Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Wisconsin
Roofing, WI
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Wisconsin
Types of Roofing Licenses in Wisconsin
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Wisconsin
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Wisconsin?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin?
How to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Wisconsin Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Wisconsin?
Do I Need to Renew My Wisconsin Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Wisconsin Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Wisconsin Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin employs 2,270 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 Wisconsin is 9%.
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 Wisconsin
While Wisconsin does not issue roofing contractor licenses, it requires anyone obtaining building permits to hold a Wisconsin dwelling contractor certification and a dwelling contractor qualifier certification, or employ a person who holds a qualifier certification.
Some Wisconsin cities and counties require permits for roofing work. You’ll need to check with each locality to find out permitting requirements before performing roofing work.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Wisconsin
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues the following licenses for those obtaining building permits for one- and two-family dwellings:
Dwelling contractor or dwelling contractor restricted certification: The contracting business owner, partner, board chairman, or chief executive officer applies for the license on behalf of the contracting business. The restricted license is for businesses using a surety bond of less than $25,000.
Dwelling contractor qualifier: This license, similar to a general contractor license, allows an individual to obtain building permits. This can be the contracting business owner or an employee of the business.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin
To obtain a dwelling contractor certification or dwelling contractor restricted certification, follow these steps:
Submit an online application.
Show proof of workers’ compensation requirements.
Meet unemployment compensation requirements.
Show proof of financial responsibility.
Pay the application fee.
To obtain a dwelling contractor qualifier certification, follow these steps:
Complete at least 12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course in dwelling construction.
Submit an online application.
Pay the application fee.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Wisconsin
There are many benefits to obtaining a Wisconsin 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 dwelling contractor certification and dwelling contractor qualifier can obtain building permits in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean salary for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $51,490 for those in Wisconsin. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Wisconsin is $22.88 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $53,543 for a full-time roofer per year.
Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing contractor in Wisconsin as $70,825 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 Wisconsin?
Getting started in the roofing field in Wisconsin is relatively affordable.
Costs for contractors who obtain a dwelling contractor qualifier include:
12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course. Costs vary based on the course.
$15 application fee.
$30 credential fee.
Those obtaining a dwelling contractor certification for their business will incur additional expenses required for licensure. This only affects you if you open your own contracting business.
These costs include workers’ compensation insurance and a surety bond or liability insurance.
The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Wisconsin is $1.33 per $100 of payroll.
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin
If you perform work where you’ll need building permits, you’ll need a dwelling contractor and a dwelling contractor qualifier license.
Wisconsin uses LicenseE, an online, self-guided licensing platform for license applications and renewals. The state’s Division of Professional Credential Processing provides trades license information and a license applicant user guide for step-by-step guidance through the online process.
To apply for a dwelling contractor certification:
Fill out an online dwelling contractor application.
The applicant must be the business owner, partner, board chairman, or chief executive officer.
Comply with workers’ compensation requirements.
Comply with unemployment compensation requirements.
Show proof of a surety bond of at least $25,000, or liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence.
Pay the $15 application fee.
A dwelling contractor restricted certification follows the same steps as above, except the proof of financial responsibility can be a bond of less than $25,000.
To apply for a dwelling contractor qualifier certification:
The individual must complete at least 12 hours in an approved initial qualifier course in dwelling construction within one year before submitting the application. Many initial qualifier courses are online courses.
Submit an online application.
Pay the $15 application fee.
In addition, cities and counties in Wisconsin have different permitting requirements for roofing projects. For instance, in Milwaukee, constructing new roofs with rafters requires a permit, and contractors may need a permit to tear off and replace shingles, depending on the project.
Check with the locality where you plan to work to find out permitting requirements.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Wisconsin?
To obtain a dwelling contractor qualifier license, you’ll need 12 hours of initial training in a qualifier course before applying for the certification.
Wisconsin 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 technology or construction management. There are many higher education options throughout the Badger State that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire | AAS Residential Construction Management — 2 years
Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton | AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years
Gateway Technical College | Kenosha | Construction Management Technician technical diploma — 34 credits
Marian University | Fond du Lac BS Construction Management — 4 years
Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee BS Construction Management — 4 years
University of Wisconsin - Stout | Menomonie BS Construction Management — 4 years
University of Wisconsin - Platteville | Platteville | BS Construction Management — 4 years
Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee | AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years
Wisconsin Technical College System | Madison | AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years
Wisconsin Roofing Licensing Exam Details
There is no exam requirement at the state level for roofers in Wisconsin.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Wisconsin?
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services issues dwelling contractor, dwelling contractor restricted, and dwelling contractor qualifier certifications.
Do I Need to Renew My Wisconsin Roofing License?
The dwelling contractor and dwelling contractor restricted certifications require renewal every year. The renewal fee is $25.
The dwelling contractor qualifier certification must be renewed every two years and requires continuing education training courses. That renewal fee is $30. Licensees can renew all licenses online and pay the renewal fees through LicenseE.
Continuing Education
Wisconsin’s continuing education requirements only apply to the dwelling contractor qualifier certification. This requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every two years.
The education courses must be relevant to the professional area of expertise of the individual seeking to obtain a building permit. The approved courses must include four hours in construction laws, codes, contracts, liability, and risk management.
Does Wisconsin Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Similar to electrician and plumber licenses, Wisconsin does not reciprocate dwelling contractor licenses.
Does My Wisconsin Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Wisconsin does not hold reciprocity agreements with other states. Wisconsin roofing contractors will need to check with the state where they plan to perform 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. 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 construction in Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association, the Wisconsin Builders Association and the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin.
Other Requirements Unique to Wisconsin
Since the state does not require roofing contractor licenses, those performing roofing work will need to check with cities and counties where they plan to work to meet local permitting requirements.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports residential asphalt shingle recycling and suggests recommendations for separating asphalt shingles for recycling.
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.
