How Much Does Labor Cost for a Commercial Roof?

 

If you're planning a commercial roofing project, keeping costs low is probably your biggest worry. You might look at roofing materials like metal or shingles first. But labor often becomes a surprise budget problem.

Labor costs usually make up one-third to one-half of your total roofing cost, ranging from $0.66 per square foot to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the material. It's also where contractors often cut quality to keep their prices low.

At Equity Commercial Roofing, we've managed hundreds of commercial projects throughout Pennsylvania. We've seen how labor problems can slow down projects and create extra costs. This guide explains why labor has such a big impact on your budget, and how to make sure it helps your project succeed.

Clickable Table of Contents

• What Factors Make Up Your Roof Labor Cost
• Labor Costs per Square Foot 
• Real-World Labor Cost Examples
• Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Labor 
• How Much Will a New Roof Cost?

How do Roofers Charge for Labor? 

Labor is more than workers installing shingles. Your costs include skilled crews, project managers, equipment setup, travel time, workers' compensation insurance, and safety training. For good reason, too; roofing ranks among the most dangerous construction jobs.

High Insurance Rates That Drive Up Labor Costs 

Workers' insurance for roofers costs much more than for other trades. Some insurance companies won't even cover roofing contractors at all.

It's normal for a roofing company to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year just on workers' insurance. Based on data from the Construction Chart Book, workers’ compensation costs account for about 4.4 % of compensation in construction overall. When comparing this to rates like 12.3 % of payroll for roofing contractors, this suggests roofers pay roughly 180 % more than the average construction trade in workers’ comp.

• Why it's worth the cost: Hiring contractors with full workers' insurance keeps you and your business safe from lawsuits and having to pay hospital bills.
  

Lack of Skilled Workers Increasing Rates

The roofing industry has a serious worker shortage. Fewer people want to do such hard and dangerous work. This scarcity drives up competitive wages. Experienced roofers can command premium rates because qualified alternatives are limited. 

The problem intensifies for commercial projects, which need higher skill levels than residential work. Many contractors compete fiercely for the same pool of qualified workers.

• Why it’s worth the cost: The Better Business Bureau often gets complaints about roofing work, usually tied to poor workmanship. Hiring low-quality contractors will likely mean a bad roof that needs more work to fix it. 
  

Additional Cost of Safety Rules and Requirements

Commercial roofing has much stricter rules than home roofing. OSHA safety rules require specific training, equipment, and procedures. These increase labor costs but keep workers safe. Businesses such as schools, government buildings, and hospitals need background checks for all workers on their property. 

Good contractors also keep current certifications from manufacturers and industry groups. This requires ongoing education and testing expenses, but improves workmanship skills. 

• Why it's worth the cost: Hiring a good contractor means the crew is properly trained and background-checked. They work safely, follow building codes, and meet warranty standards. Their roofs are more likely to perform well for years. 
  

Unlike material defects, poor workmanship usually shows up within the first year. Problems with flashing, seam quality, or drainage systems become obvious during bad weather.

A cheaper quote might look good, but it's better financially to hire for quality work rather than low prices.

Roofing Labor prices per Square Foot in 2025 

Your roof system choice directly influences both material and labor expenses:

Flat Roof Membrane Systems:

Type	Labor Cost by Square Foot
Mechanically Fastened TPO/EPDM	$0.66 per square foot
Fully Adhered TPO/EPDM	~$1.25 per square foot

Metal Roofing Systems:

Type	Labor Cost by Square Foot	System Details
Standing Seam Metal	$5.00–$8.00 per square foot	Premium system with hidden fasteners that need special installation skills
Agricultural Panel Metal	$3.00–$4.00 per square foot	System with visible fasteners. Lower labor costs at first, but more maintenance later due to fastener problems.

 

How Project Complexity Can Increase Cost

Multiple elements can significantly increase the cost of a commercial roofing project:

• Multi-layer roof systems: Roofs with two (or more) layers increase removal cost 
• Limited accessibility: Confined spaces reduce work efficiency
• Historic building requirements: Historic buildings may need special materials that take longer to install than modern methods
• Custom features: Installing unique gutters, complex details, or decorative elements cost more than standard products

Real Roof Labor Cost Examples

Even with careful planning, labor costs on commercial roofing projects can change. Below are real cases from Equity Commercial Roofing where labor needs were more than first expected:

Church Steeple Renovation

On a church project in Mount Park, what looked like a simple shingle job became a labor-intensive challenge. The steep pitch and angles of the steeple dramatically slowed down the crew's work.

Labor went over budget because of the design complexity, even though material estimates were accurate. This kind of complexity is nearly impossible to quote perfectly and shows why labor buffers are so important.

Access Restrictions

In another case, a commercial client required the main entrance to stay open during business hours. This meant the crew had to move materials and equipment through other access points.

While this seemed like a small restriction, it slowed the crew's progress and increased the overall job time.

Historic Preservation Compliance

On projects in historic districts, labor can become far more complicated and expensive. For example, one job required half-round gutters instead of standard styles. These cost about three times more and take longer to install because of their unique hanging method.

In another case, slate-look designer shingles were required to match the building's historic look. Unlike standard shingles, these needed extra alignment and technique. Using them tripled the typical installation time.

Roofing Labor: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better for roofers to charge for time and materials or hourly? 

Time and materials billing is typically inflated to account for unforeseen complications. Hourly billing can actually provide cost savings when managed transparently.

Should my roofer list out their labor cost in my quote? 

Itemized costs typically appear only in insurance claim situations.

Most quotes don't include labor breakdowns to prevent disputes over time allocation. It also protects competitive pricing strategies. 

Does it matter if a roofer uses an in-house crew or subcontractors? 

Yes, but what matters more is how those subcontractors are trained and supervised. Subcontractors should be vetted, certified, and put through the same training as internal crews. 

An internal crew member should always conduct a post-job inspection to ensure expectations are met. So long as subcontractors are held to the same standards are internal employees, they aren’t a red flag. 

How do you know if a roofer has insurance and workers' compensation coverage?

The most reliable way is to ask for proof. Commercial property owners should never skip this step. 

If a contractor hesitates to provide insurance documents, that's a problem. They should be familiar with general liability, workers’ comp, and OSHA requirements. 

Is a low bid for a roofing project a red flag? 

Almost always. If one bid is significantly lower than the others, that should immediately raise questions. Low bids often signal a lack of insurance, inexperienced labor, or minimal warranty coverage—all of which expose the client to risk. 

A low bid might save money upfront, but it usually leads to higher costs later due to callbacks, repairs, or liability issues.

How Much Will a New Roof Cost?

Commercial roofing labor isn’t just about manpower. A well-trained crew means fewer callbacks, stronger warranties, and long-term cost control. As you've seen, labor directly influences your project's overall success. 

It’s also the area where the biggest risks (and biggest returns) live. Most property managers only realize this after a costly mistake. Now, you're equipped to recognize what quality labor looks like and why it matters.

Now that you understand how labor affects your roof's cost, your next step is to read the 2025 Commercial Roof Cost Guide for Central PA. This guide provides real price ranges based on roof size, materials, and warranties.

At Equity Commercial Roofing, we believe the right labor team doesn't just install a roof; they protect your entire building. 

Ready to plan your next commercial project? Contact us today.