Roofer
🇦🇺 Introduction
In Australia, roofer licensing refers to the legal authorisation required to perform roofing work, including the installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance of roofing materials and structures. Roofing work is a regulated trade in all Australian states and territories, meaning that individuals or businesses must hold the appropriate licence, registration, or qualification to carry out roofing services above certain monetary or structural thresholds.
The licence confirms that the roofer has met required training, experience, and competency standards, ensuring all roofing work complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS 1562 for roof sheeting and AS 2050 for tile roofing).
🇦🇺 Types
In Australia, roofer licensing is regulated at the state and territory level, with variations in licence titles, scope of work, and qualification requirements.
Broadly, roofer licences are divided into three major types, depending on the roofing materials and the nature of the work:
• Roof Tiling Licence
• Metal Roofing Licence (Roof and Wall Cladding)
• Roof Plumbing Licence
Each licence type defines what kinds of roofing systems a professional can legally install, repair, or maintain.
🇦🇺 1. Main Categories of Roofer Licensing
|
Licence Type |
Description |
Typical Work Allowed |
|
Roof Tiling Licence |
Covers work involving the laying, repairing, and replacing of roof tiles, shingles, or slates. |
Installing clay/concrete tiles, flashing, pointing, and waterproofing underlays. |
|
Metal Roofing Licence (Roof and Wall Cladding) |
Covers work with sheet metal, including roofing and external cladding systems. |
Installing metal roof sheets (Colorbond, zincalume), flashings, and insulation. |
|
Roof Plumbing Licence |
Covers roof drainage systems involving downpipes, gutters, flashings, and rainwater disposal. |
Installing gutters, downpipes, and stormwater roof drainage systems. |
🏙️ 2. State-by-State Types of Roofer Licences
New South Wales (NSW) – NSW Fair Trading
• Roof Tiling Licence – For tiled, shingle, or slate roof installation and repair.
• Metal Roofing Licence – For installation and repair of metal roofs and wall cladding.
• Roof Plumbing Licence – Separate from roofing; includes installation of gutters, downpipes, and flashing (must hold a plumbing licence for roof drainage work).
💰 Licence required for any residential work over $5,000 (labour and materials).
Victoria (VIC) – Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
• Domestic Builder (Limited to Roof Tiling) – For installing or repairing tiled or slate roofs.
• Domestic Builder (Limited to Roof Slating) – For heritage and specialty roof finishes.
• Roof Plumbing Registration – Required for metal roof drainage or gutter systems.
💰 Required for work exceeding $10,000 or requiring a building permit.
Queensland (QLD) – Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
• Roof Tiling Licence – For laying, repairing, and replacing tiled or slate roofs.
• Roof and Wall Cladding Licence – For metal roofing and cladding systems.
• Roof Plumbing Licence – For installation and maintenance of gutters, downpipes, and flashings.
💰 Licence required for any building work over $3,300.
Western Australia (WA) – Building and Energy (DMIRS)
• Roof Plumbing Contractor Registration – For metal roofing, gutters, downpipes, and rainwater goods.
• Roof Tiling Work – Often falls under general builder or trade registration (not a separate licence unless plumbing elements are involved).
💰 Registration required for work valued over $20,000.
South Australia (SA) – Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
• Roof Plumbing Licence – For all roof drainage systems (gutters, downpipes, flashings).
• Roof Tiling Licence – For tiled or slate roof construction and repairs.
💰 Required for work exceeding $12,000 or involving structural changes.
Tasmania (TAS) – Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
• Roof Plumbing (Builder – Restricted) – For roof drainage systems.
• Roof Tiling (Builder – Restricted) – For installation and repair of tiled or shingled roofs.
💰 Licence needed for residential work exceeding $5,000.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Access Canberra
• Builder – Class C (Roofing) – For small-scale residential or light commercial roofing work.
• Trade-Specific Roofing Licence – For roof tiling or roof plumbing (depending on scope).
💰 Licence required for work exceeding $5,000.
Northern Territory (NT) – Building Practitioners Board
• Roof Plumbing Practitioner Licence – For installation and repair of roof drainage systems.
• Roof Tiling Practitioner Licence – For tiled or slate roof installation.
💰 Licence required for residential work valued over $12,000.
