State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Kansas

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Kansas

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Kansas

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Kansas

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Kansas

5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Kansas?

6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Kansas?

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Kansas

8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Kansas?

9. Kansas Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Kansas Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Kansas?

12. Do I Need to Renew My Kansas Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Kansas Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

15. Does My Kansas Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Kansas

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We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.

There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Kansas employs 810 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Kansas is 5%. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started. 

Roofing License Requirements in Kansas

While there’s no specific roofing license in Kansas, the Kansas Roofing Registration Act requires roofing contractors to obtain a roofing contractor registration certificate from the Kansas Attorney General to legally provide commercial or residential roofing services for a fee.

In addition, certain cities and counties have trade contractor licensing requirements for roofers, including:

• Lawrence, Kansas: Requires a Class D Roofing Contractor license

• Johnson County, Kansas: Requires a Class DR Roofing Contractor license

• Sedgwick County and Wichita, Kansas: Require a Class A General Contractor license, Class B Building Contractor license, or Class C Residential Contractor license, depending on the structure

Make sure to check local contractor license requirements in the city or town where you intend to perform roofing work.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Kansas

Roofing work within the state only requires a roofing contractor registration certificate on the state level but may require more licensing and definitely permitting at the local level. 

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Kansas

To obtain a roofing contractor registration certificate, contractors must follow these steps:

1. Complete an application.

2. Attach the following documents: —Certificate of liability insurance of at least $500,000, listing “Office of the Kansas Attorney General, 120 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66612” as the certificate holder —Certificate of workers’ compensation insurance coverage or affidavit of exemption or self-insurance —Certificate of current tax clearance or letter from the Kansas Department of Revenue —Government photo I.D. or driver’s license for applicant/owner and designated roofing contractor

3. Pay a $250 application fee for initial permit applications filed May 1 through Dec. 31, or a prorated license fee of $125 for applications submitted between Jan. 1 and April 30.

4. Submit all of the above to the Kansas Attorney General Roofing Registration Unit in Topeka, Kansas.

5. Businesses must be registered with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office prior to registering with the Roofing Registration Unit. This is not required for sole proprietors.

6. If you’re registered as a roofing contractor in any state other than Kansas, you must submit current information from the registering state agency in each such state showing whether you’re in good standing, have pending disciplinary proceedings, or have had disciplinary action taken against the registration, certificate, permit, or license.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Kansas

There are many benefits to registering as a roofing contractor in Kansas.

• First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without the proper registration.

• Registration proves your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

• Only registered roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.

• Being properly registered protects your company and customers.

• Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

• It also increases your earning potential.

What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Kansas?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $50,650 for those in Kansas. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Kansas is $21.29 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year.

Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing contractor in Kansas as $102,444 annually.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.

• Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.

• Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.

• The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.

• Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.

• Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.

To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Kansas?

Getting started in the roofing field in Kansas is relatively affordable. Since there’s no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. There are fees associated with obtaining the Roofing Contractor registration including  a $250 application fee and a $250 annual renewal fee. 

There’s also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for registration.

How to Get a Roofing License in Kansas

Only a roofing contractor registration certificate is required to conduct roofing work in the state of Kansas. The registration process requires completing an application, attaching a certificate of liability insurance and certificate of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, and paying an application fee of between $125-$250, depending on when you apply. All of this must be submitted  to the Kansas Attorney General Roofing Registration Unit in Topeka, Kansas.

Businesses must be registered with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office prior to registering with the Roofing Registration Unit, but  sole proprietors don’t need to complete this step.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Kansas?

Since there are no formal education or licensing requirements, there’s no set length of time to become a roofer. If you choose to pursue a roofing apprenticeship or formal education, the time for completion varies depending on the program. 

Kansas Roofer Training Programs and Schools 

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout The Sunflower State that offer these types of programs.

Here are some options: Barton Community College | Great Bend Carpentry Certificate — 1 year

Butler Community College | El Dorado AAS Construction Technology — 2 years

Coffeyville Community College | Coffeyville  Construction Technology Certificate — 9 months  AAS Construction Technology — 2 years

Cowley College | Arkansas City  Construction Technology Certificates A, B, C — 1-2 years  AAS Construction Technology — 2 years

Dodge City Community College | Dodge City  Building Technology Certificate — 1 year  AAS Building Construction Technology — 2 years

Fort Hays State University | Hays  Architectural Technology Certificate — 1 year  Construction Management Certificate — 1 year  BS Construction Management — 4 years

Garden City Community College | Garden City  Carpentry Certificate — 1 year

Highland Community College | Highland Construction Technology Program — 1 year

Johnson County Community College | Overland Park  Construction Management Certificate — 2 semesters  AAS Construction Management — 2 years

Kansas State University | Manhattan  BS Construction Science and Management — 4 years

Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg  BS Construction Management — 4 years  BS Construction Engineering Technology — 4 years

WSU Tech | Wichita  Technical Certificate - Carpentry Introduction — 1 year  Technical Certificate in Construction Science - Carpentry — 1 year  AAS Construction Science - Carpentry — 2 years

Kansas Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There is no exam requirement at the state level in Kansas. However, the counties that license roofing contractors so all require testing as a part of the application process. The City of Lawrence explains the examination requirements for a Class D Roofing Contractor license in its contractor application.

Johnson County also explains exam information for roofing contractors on it's website. For a Class DR Roofing Contractor License the county recognize the 553, KGP ICC Kansas exam.

Sedgwick County and Wichita, Kansas also recognize ICC testing for its Class A General Contractor license, Class B Building Contractor license, or Class C Residential Contractor license.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Kansas? 

The Kansas Attorney General issues roofing contractor registration certificates. County and city licenses are issued by their corresponding locality. 

Do I Need to Renew My Kansas Roofing License?

Kansas roofing contractor registration certificates remain valid for one year. Certificates expire on June 30, and roofing contractors must renew their registration on or before July 1 every year. The renewal fee is $250.

Continuing Education

There are no continuing education requirements to maintain a Kansas roofing contractor registration certificate. 

Does Kansas Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Licensed contractors from other states are required to obtain a Kansas roofing contractor registration certificate to work in the state. When applying, they have to submit current information from the registering state agency in each such state showing whether they’re in good standing, have pending disciplinary proceedings, or have had disciplinary action taken against the registration, certificate, permit, or license.

Does My Kansas Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

Because Kansas doesn’t grant a roofing license, Kansas roofers don’t receive license reciprocity in any other states. 

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. It and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Kansas through the Kansas Roofing Association.

Other Requirements Unique to Kansas

General contractors who meet the criteria outlined in the 2015 House Bill 2254 are not required to register. The attorney general may request proof that the general contractor meets the exemption qualifications.

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.