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

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Michigan

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Michigan

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Michigan

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Michigan

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

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

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Michigan

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

9. Michigan Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Michigan Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Michigan?

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

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Michigan Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

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

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Michigan

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 Michigan employs 2,990 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 Michigan is 1%.

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 Michigan

Roofing contractors working in the state of Michigan must hold a residential builder or residential maintenance and alteration contractor license issued by the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Types of Roofing Licenses in Michigan

Michigan contractor licenses cover contractors working in the roofing trade. The two types of licenses for roofing contractors include:

Residential builder license

Similar to a general contractor license, a Michigan residential builder license regulates new home construction or a combination of residential and commercial structure construction.

Residential maintenance and alteration contractor license

Contractors who make repairs, alterations, additions, subtractions, or improvements to a residential or combination residential and commercial structure must hold a residential maintenance and alteration contractors license for their specialty trade.

This license covers the following trades or crafts:

• Carpentry

• Concrete

• Excavation

• Insulation work

• Masonry

• Siding

• Roofing

• Screens and storm sash

• Gutters

• Tile & marble

• House wrecking

• Swimming pools

• Basement waterproofing

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Michigan

Contractor license requirements are similar for the residential builder license and the residential maintenance and alteration contractor license.

Applicants must:

1. Hold an operator/driver’s license or state personal identification card.

2. Maintain a place of business in Michigan.

3. Complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education.

4. Submit an application online or by mail and pay the applicable fee.

5. Be of good moral character.

6. Pass the residential builder or maintenance and alteration contractor examination.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Michigan

There are many benefits to obtaining a Michigan builders license or a residential maintenance and alteration contractor license.

• First, and most important, it is illegal for contractors to perform roofing work without the proper licensing.

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

• Only contractors with a residential builder license or a residential maintenance and alteration contractor license can perform roofing work in Michigan.

• 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 Michigan?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean salary for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $55,420 for those in Michigan. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Michigan is $21.42 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year. Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing contractor in Michigan as $41,750 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 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 Michigan?

Getting started in the roofing field in Michigan is relatively affordable.

Costs for contractors include:

• 60 hours of approved prelicensure education, which varies based on the educational program.

• License fee of $195 for both a residential builder license and a maintenance and alteration contractor license. The state waives the initial license fee for veterans providing satisfactory proof of separation from the U.S. Armed Forces under honorable discharge or general discharge, under honorable conditions.

• The PSI contractor exam fee, which is $117 for the residential builder license and $114 for the residential maintenance and alteration contractor license.

How to Get a Roofing License in Michigan

Michigan requires roofing contractors to obtain one of two licenses to work in the state. Roofing contractors can choose to pursue the trade-specific maintenance and alteration contractor license or the more extensive residential builder license.

The initial steps for both licenses are the same.

Prelicensure Education

Michigan’s educational requirements include 60 hours of approved prelicensure education. State-approved education includes the following six-hour prelicense courses:

• Business management, estimating, and job costing

• Design and building science

• Contracts, liability, and risk management

• Marketing and sales

• Project management and scheduling

• The Michigan Residential Code

• Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration/MIOSHA construction safety standards

• Remaining 18 hours from other topics on the approved course list

The applicant must show proof of prelicensure education by submitting an application to the BCC with the following documents:

1. Educational sponsor application

2. Topic matrix

3. Instructor approval form

4. Timed course outline and detailed course description

5. Sample certification of completion

6. Proprietary school unit license, if applicable

7. Delivery system, for distance education only

Application and Fee

Once contractor license applicants complete their prelicensure education courses, they submit their application and fee. Contractors must also maintain a place of business in Michigan. After receiving an individual license, contractors may then apply for a company license.

Applicants can submit their application online or by mail. If mailing the application, applicants pay the license fee by check.

Examination

Once the state approves the license application, the applicant must pass the residential builder or the maintenance & alteration contractor examination.

