Labor Costs
The cost charged by contractors for installing roofing materials, removing old roofing, and site cleanup.
What's Included
Labor includes: removing your old roof, disposing of debris, installing new materials, flashing work, and cleanup. It does NOT include materials.
Good contractors charge $50-80 per square (100 sq ft). Bids below $40/sq usually mean corners are being cut.
Why Labor Varies
Roof pitch (steeper = more expensive), access difficulty, local market rates, and contractor experience all affect labor costs. A simple 4/12 pitch roof costs less to install than a 10/12 pitch with multiple valleys.
Red Flags
Super cheap labor bids usually mean: rushed installation, inadequate flashing work, poor cleanup, or inexperienced crew. Your roof will fail faster.
Good installation matters more than material choice. A $100/sq shingle installed wrong fails faster than a $80/sq shingle installed right.