When people talk about careers in roofing, especially unionized positions like those in Roofers Local 30, there’s often curiosity (and sometimes confusion) about the real compensation behind the shingles. If you’re in New Jersey—or considering moving there for work—knowing the average wages, benefits, and cost of living adjustments can help you make informed career decisions.
With Charles Jimerson of CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, let’s pull off the tarp and reveal: How much does a Roofers Local 30 employee make in New Jersey? The answer? It’s a mix of hourly wages, union perks, benefit packages, and overtime opportunities, all shaped by local demand and regional costs.
🧱Union Overview: What is Roofers Local 30?
Before diving into the paycheck, it’s important to understand what Roofers Local 30 represents. Affiliated with the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers, Local 30 operates primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region—including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of Delaware.
As a labor union, Local 30 negotiates for its members in key areas:
- Hourly wage rates
- Health and retirement benefits
- Working conditions and safety standards
- Training and apprenticeship programs
💵 So, How Much Do Roofers Local 30 Members Earn in NJ?
🧰 Apprentice Wages
Apprentices in Roofers Local 30 typically start with 40-60% of a journeyman’s wage. In New Jersey, current rates (2024–2025 cycle) suggest apprentices start around $20 to $28 per hour, depending on experience and phase in the apprenticeship program.
With each year of training—often structured as a 3- to 4-year program—the pay increases until full journeyman status is achieved.
🏗️ Journeyman Wages
Now, let’s talk journeyman-level earnings. As of the latest updates from union collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) relevant to New Jersey locals:
- Base Hourly Rate: $45–$52 per hour
- Overtime: 1.5x to 2x base rate (weekends, holidays, and over 40 hrs/week)
- Fringe Benefits (non-taxed): Health insurance, pension contributions, annuity funds, totaling an additional $20–$30 per hour in value
📌 Total Compensation: When you factor in both taxable wages and union-negotiated benefits, journeymen roofers can earn the equivalent of $75 to $82 per hour in overall value.
📍Local Focus: Roofing Jobs in New Jersey
New Jersey isn’t just home to diners and Springsteen—it also has a booming construction and roofing market, especially in areas like:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Trenton
- Camden
- Atlantic City
In these urban centers, union contractors affiliated with Local 30 are often engaged in large-scale projects: commercial reroofs, government buildings, schools, and weatherproofing initiatives under state infrastructure programs.
And guess what? Projects in higher-cost urban areas tend to pay a premium, both for skilled labor and schedule reliability.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment
Don’t forget: New Jersey’s cost of living—especially near NYC—is one of the highest in the country. However, union wages here are structured to compensate accordingly, unlike in some non-union roles that undercut the market rate.
🧠 Beyond the Paycheck: What Else Do Roofers Local 30 Members Get?
💼 Health & Welfare Benefits
Roofers Local 30 employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Prescription drug plans
- Disability coverage
- Life insurance options
For non-union roofers, these benefits often require out-of-pocket premiums. Here, they’re part of the fringe package—negotiated and enforced.
📈 Pension & Retirement Plans
- Defined benefit pension plans
- Annuity fund contributions (usually $6–$9/hr)
- Optional 401(k) contributions (through affiliated institutions)
🏗️ Training & Certification
Local 30 offers paid access to programs through the Roofers Union Apprenticeship Training Centers, covering:
- OSHA 30 Certification
- Torch safety and hot-work training
- EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen systems
- Waterproofing and air barrier techniques
That training = higher value in the job market. See CJ Commercial Roofing NJ for more.
📊 Job Outlook & Demand in NJ
According to data from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and national estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- The demand for roofing professionals is expected to grow 5% through 2029, slightly faster than average.
- Natural disasters, aging infrastructure, and energy-efficient roofing upgrades are driving this growth.
- Unionized labor is preferred in many public-sector and LEED-certified green building projects.
Translation: the job isn’t going anywhere—and the skills are portable.
⚖️ Union vs. Non-Union Roofing Jobs in NJ
| Feature | Roofers Local 30 | Non-Union Roofer |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $45–$52 | $18–$30 |
| Benefits | Comprehensive (health, retirement) | Limited or none |
| Job Security | Protected by CBA | Dependent on employer |
| Training | Structured apprenticeships | Informal or pay-to-train |
| Safety Standards | Enforced by union | Varies widely |
Sure, union dues may range from $30–$60/month, but the value returned through job security and benefits often dwarfs that cost.
🧮 Real-World Example: Annual Earnings Breakdown
Let’s do some napkin math:
- Base wage: $50/hour
- Avg. hours/week: 40
- Weeks/year (with 2 off): 50
👉 $50 x 40 x 50 = $100,000/year (base)
Add another $25/hr in benefits x 40 x 50 = $50,000 in total benefits
🎯 Total Comp: ~$150,000/year, plus pension and training.
🏁 Conclusion: Should You Join Roofers Local 30 in NJ?
If you’re considering a long-term career in roofing and you’re based in New Jersey, joining Roofers Local 30 can mean more than just a paycheck—it means security, structure, and sustained value.
Whether you’re starting out as an apprentice or already swinging shingles as a journeyman, the union provides a clear pathway to financial stability and professional growth—especially in a high-demand region like New Jersey.
So if you’ve ever asked, “How much does a Roofers Local 30 employee make in New Jersey?”—the honest answer is: a lot more than you might think.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Journeyman roofers in Local 30 NJ can make $45–$52/hr base, with total compensation reaching $75–$82/hr.
- Apprentices start around $20–$28/hr and climb fast.
- Comprehensive benefits, pension plans, and paid training add significant value.
- Roofing in NJ is in high demand due to urban growth and infrastructure investments.