Have you ever wondered whether your roofing crew is rushing through the job just to move on to the next one? Could the way a roofing crew is paid actually impact how well your roof performs during Seattle’s next big storm?
At RoofSmart, based on service calls, we’ve repaired and replaced hundreds of leaky, poorly installed roofs each year. We have seen firsthand the damage that is caused by a mediocre, rushed installation. In the end, it’s you who ends up paying for costly repairs on a roof that should’ve been done right in the first place.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how Seattle roofing crews get paid, how that affects the work they do on your roof, and what payment structure to look for if you want it done right.
You’ll learn the different types of crew payment models, how RoofSmart’s system compares, and what it all means for your final roof cost and long-term peace of mind.
What does a typical Seattle roofing crew payment structure look like?
Most roofers aren’t paid a traditional hourly wage. Instead, they are given a total budget for their roofing project and expected to stick to it while still getting the work done.
This is also called “piecework” because they’re paid not for the time spent nor the quality of their work, but by the quantity of pieces installed. Can you guess what that incentivizes? Read on…
Roofing crews are hired as teams (not individuals who get grouped together), so they get paid one set amount as a group.
They get paid the same amount even if they finish early. For example, if they have 3 days to complete a roofing project, they’ll get paid the same amount even if they finish in 2 days.
However, if they take longer than expected, then they’ll exceed their budget.
There are a few rare exceptions where the roofers get paid hourly (some repair technicians do).
How does the roofing crew's pay impact your roof’s quality in Seattle?
So, what does this mean for your roof? Well, if your roofing crew is trying their best not to exceed the budget, then they have significantly less incentive to stop if they notice extra issues on your roof or take enough time to do high-quality work.
They are more likely to be incentivized to finish the job and move on to the next one because that’s what makes them money. They might not have the motivation to do top-tier work or fix every issue.
In a wet, rainy area like Seattle, poorly installed roofs can easily lead to roof leaks. When ignored or left unnoticed, leaks can turn into mold and rot, which are both expensive to get rid of.
To avoid this issue, we encourage you to find a roofing contractor that you trust to install the high-quality roof that you deserve. Make sure to do your research by reading reviews and looking at past projects your roofer has done.
Most importantly, interview them for the job. Are they late to the appointment? Do they communicate well before the job? Professionalism should exist at all phases when you’re interviewing your job candidates.
Want more guidance on how to find a trustworthy, qualified contractor? Download our Qualified Roofer Checklist and confidently evaluate any roofer’s qualifications.
How do roofing crews get paid at RoofSmart?
At RoofSmart, we want to make sure that our crews are motivated to do the best work possible on every roof. So, we have a hybrid payment system that blends hourly pay and the total budget. Note: our roofing crews are all in-house W-2 employees.
Our crews start out with a total budget and take pictures of the roof as they go. But if they notice additional issues on your roof while they’re working, they will let you know and make sure to fix it.
We have dedicated staff to help talk to you to get changes approved and get the new material out there. We make sure that our roofers are paid to take any additional time to fix issues on your roof and install everything properly.
We also fix other issues beyond the roof (like mold, insulation, or gutters) that most other roofing companies don’t work on. If we notice these issues during the roof inspection, we’ll ask you if you’d like this to be included in the scope of work.
What factors impact how much a roofer gets paid?
Roofing is a competitive industry, especially in the Greater Seattle area. Just like in any other line of work, the more experience you have, the higher rate you can charge.
Within the roofing crews, there is always a foreman or leader. They’ll get paid the highest amount. The rest of the crew will make about the same wage, unless there’s someone who has special skills or a lot of experience.
Roofers in the Seattle area typically make more than roofers in other areas of Washington because Seattle has a much higher cost of living. This cost increase means that even starting salaries in Seattle can be higher than national averages.
How does a roofing crew’s pay impact the total job cost?
The 3 main categories that make up the total cost of a roofing job are:
- Materials
- Labor
- Taxes and other fees
The Greater Seattle area has a high cost of living, which means that labor costs are also high. So, for Seattle area homeowners, labor costs on roofing jobs are higher than national averages.
Labor typically makes up about 30-40% of the total project cost, but this amount can vary based on how much work needs to be done on your project. Your roof might be large and complex, which will require more work and increase labor costs.
Wondering how much it will cost to install your roof (including labor and material)? Use our Instant Estimate tool to get a ballpark range for your roof replacement costs.
What factors impact labor costs on a roofing project?
Every roof is unique, and some need more work than others. Keep in mind that even though certain factors increase the total cost of your project, it doesn’t mean your roofer is getting paid a higher price—it just means that the project will take more time and they need to be paid for it.
Here are some examples of situations that can impact the cost of your roofing project:
- Roof size: If your roof is really big and has lots of valleys and levels, then it will take your roofing crew longer to install your new roof and increase labor costs. If you have a small roof, this might decrease labor costs a bit because your roofer can get it done faster.
- Roof slope: Steep roofs can be dangerous to work on. If you have one, then your roofer will have to set up extra safety precautions to prevent accidental injury. This will increase labor costs.
- Property access issues: If your roof is surrounded by trees or you have a small property that’s super close to your neighbors, then this might increase your labor costs. If your roofer cannot easily access your roof to remove the old shingles and throw them in the dumpster, then they’ll have to cart them out by hand. This takes a lot of extra time.
What is the total cost to install a new roof in Seattle?
Now that you understand how roofing crews in Seattle typically get paid and how that can impact the quality of your roof, you’re in a stronger position to make the right call when choosing a contractor.
The last thing you want is a rushed job that leads to mold, rot, or expensive leaks. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions and choose a contractor who puts time and quality above speed. At RoofSmart, we’ve built our entire process around making sure our crews are fairly compensated for doing the job right the first time.
Now that you know how crews get paid, the next logical step is to learn how much your new roof might cost. Don’t get blindsided by price ranges—get the facts and set clear expectations for your investment.
Read our article “How Much Does a Roof Cost in 2025? Prices for Seattle Homeowners” to learn more about the factors that impact the total cost of installing your new roof.
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