Construction

To Become a Shingler (Residential sloped roofing) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
10 min read

Have you ever looked up at a roof and wondered who makes sure every shingle lines up, sheds water, and survives Ontario’s wild weather? If you like working outdoors, don’t mind heights, and want a hands-on career with solid demand, becoming a Shingler (Residential Sloped Roofing) in Ontario could be a great fit for you.

Job Description

Shinglers install, Repair, and replace roofing on residential sloped roofs using materials like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, metal shingles, and synthetic products. In Ontario, shingling falls under the broader “Roofer” skilled trade, but your day-to-day work focuses on sloped, residential roofing systems.

Daily work activities

As a shingler, you typically:

  • Travel to job sites across your region (often with an early start).
  • Review work orders, drawings, or measurements with your crew lead.
  • Set up ladders, roof anchors, guardrails, and fall-arrest systems to meet Ontario’s Safety rules.
  • Remove old roofing, inspect the deck, and make small repairs if needed.
  • Install ice and water shield, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, vents, and shingles in the correct sequence.
  • Use nail guns, compressors, hand tools, and cutting tools safely and efficiently.
  • Clean up the site, magnet-sweep for nails, and communicate with the homeowner when needed.

Main tasks

  • Prepare the roof: stripping old shingles, repairing sheathing, installing underlayment and ice-and-water protection.
  • Install roofing materials: shingle courses, ridge caps, valley and wall flashings, roof vents, and drip edges.
  • Ensure roof Ventilation: place soffit and ridge vents or other systems according to code and manufacturer specs.
  • Waterproof critical areas: chimneys, skylights, valleys, and roof-wall intersections.
  • Seal and finish details: caulking, painting flashings, and ensuring tidy lines and correct nail placement.
  • Measure and estimate: calculate materials, waste factors, and verify quantities for deliveries.
  • Maintain safety: set up and use fall protection, ladders, and scaffolds; follow Ministry of Labour requirements.
  • Communicate: work with homeowners, site supervisors, inspectors, and teammates.
  • Weatherproofing checks: ensure the roof sheds water properly and meets local building codes.
  • Service calls: diagnose leaks and complete repairs on existing roofs.

Required Education

In Ontario, shingling is a skill-intensive job where your Training happens mainly on the job, supported by formal apprenticeship training under the Roofer trade (449A). You do not need a university degree. What matters most is your safety training, physical fitness, reliability, and willingness to learn.

Diplomas (Certificate, College Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree)

  • High school (recommended): An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) helps with math, tech, and communication skills. Grade 12 isn’t legally required for all employers, but it improves your options.
  • Apprenticeship Certificate (Roofer 449A): The standard path. You learn while working, attend periodic in-class training, and earn a Certificate of Apprenticeship. You can also write the Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam and pursue the Interprovincial Red Seal.
  • College Certificate/Diploma (optional but helpful):
    • Construction Techniques (1-year certificate) or Building Renovation (2-year diploma) programs teach basics like tools, safety, and Building Systems. These aren’t required, but they make you more job-ready.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Not required for shingling.
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Length of studies

  • Apprenticeship (Roofer 449A): Typically 2–3 years, combining paid work (on-the-job hours) with several in-class training blocks. Exact hours vary by employer and training availability. You can confirm up-to-date details with Skilled Trades Ontario.
  • Pre-apprenticeship programs: Often 12–20+ weeks, offered at selected colleges or community agencies with intake times that vary by year.
  • College programs (optional):
    • Construction Techniques: usually 1 academic year (two semesters).
    • Building Renovation / Construction Engineering Technician: 2 years.

Where to study? (Ontario examples and useful links)
Roofer apprenticeship training (in-class) is delivered through select colleges and union training centres designated as Training Delivery Agents (TDAs). Availability changes by region and year. Start by finding an employer sponsor, then register as an apprentice.

Useful Ontario links:

Ontario colleges with relevant programs (for job readiness; check each for current offerings):

Salary and Working Conditions

Pay depends on your region, employer, union status, and your experience with sloped roofing systems. Residential shingling is often paid hourly, though some crews use piecework for certain tasks.

Entry-level vs. experienced salary

  • Entry-level (helper/rookie shingler): about $20–$25 per hour in many parts of Ontario, sometimes starting slightly lower while you learn basics and safety.
  • Experienced shingler/lead hand: about $28–$40+ per hour, depending on speed, quality, certifications, and ability to lead a crew.
  • Annual earnings: Roofing can be seasonal. A full season of steady work plus overtime can lead to solid annual income, but winter slowdowns or weather delays may reduce total hours.

For current wage data, check the Government of Canada Job Bank for “Roofers and shinglers” (NOC 73110) in Ontario:

Working conditions

  • Outdoors and at heights: You must be comfortable working on ladders, scaffolds, and steep slopes, often in hot sun, wind, light rain, or chilly conditions.
  • Physical demands: Lifting bundles of shingles (often 30–40 kg), carrying materials up ladders, kneeling, bending, and working with hand and power tools.
  • Weather delays: Work can slow down or pause due to heavy rain, lightning, high winds, extreme heat, or severe cold.
  • Travel: Residential contractors often serve a wide area; you may start early and spend time on the road.
  • Safety-first environment: You must follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario construction regulations, including Working at Heights training when using fall protection.
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Job outlook
Ontario’s demand for shinglers is driven by new home construction, roof replacement cycles (usually 15–25 years for many asphalt shingles), and storm-related repairs. Retirements and steady residential renovation activity also Support hiring.

