Find out the real cost of roofing labor in Metro Atlanta. We break down the average hourly rate for roofers, why projects are quoted by ‘the square,’ and what makes up the total labor cost. The typical hourly rate for a roofing contractor in Georgia is $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and the contractor’s experience.
Understanding roofer hourly rates is helpful for homeowners planning a project and for those considering a career in roofing.
Introduction
When facing a roof repair or replacement for your Metro Atlanta home, one of the first questions you might ask is, “How much does a roofer charge per hour?” It’s a natural question, but the answer is more complex than you might think.
The truth is, for major projects like a full roof replacement, reputable roofing companies rarely quote a price based purely on an hourly rate. Instead, the industry uses project-based pricing based on a metric called “the square.”
At Pro Roofing & Siding, we believe in total transparency. We’ll break down the average hourly labor costs for roofing using the latest data available for Georgia roofers, explain why you’ll be quoted a fixed price, and detail all the factors that make up the true cost of professional, quality roofing.
Average Hourly Rates: What Homeowners Actually Pay
While roofers typically calculate their own expenses using an hourly rate, the rate you see on an invoice for a full job is significantly higher than a roofer’s base wage because it includes all the business overhead.
The cost for professional roofing labor can vary widely, but here is a general breakdown of what customers pay for labor time. Roofers in Georgia can earn different salaries depending on their years of experience and seniority, which can impact the rates charged for various services. Wages for roofers in Georgia typically start from $29,010 and go up to $48,350 annually. Certain specialties like metal roofing pay more, averaging around $30.40 per hour in Georgia.
| Service Type | Typical Customer Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Minor Repairs (Leak, Flashing) | $70 to $150 per hour |
| General Repair & Maintenance | $45 to $100 per hour |
| Emergency Service | $100 to $300+ per hour (Due to premium for immediate response) |
The roofer’s hourly rate can vary based on the roofer’s seniority and the number of years they have worked in the industry. For small, isolated repairs (like fixing a vent or patching a tiny leak), you may be charged an hourly rate, often with a minimum service fee of several hundred dollars that covers the crew’s travel time, setup, and liability.
Calculating Costs Per Hour: A Simple Guide for Homeowners
Smart Georgia homeowners need to understand roofing costs beyond the basics. A roofer’s base salary averages $38,000 yearly in Georgia. That’s $18 to $20 per hour—but that’s not your actual cost. Contractors add materials, insurance, equipment, and overhead. Your real hourly rate? Much higher. The average hourly wage for a roofer in Georgia is approximately $21.17 to $22.54, reflecting variations in experience and job type. The national hourly rate for roofing labor is around $75, with a range from $44 to $130.
Marietta homeowners pay $45 to $90 per hour for roofing work. Minor repairs hit the lower end. Complex jobs with premium materials? You’ll pay top dollar. Roswell and Alpharetta see similar ranges. The type of repair and materials drive your final rate. The average hourly rate for roofers in Marietta, GA ranges from $45 to $90, aligning with the complexity and scope of the work.
Calculate your total project cost smartly. Multiply the contractor’s hourly rate by estimated job hours. Add materials, permits, and fees. No surprises on your final invoice when you plan ahead. Woodstock and Kennesaw homeowners who understand these factors make better roofing decisions.
Why Roof Replacements Are Not Quoted by the Hour
For a full roof replacement, you will almost certainly receive a single, fixed-price quote based on the size of your roof, calculated in “squares.”
These fixed-price quotes reflect the complexity and quality of the roofing project, ensuring that the estimate accurately mirrors the materials, workmanship, and specific requirements involved.
Understanding “The Square”
- Definition: A roofing “square” is the industry standard measurement unit, equal to 100 square feet (10′ x 10′) of roof area.
- Pricing: A roofer determines the size of your roof in squares and multiplies that by the cost per square (which includes labor, materials, and overhead).
The labor cost alone for installing asphalt shingles in the Metro Atlanta area typically ranges from $200 to $350 per square. This rate is a flat fee that accounts for the complexity of the roof, not the time spent.
The True Cost of Roofing Labor: What Your Money Pays For
When you see an hourly rate or a fixed labor cost for a roofing square, you are paying for much more than just the installer’s time on your roof. Roughly 40% to 60% of your total project cost goes toward labor and labor-related expenses.
