How Much Does a Roofer Cost in 2026?

National median roofer costs, 2026

Project	Time	Typical cost	Range
Roof inspection + written report	1–2 hours	$127	$104 – $152
Single leak repair (small area, replace ~10 shingles)	half day	$373	$306 – $448
Shingle replacement (storm spot repair, ~1 square)	half day	$596	$489 – $716
Step-flashing replacement around chimney or skylight	1 day	$600	$492 – $720
Seamless aluminum gutter install (150 ln ft)	1 day	$1,733	$1,421 – $2,079
Tear-off + asphalt re-roof (1700 sq ft, mid-grade)	2–3 days	$10,596	$8,689 – $12,715
Standing-seam metal roof (1700 sq ft)	3–5 days	$18,561	$15,220 – $22,273
Synthetic underlayment + ice-shield refresh	1 day	$1,736	$1,423 – $2,083
Skylight replacement (one fixed unit)	1 day	$960	$787 – $1,152

What drives the price

A residential roofer either performs targeted repair (lifted shingles, popped nails, failed flashing, single-leak diagnosis) or a full tear-off and replacement. A reputable contractor will start with a multi-point inspection: shingle condition (granule loss, curling, cracking), flashing integrity around chimneys/sidewalls/penetrations, ridge and soffit ventilation, attic moisture signs, and decking condition (you don't know about rotten plywood until tear-off). Asphalt shingle is the dominant material in 80% of US homes; metal and tile dominate in storm-prone or arid markets. All re-roofs require a permit and at least one mid-roof inspection by the local AHJ in most jurisdictions, and OSHA 1926.501 requires fall protection for any work at heights above 6 feet — a non-negotiable safety/insurance issue.

How much does a roofer cost in your city?

Cost-of-living variance is the single biggest factor in trade pricing. The same job in Hawaii or California can run 30–50% more than in Mississippi or Oklahoma. Pick your city below to see your localized rate.

Six questions to ask before you hire

Are you a manufacturer-certified installer (GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum, CertainTeed Select)? Certification is required for the long manufacturer warranties.
What's the workmanship warranty (separate from the manufacturer's shingle warranty), and is it transferable?
How do you handle decking that's rotten under the old shingles — is it a per-sheet add, and what's the unit price?
Will you tear off the old roof completely (single-layer install only), or are you proposing an overlay?
Are ice & water shield, drip edge, and proper underlayment included to current code in my climate zone?
What's the projected weather window, and what happens if a storm hits mid-job?

Door-to-door storm-chaser pitches, "we just did your neighbor's roof" without proof, asking for full payment up front, no permit pulled, or the company refusing to provide its state contractor license number.