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Reliability and work ethic: Show up on time, every time. Roofing is team-based and schedule-sensitive.
  • Teamwork: You’ll work closely with a small crew; clear communication keeps everyone safe and efficient.
  • Attention to detail: Straight shingle lines, correct nail placement, and clean flashing work prevent leaks.
  • Problem-solving: Diagnose tricky leaks, fix deck irregularities, and adjust plans for site conditions.
  • Customer communication: Be respectful and clear when speaking with homeowners.

Hard skills

  • Shingle installation: Asphalt, architectural, cedar, and some metal or synthetic shingles.
  • Underlayment and ice-and-water protection: Understanding Ontario climate needs and building code.
  • Flashing and waterproofing: Chimneys, skylights, valleys, step flashing, and counterflashing.
  • Roof ventilation: Soffit, ridge vents, gable vents—proper airflow prevents ice dams and mould.
  • Layout and measurement: Calculating pitch, area, waste factors, and material orders.
  • Tool proficiency: Nail guns, compressors, circular saws, shears, shingle cutters, harness systems.
  • Safety Compliance: Fall protection, ladder setup, site Housekeeping, and hazard awareness.
  • Reading drawings/specs: Interpreting site plans, manufacturer installation instructions, and building codes.
  • Estimating basics: Understanding labour and material costs, and documenting quantities.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Strong employment demand: Roofs always need replacement—steady work across Ontario.
  • Earn while you learn: Apprenticeship lets you get paid while gaining skills.
  • Short training time: You can start quickly with safety training and on-the-job learning.
  • Active, outdoor work: Ideal if you prefer physical work over a desk job.
  • Clear advancement: Move from helper to shingler to crew lead, estimator, or start your own business.
  • Pride in workmanship: You see the finished result and protect homeowners’ biggest asset.

Disadvantages

  • Weather exposure: Heat, cold, wind, and sudden storms can be tough.
  • Seasonal variability: Winter and heavy rain can slow schedules and reduce hours.
  • Physical strain and risk: Lifting, kneeling, and heights can lead to fatigue or injury if you’re not careful.
  • Early mornings and travel: Job sites may be far and start times early.
  • High responsibility: Water leaks can cause major damage—mistakes are costly.

Expert Opinion

If you’re serious about becoming a shingler in Ontario, start with safety. Complete your Working at Heights training and keep your certificate current—this is mandatory for construction workers who use fall protection in Ontario. Many employers won’t even interview you without it. You can find approved training providers here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/working-heights-training

Next, aim to join an employer who is willing to sponsor your Roofer (449A) apprenticeship. Even if you focus on residential sloped roofing, the Roofer apprenticeship builds your credibility, broadens your skills, and sets you up for the Certificate of Apprenticeship and the optional Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal. Start here to learn the steps: https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship and read the trade profile: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/roofer-449a/

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To improve your chances, consider a short pre-apprenticeship program or a Construction Techniques college certificate. These programs teach you tool basics, construction math, and jobsite safety—skills that make you more employable right away. They’re especially useful if you’re new to construction or coming from another field.

Once you’re working, build good habits:

  • Be early, prepared, and focused on safety.
  • Keep your site clean—homeowners notice.
  • Ask questions and learn from experienced roofers.
  • Learn how to estimate and communicate with clients; it’s the path to Leadership and higher pay.
  • Track your hours and in-class training to stay on course for certification.

Thinking about going independent? Roofing is one of the most regulated areas for Insurance and safety. In Ontario construction, WSIB coverage is generally mandatory for most employers and many independent operators. Check your obligations here: https://www.wsib.ca/en/coverage-construction. Also look up local business licensing and permits via BizPaL: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/ontario

FAQ

Do I need a licence to work as a residential shingler in Ontario?

The Roofer trade (449A) is a voluntary trade in Ontario, so a specific licence is not mandatory to work as a shingler. However, employers often prefer or require you to be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson. You must meet safety requirements—most importantly, Working at Heights training if you use fall protection systems: https://www.ontario.ca/page/working-heights-training

Can I start a roofing career while I’m still in high school?

Yes. Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), you can explore the trades, earn high school credits, and start apprenticeship hours while still in school. Talk to your guidance department and visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-youth-apprenticeship-program-oyap

How do I get my apprenticeship started if I don’t know any roofing employers?

Use Employment Ontario services to connect with local roofing contractors, write a resume that highlights your safety training and physical readiness, and apply broadly. Start here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario and https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship. Completing a short pre-apprenticeship or Construction Techniques certificate can also get you noticed.

What safety certifications do employers expect beyond Working at Heights?

Common expectations include WHMIS 2015 (hazardous products awareness), Standard First Aid/CPR, and equipment-specific training if you’ll use mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) or specialized tools. If you ever move into torch-on or hot works (more common in flat roofing), additional certifications will be required. Always follow OHSA and Ontario construction regulations.

I want to start my own roofing business. What should I plan for in Ontario?

  • Register your business and check local licensing through BizPaL: https://www.bizpal.ca/en/ontario
  • Obtain WSIB coverage (often mandatory in construction): https://www.wsib.ca/en/coverage-construction
  • Carry sufficient liability insurance and vehicle/commercial insurance.
  • Keep your Working at Heights and other safety training current, and train your workers.
  • Follow building codes, manufacturer installation requirements, and document warranties carefully.
  • Build strong estimating, Scheduling, and Customer Service skills—these drive referrals and profit.

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