Your labor investment covers critical factors that guarantee quality, safety, and reliability:
| Cost Factor | Description |
| Wages & Benefits | The base pay for skilled workers, plus payroll taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions. Experienced, certified crews cost more but deliver superior quality. |
| Insurance & Licensing | Workers’ Compensation (protects you if a worker is injured on your property) and General Liability Insurance (protects your property from damage). This is a non-negotiable expense for any reputable contractor. |
| Overhead & Administration | Costs for office staff, sales, vehicles, equipment maintenance, business insurance, software, and administrative time. These keep the company running reliably. |
| Disposal Fees | The cost of tearing off and disposing of your old roofing material, which is a significant labor expense and requires special permits and dumpsters. |
| Specialized Equipment | The use of safety equipment, scaffolding, power tools, and specialized machinery (like lifts) necessary to complete the job safely and efficiently. |
| Warranty Coverage | The cost of offering an industry-leading, manufacturer-backed warranty (like the GAF Golden Pledge®), which protects you from issues long after the job is finished. |
4 Key Factors That Influence Roofing Price
The total labor cost (and the price per square) changes based on these critical elements of your home. A change in the type of roofing material or the complexity of the job can significantly impact the roofer’s hourly rate:
- Roof Complexity (Pitch): The steeper the roof pitch (slope), the more hazardous and slower the work becomes. Steeper roofs require more safety gear, staging, and time, increasing labor costs.
- Material Type: Installing materials like slate, clay tile, or standing seam metal requires specialized skills and more time than asphalt shingles. Therefore, the labor cost per square for these materials is significantly higher.
- Accessibility: Homes with difficult access, steep setbacks, or obstacles (like decks or landscaping) that require extra safety precautions or equipment will incur higher labor costs.
- Tear-Off Complexity: Removing multiple layers of old roofing material, or heavy materials like tile or wood shakes, requires significantly more labor and disposal time than removing a single layer of asphalt shingles.
Maximizing Value from a Roofer: Tips for Homeowners
Smart homeowners skip the hourly rate trap. Quality workmanship beats cheap labor every time. Focus on what matters: proven craftsmanship, premium materials, and solid customer service. Research Metro Atlanta contractors hard—read every review, call references, ask neighbors who they trust. No shortcuts here.
Roofers in Atlanta average $18.88 per hour. That number shifts based on your neighborhood, job complexity, and the contractor’s track record. Know exactly what repair or installation you need before you call. Clear expectations prevent surprises. Complex jobs cost more. Experience costs more. Both deliver better results. In Atlanta, the average annual pay for roofers is around $48,048.
Ask the tough questions now. How long have they worked Metro Atlanta? Which material brands do they install? What’s included in that quote? Get specifics. A reputable contractor answers every question without dodging. You’ll find quality work at fair prices when you do the homework first.
Budgeting for Roofing Projects
Smart roofing budgets start with real numbers from your Metro Atlanta neighborhood. Get quotes from multiple contractors. Research what projects actually cost in Georgia—not national averages that don’t match our market. Factor in labor rates based on local roofing wages averaging $38,000 annually. This gives you realistic hourly cost expectations. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area has a higher average annual salary compared to non-metro areas in Georgia.
Material choices drive your budget more than most homeowners expect. Architectural shingles, metal roofing, and tiles each hit different price points. Quality matters here. Don’t skip permits or inspections—they’re required and protect your investment. Budget for surprise repairs that surface once work begins. Experienced contractors spot these issues during tear-off. More specialized work, such as installing metal or slate roofing, typically commands a higher hourly rate due to the expertise required. Holding specific certifications or licenses can increase a roofer’s earning potential and marketability.
Know every cost factor before you sign contracts. Labor, materials, permits, and unexpected repairs add up fast. Plan for each expense category. This proactive approach keeps your Metro Atlanta roofing project on schedule and on budget. No surprises. No cost overruns. Just results that protect your home for years.
Conclusion + Call-to-Action
When comparing roofing quotes for your Metro Atlanta home, focus less on a vague “hourly rate” and more on the total project price and what that price includes. A lower hourly rate often translates to cutting corners on materials, insurance, or safety—risks that are simply too high when dealing with your home’s most important defense.
Choose a contractor like Pro Roofing & Siding who provides a fixed, transparent quote that guarantees premium materials, certified workmanship, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Call Pro Roofing & Siding today at (770) 777-1733 for a free, no-obligation estimate based on your home’s specifications, or visit www.myproroofing.com to schedule your inspection!
