divided into:
- 40% to 60% Labor Costs
- 40% to 60% Material Costs
The ratio depends on the roof's needs, its size, and regional labor costs. Here's an overview of the ratios between labor and material for different roof types:
|
Project Type |
Labor |
Material |
Reason |
|
Asphalt Shingles |
~40% |
~60% |
Easier installation and lower labor time. |
|
Metal Roof |
~50% |
~50% |
More complex to install, which increases the labor hours. |
|
Stepp or multi-level roof |
~60% |
~40% |
Requires more crew and safety equipment. |
|
Flat roof |
~40% |
~60% |
Easier to install, but membrane materials can add to the cost. |
For example, if you've a 2,000 sq. ft. shingle roof and your roofer or a roofing contractor is charging $600 per square total for a roof replacement. Here's a breakdown of the cost:
Total Cost: 20 squares x $600 = $12000
- Materials (60%): 20 x $360 = $7200
- Labor (40%): 20 x $240 = $4800
The labor cost minus the overhead cost is your take-home income. That is the amount that defines how much roofers make across the US.
How Can Roofers Estimate Roof Costs
Now, we're at the chunk where you will learn how to generate a roofing estimate. Here's a breakdown of the overall process every reputable roofing contractor should take:
- Inspect the existing roof slope, wear, damage, and underlying issues.
- Think about the materials you'll need for the repair or replacement.
- Measure the size of the roof and calculate the pitch and slope for labor costs.
- Take satellite images or use drones to save time and improve accuracy.
Roofing companies and individuals can use roofing CRM software to estimate the size, materials, and costs. If you're doing it the old-fashioned way, here's how you make an estimate:
- Labor Costs (per one roofing square for labor or per hour)
- Material Costs
- Cost to Tear and Dispose (if required)
- Overhead (fuel, roofing permit, and equipment)
- Profit Margin
Here's a simple formula to help you make the estimates:
Total Roofing Estimate = Material Cost (Total Squares) + Labor Cost (Estimated Hourly Wage Per Job * Crew) + Overhead Costs (Fuel + Permit + Equipment)
The roofing estimate should have the same 40 to 60 ratio. Based on the roof type, you can charge 40% to 60% for the labor costs.
What Does “Per Square” Mean in Roofing?
In roofing, "per square" refers to the cost for every 100 square feet of roof area. When a roofer says a roofing project will cost $450 per square, they mean $450 for every 100 square feet, and not a square foot.
Roof Square vs Square Foot
Here's a brief explanation of the differences between a roofing square vs a square foot:
- 1 roofing square equals 100 square feet
- 100 Square Feet is 10 feet in Length x 10 feet in Width
- If your roof is 2,000 square feet, it equals 20 squares
Why Do Roofers Use This Unit?
This unit helps roofers simplify estimates and standardize pricing across projects of different sizes. Other reasons why roofers use this unit are:
- Roofing materials are manufactured and bundled to cover one square.
- Labor charges are estimated by how many squares can be installed per day.
- Price per square makes estimation, ordering, and quoting more consistent.
We recommend generating estimates based on this unit. It makes approximations for roofing net profit much easier, which also translates to clearer and transparent quotes.
FAQs on Roofing Charges for Roofers
What do most roofers charge per square?
Most roofers charge between $350 and $550 per square (100 square feet) for shingle roof replacement, depending on materials, roof complexity, and location. Premium materials like metal or tile can cost $700 to $1,000+ per square.
How much is 10 squares of roofing?
The cost of 10 squares of roofing typically ranges from $3500 to $5500 for asphalt shingles, including labor and materials. For premium materials like metal or tile, the price can exceed $7000 to $10000, depending on complexity, location, and roof pitch.
How much is 30 squares on a roof?
The cost of 30 squares on a roof ranges from $10500 to $16500 for asphalt shingles, including labor and materials. The cost changes significantly based on the materials you're using, roof type, and labor.
Bottom Line on Roofing Cost Per Square
The average cost per square of a roof ranges between $300 and $900. On average, roughly 40% of a roofing project is the labor costs, while the other 60% accounts for material costs. These percentages change depending on the roofing material and the scope of work.
If you're a new roofer and having a hard time working out these estimates, we'll help you. We teach you everything about roofing in our Illinois roofing classes. We help you get the license, understand permit needs, and generate estimates and invoices. Join our classes today and become the best in your trade.