Build your future on the roof

November 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

By Emma Peterson.

The roofing trade provides youth with job security, hands-on work, strong compensation and opportunities for lifelong learning.

In an article for CBC News, Jenna Benchetrit wrote, “Young people tend to be the first and hardest hit when economic conditions are weak. In the years since the pandemic, inflation has surged, elevating the cost of living. Population growth has also ballooned — especially among the student-aged cohort — outpacing the number of available jobs.” The result? Record levels of unemployment for young people. But not all hope is lost for youth looking to start a career. There are still fields looking for skilled workers – fields like the roofing trade.

When most people think about roofing, they think about low-paid labourers hauling materials on the roof. And while the job certainly is physical, it is far more rewarding (and comes with a much higher salary) than that image might lead people to believe.

The truth is, a roofing career is...

High demand: Looking for job security? The trades are always needed, especially in provinces like Novia Scotia where urbanization and development are creating high demand for more professionals.
Engaging: In roofing, you are constantly learning and every day presents a new challenge. From reading blueprints and calculating material costs to mastering technical skills and developing your understanding of thermal dynamics, roofing is more than just grunt work – it's a highly skilled job that protects millions of dollars of property and human lives.
Well-paid: There’s a misconception that the trades provide less stable income than other fields. However, the Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia (RCANS) reports that there are “paid apprenticeship programs available immediately, Journeypersons typically make $21 - $32/hr and top pros earn $80k+.”
Hard work: Roofing is hard work. Tradespeople are expected to be physical activity, precise and have an aptitude for teamwork. Workdays also often run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on the project).
Long-term: All that hard work pays off though. Roofing offers great pathways for advancement through training opportunities. It also provides retirement savings plans, insurance packages and pension options.
More than just a job: And more than anything, roofing is rewarding. RCANS put it best, “As a professional roofer, you contribute to the building and maintenance of the hospitals, schools and businesses that keep our province running.”