Roof Tiler
SOC 47-2181.00 · ESCO 7121 · OSCA 362331
Role snapshot
Overview
Measures, cuts, and lays concrete or terracotta tiles on roof structures, ensuring correct overlap and waterproofing at ridges, valleys, and flashings to protect buildings from weather. This role involves preparing roof surfaces, handling various roofing materials, and adhering to strict safety protocols while working at heights.
Protects buildings from weather damage, ensures structural integrity, and contributes to the longevity and safety of residential and commercial properties.
On the job
- Prepare roof surfaces by cleaning, repairing, and applying underlayment materials.
- Measure and cut roofing materials, including tiles, battens, and flashing, to fit roof specifications.
- Lay and secure tiles, ensuring proper alignment, overlap, and waterproofing techniques.
- Install and repair roof components such as ridges, valleys, and flashing around chimneys or vents.
- Adhere to safety regulations and use personal protective equipment (PPE) consistently on job sites.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Completion of an apprenticeship program or vocational training in roofing or masonry. On-the-job experience is highly valued.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
low
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI could assist with optimizing tile layout, material estimation, and identifying roof defects from aerial imagery.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI cannot perform the physical work of lifting, cutting, and securing tiles, especially on varied roof geometries and in changing weather conditions, unaided.
Adoption pressure
low
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The high cost and complexity of automating physical roof work, coupled with varied projects and safety concerns, limit AI adoption beyond planning assistance.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success relies heavily on the tiler's physical skill, ability to work safely at heights, precise judgment for tile placement and waterproofing in varied conditions, and problem-solving.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
moderate
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
Roof tilers can adapt to new tiling materials, evolving installation methods, and increasingly stringent safety and environmental standards.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Optimize tile layout patterns for efficiency and aesthetics
- Calculate precise material quantities from roof dimensions
- Identify existing roof defects or damage from drone imagery
- Generate detailed project plans and safety assessments
- Provide weather impact analysis for scheduling work
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Physically preparing roof surfaces and installing underlayment
- Precisely cutting and securing roof tiles with manual tools
- Ensuring correct overlap, alignment, and waterproofing at all points
- Installing and repairing complex roof components like valleys and flashings
- Adhering to strict safety protocols while working at heights
- Adapting to varied roof structures and environmental conditions
How the role may evolve
AI for planning and inspection; human hands for secure installation.
The role will integrate AI for initial assessment and material planning, allowing tilers to concentrate their physical skill, safety expertise, and nuanced judgment on the precise, hands-on installation of tiles and complex waterproofing elements.
Strengthen your future fit
- Mastery of various roofing materials and installation techniques
- Proficiency in utilizing drone imagery for roof assessment
- Strong understanding of building codes and waterproofing principles
- Developing advanced safety practices for working at heights
- Effective problem-solving for unexpected on-site challenges
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- Medium
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Roof Tiler
Skilled Trades
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCE
People who enjoy hands-on practical work, following precise procedures, and leading small teams or projects tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Practical
Enjoys working with hands and tangible materials to achieve concrete, visible outcomes.
Meticulous
Pays close attention to detail to ensure precise tile alignment, overlap, and waterproofing for durability.
Independent
Prefers working autonomously or within a small team on specific tasks rather than extensive social interactions.
Cooperative
Works well with team members and follows instructions from supervisors to complete projects efficiently.
Steady
Remains calm and focused when working at heights, in varying weather conditions, or under project deadlines.
Best for
- People who enjoy manual labor and seeing a project through from start to finish.
- Individuals who appreciate precise craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Those who prefer working outdoors rather than in an office environment.
Watch out for
- Can be physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina.
- Involves exposure to various weather conditions and working at heights, carrying inherent safety risks.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Roof Tiler — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Roof Tiler roles
What does a Roof Tiler do?
A Roof Tiler measures, cuts, and lays concrete or terracotta tiles on roof structures, ensuring correct overlap and waterproofing at ridges, valleys, and flashings to protect buildings from weather. This role involves preparing roof surfaces, handling various roofing materials, and adhering to strict safety protocols while working at heights. Protects buildings from weather damage, ensures structural integrity, and contributes to the longevity and safety of residential and commercial properties.
How much does a Roof Tiler earn?
A Roof Tiler earns a median of $55,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $40,000 to $70,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Roof Tiler?
To become a Roof Tiler, completion of an apprenticeship program or vocational training in roofing or masonry. On-the-job experience is highly valued. State-specific roofing contractor license (where applicable).
What personality suits a Roof Tiler?
Roof Tiler roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 80/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Practical, Meticulous, Independent and Cooperative. Enjoys working with hands and tangible materials to achieve concrete, visible outcomes. On interests, Roof Tiler maps to a RCE Holland Code profile — people who enjoy hands-on practical work, following precise procedures, and leading small teams or projects tend to thrive in this role.
Who does a Roof Tiler role suit?
A Roof Tiler role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Offers a strong focus on hands-on practical work and tangible results. Requires precision and adherence to procedures, appealing to conscientious individuals. Involves working outdoors and contributing directly to physical structures.
What are the downsides of being a Roof Tiler?
Roof Tiler roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Can be physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina. Involves exposure to various weather conditions and working at heights, carrying inherent safety risks.
What is the work environment like for a Roof Tiler?
Work as a Roof Tiler is mostly outdoors-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 75% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Roof Tiler?
Core skills for a Roof Tiler include Roofing installation techniques, Material measurement and cutting, Workplace safety protocols, Roof repair and maintenance, Problem-solving on site and Manual dexterity.
How do you become a Roof Tiler?
Common entry routes into Roof Tiler roles include Construction Laborer, Roofing Apprentice and General Laborer.
What career progression is there for a Roof Tiler?
From a Roof Tiler role, common next steps include Roofing Foreman and Construction Supervisor; lateral moves include General Roofer and Mason.
What is the job outlook for Roof Tiler roles?
The outlook for Roof Tiler roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Roof Tiler roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Roof Tiler roles at 15 out of 100, which is low. While AI can aid in layout optimization and defect identification, the physical precision, safe execution, and waterproofing expertise for laying roof tiles are inherently human tasks. AI is most likely to take on optimize tile layout patterns for efficiency and aesthetics, calculate precise material quantities from roof dimensions and identify existing roof defects or damage from drone imagery. Physically preparing roof surfaces and installing underlayment, precisely cutting and securing roof tiles with manual tools and ensuring correct overlap, alignment, and waterproofing at all points stay with people. AI for planning and inspection; human hands for secure installation. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.