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

The amount of time to get a roofing license in Michigan largely depends on the type of prelicensure education program you choose. The state requires 60 hours of prelicensure education, and several online courses allow applicants to complete it at their own pace.

Applicants choosing an online prelicensure course can complete the education in as little as three weeks, while other programs may take a few months.

Michigan Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a building construction technology or construction management degree. Several higher education options throughout the Great Lakes State offer these types of programs.

Some options include:

Bay College | Escanaba Construction Management Certificate — 60 credits

Delta College | University Center Residential Construction Advanced Certificate — 2 semesters AAS Residential Construction — 2 years

Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti BS Construction Management — 4 years

Ferris State University | Big Rapids AAS Building Construction Technology — 2 years BS Construction Management — 4 years

Lawrence Technological University | Southfield BS Construction Engineering Technology and Management — 4 years

Michigan State University | East Lansing  BS Construction Management — 4 years

Michigan Technological University  | Houghton  BS Construction Management — 4 years

Monroe County Community College | Monroe AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years

Northern Michigan University | Marquette AAS Building Technology — 2 years | Marquette or online BS Construction Management — 4 years

Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City AAS Construction Technology - Construction Management — 2 years

University of Michigan | Online Construction Engineering and Management Certificate — 6-7 months University of Michigan | Ann Arbor Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management — 8 months

Even if you choose to forgo earning a college degree or certificate to get started in the field of roofing, you will need to take prelicensure education courses and pass an examination for contractor licensing through the state.

There are several state-approved educational courses. Here are a few:

Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids

Middleton Real Estate Training Inc. | Troy

Lansing Community College | Lansing

Oakland Builders & Education Seminars LLC | Canton

Macomb Community College | Warren

NCI Associates LTD | Utica

Michigan Roofing Licensing Exam Details

The state’s licensing agency contracts with PSI to manage contractor licensing exams.

PSI will contact approved applicants to schedule their examination at one of five PSI testing centers. Applicants choose their testing center and examination day. Applicants pay the fee to PSI when they schedule the exam.

The first-time exam fee is the same as retake fees— $117 for the residential builder license and $114 for the residential maintenance and alteration contractor license.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Michigan?

The Bureau of Construction Codes within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issues contractor licenses.

Do I Need to Renew My Michigan Roofing License?

The state requires those with a residential builders or maintenance and alteration contractor license to renew online every three years and pay a $150 renewal fee.

Continuing Education

Michigan’s license renewal for a residential builders or maintenance and alteration contractor license includes educational requirements.

Renewal requirements include:

Those originally licensed before Jan. 1, 2009, must complete the following every three years:

• One hour covering building codes and laws related to the licensed occupation

• One hour covering safety

• One hour covering changes in construction and business management laws

Those originally licensed after Jan. 1, 2009, must complete the following requirements every three years, for the first six years:

• A minimum of three hours of continuing competency each year

• A total of 21 hours within the first three years of licensure and an additional 21 hours during the second three-year license cycle, consisting of:

  • One hour covering building codes and laws related to the licensed occupation

  • One hour covering safety

  • One hour covering changes in construction and business management laws

  • 18 hours of other approved topics

Those who were originally licensed after Jan. 1, 2009, and have been licensed for more than six years, must complete the following every three years:

• One hour covering building codes and laws related to the licensed occupation

• One hour covering safety

• One hour covering changes in construction and business management laws

Does Michigan Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Michigan does not hold reciprocity agreements with any other state. Contractors with a license from another state will need to file a consent to service of process with Michigan to become a licensee and perform roofing work.

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

Since Michigan does not hold reciprocity agreements with any other state, Michigan roofing contractors will need to check with the state where they plan to work to obtain the appropriate licenses.

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. This and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Michigan through the Michigan Roofing Contractors Association and the Southeastern Michigan Roofing Contractors Association.

Other Requirements Unique to Michigan

Depending on the roofing project, contractors may need to apply for a building permit with the appropriate city or county. Check local regulations to find out what licenses, registration, or permits you may need before performing roofing work.

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.