How Much of a Roofing Job Is Labor? A New Jersey Homeowner’s Guide

If you’re a homeowner in New Jersey, the thought of replacing or repairing your roof probably comes with a swirl of questions—foremost among them: “How much of a roofing job is labor?” It’s a fair question, especially when roofing estimates often come with steep price tags. While materials can add up quickly, labor costs can account for 60% or more of your total roofing bill, depending on several key factors.

With Charles Jimerson of CJ Commercial Roofing NJ, we’ll break down:

• The percentage labor represents in roofing costs
• What influences roofing labor rates in New Jersey
• The impact of roof size, pitch, and complexity
• State-specific contractor rates
• And tips to avoid getting overcharged

By the end, you’ll know exactly where your money’s going—and how to spend it wisely.

Understanding Roofing Labor Costs

Roofing isn’t just about slapping on shingles. It’s a physically demanding, time-sensitive, and often dangerous job that requires trained crews, safety gear, liability insurance, and expert coordination. That’s why labor typically makes up 60% to 70% of a roofing project’s cost.

For example, if you’re quoted $12,000 for a roof replacement in Middletown, NJ, expect about $7,200 to $8,400 of that to be labor costs alone. The rest covers materials like:

• Asphalt shingles or metal panels
• Underlayment
• Flashing
• Ridge vents
• Fasteners and nails

This 60-40 split is fairly standard across the U.S., but there are localized differences, especially in states with high population density and strict labor laws like New Jersey.

Labor Costs in New Jersey: Why They’re Higher Than the National Average

The Garden State isn’t the cheapest place to hire a roofer. There are several local realities that bump up the cost of labor here:

1. Prevailing Wage Standards

New Jersey has higher labor costs due to state-mandated prevailing wages—especially if you’re dealing with public or large commercial projects. Even in residential work, skilled roofing contractors must pay competitive rates to retain trained crews.

2. Union Labor and Licensure

While not all roofing jobs require unionized labor, many reputable roofers in Newark, Trenton, or Jersey City operate under union frameworks or local certifications that mandate above-average pay scales. New Jersey also requires licensed roofing contractors, which naturally filters out lower-priced (and potentially unreliable) options.

3. Cost of Living

In high-cost counties like Bergen, Monmouth, and Morris, roofers must charge more simply to cover their business expenses. Gas, insurance, and wages in these areas all drive up the per-square-foot labor rate.

What Impacts Labor Pricing in Your Roofing Project?

No two roofs—or budgets—are the same. Here are key variables that affect the labor portion of your quote:

🔹 Roof Size

A 1,500-square-foot roof will obviously cost less in labor than a 3,000-square-foot one. But don’t forget: larger roofs often come with bulk discounts on materials, while labor costs tend to scale linearly.

🔹 Roof Pitch and Complexity

Flat or low-slope roofs are easier and faster to install than steep, gabled, or multi-level designs. Roofs with dormers, skylights, or valleys require more skill—and more hours. Expect higher labor costs if your home looks like a Tudor or has multiple rooflines.

🔹 Tear-Off Requirements

If your old roof has to be removed (as is usually the case in New Jersey, per local building codes), this adds several hours of labor. Some contractors in Toms River or Edison may charge $1 to $3 per square foot just for the tear-off process.

🔹 Weather and Seasonality

Harsh winters and humid summers in New Jersey make certain times of year more challenging for roof installations. Labor prices can spike in late spring and early fall due to peak demand.

Typical Labor Rates in New Jersey Roofing

Let’s look at some hard figures. In New Jersey, the average labor rate for roofing work ranges between $50 to $90 per hour per worker. A full roofing crew typically includes 3-5 people working 1-3 days depending on job complexity.

On a per-square-foot basis, expect labor costs to fall in the $2.75 to $4.50 range, depending on:

• Material type (asphalt vs. metal vs. tile)
• Roof pitch
• Accessibility (e.g., in tight urban areas like Hoboken vs. suburban Cherry Hill)

So for a 2,000 sq ft roof in New Brunswick, total labor could run between $5,500 and $9,000, with materials adding another $4,000 to $7,000 depending on quality.

Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality

Yes, roofing is expensive. But there are smart strategies to manage the labor cost without cutting corners:

✅ Get 3+ Quotes from Local Roofers

Pricing can vary even within the same zip code. Compare offers from licensed and insured roofers in Hamilton Township, Parsippany, or Camden. Use platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor for vetted pros.

✅ Ask for a Labor Breakdown

Insist on a written estimate that clearly separates labor from materials. This transparency allows you to compare apples to apples and spot inflated labor markups, see CJ Commercial Roofing NJ.

✅ Time It Right

Roofers often offer lower rates in off-peak months, like January or February. Just make sure weather conditions are still suitable for installation.

✅ Choose Standard Materials

Exotic shingles or premium metal panels take longer to install and increase labor time. Stick to architectural asphalt shingles, which balance durability and ease of installation.

Red Flags: When Labor Costs Seem Too Low (or Too High)

🚩 If a labor estimate seems suspiciously cheap, be wary. It might indicate:

• Unlicensed contractors
• Lack of liability insurance
• Untrained workers cutting corners

On the flip side, some premium roofers may inflate labor to pad profits—especially if you’re not savvy. Watch for vague language like “miscellaneous labor” or flat-rate “installation charges” with no time estimates.

Final Takeaway: Roofing Labor Is the Hidden Giant in Your Budget

So, how much of a roofing job is labor? In New Jersey, the answer is: a lot. On average, 60% to 70% of your roofing estimate goes directly toward labor. But that cost isn’t just wages—it’s safety, expertise, speed, and peace of mind.

As a homeowner in New Jersey, you’re operating in a labor-rich market where knowing how to decode your quote is key. By understanding how local rates work—and where labor hours go—you’ll be in a far better position to negotiate confidently and avoid budget-busting surprises.