🧾 3. Common Licence Classification Levels
|
Licence Level |
Description |
Example Licence Title |
|
Trade Licence |
Authorises individuals to perform roofing work within a defined scope. |
Roof Tiler / Roof Plumber Licence |
|
Contractor Licence |
Allows individuals or companies to contract for roofing projects and employ other licensed workers. |
Building Contractor – Roofing |
|
Supervisor Licence |
Permits the supervision of licensed roofing work on construction sites. |
Qualified Supervisor Certificate – Roof Tiling |
|
Builder Licence (Restricted) |
Covers roofing as part of broader building activities. |
Builder – Restricted to Roofing or Roof Plumbing |
🧰 4. Example Scopes of Roofing Work
|
Roofing Specialisation |
Description |
Commonly Required Licence |
|
Roof Tiling |
Installing or repairing clay, concrete, or slate roof tiles. |
Roof Tiling Licence |
|
Metal Roofing / Cladding |
Fixing corrugated sheet roofing and wall panels. |
Roof and Wall Cladding Licence |
|
Roof Plumbing |
Installing gutters, downpipes, and roof drainage systems. |
Roof Plumbing Licence |
|
Roof Repairs & Maintenance |
Cleaning, replacing damaged tiles, resealing leaks. |
Trade Licence (Roof Tiling or Roof Plumbing) |
|
Insulated or Energy-Efficient Roofs |
Installing thermal or acoustic roofing systems. |
Roof and Wall Cladding Licence (specialised) |
|
Heritage Roof Restoration |
Repairing historic roofs using traditional materials. |
Roof Slating / Specialist Builder Licence |
⚙️ 5. Summary Definition
Types of Roofer Licensing in Australia are divided into Roof Tiling, Metal Roofing, and Roof Plumbing categories, each regulated by state or territory authorities.
These licences ensure that only qualified professionals undertake roofing work that meets Australian safety, waterproofing, and construction standards.
🇦🇺 Qualifications
To obtain a roofer licence in Australia, you must demonstrate formal trade qualifications, industry experience, and meet the state or territory regulator’s specific licensing criteria.
The exact requirements depend on the type of roofing work (roof tiling, metal roofing, or roof plumbing) and where you’re applying.
Below is a detailed overview 👇
🇦🇺 1. National-Level Core Qualifications
🧰 A. Roof Tiler Licence
• Primary Qualification:
🏅 Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820)
• Typical Modules Include:
• Plan and measure roof tiling projects
• Install, repair, and replace roof tiles and shingles
• Flashing and waterproofing
• Safety and working at heights
• Pathways to Qualification:
• Completion through apprenticeship (3–4 years), or
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced workers
🧰 B. Metal Roofing (Roof and Wall Cladding) Licence
• Primary Qualification:
🏅 Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620) or Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30305) (for metal roofers)
• Typical Modules Include:
• Install and repair metal roofing and cladding
• Fabricate and install flashings and gutters
• Apply waterproofing and insulation
• Interpret drawings and specifications
• Safe use of sheet metal tools and machinery
🧰 C. Roof Plumbing Licence
• Primary Qualification:
🏅 Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620)
• Special Focus:
• Guttering and downpipe systems
• Roof drainage design
• Rainwater disposal systems
• Working at heights and fall protection
• Compliance with Australian Plumbing Code
Roof plumbers are considered specialised tradespeople, often requiring registration or endorsement as a plumbing practitioner in some states (e.g. VIC, SA, WA).
🏙️ 2. State-by-State Qualification Requirements
|
State/Territory |
Regulating Authority |
Minimum Qualification |
Additional Requirements |
|
NSW |
NSW Fair Trading |
- Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) or Roof Plumbing (CPC32620) |
- 2 years’ industry experience |
|
VIC |
Victorian Building Authority (VBA) |
- CPC30820 or CPC32620 |
- Must apply for registration as a Domestic Builder (Limited) |
|
QLD |
QBCC |
- CPC30820 (Roof Tiling) or CPC32620 (Roof Plumbing) |
- Minimum 2 years’ experience |
|
WA |
Building and Energy (DMIRS) |
- CPC32620 (Roof Plumbing) |
- Must be a registered plumbing contractor |
|
SA |
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) |
- CPC30820 or CPC32620 |
- 2 years’ trade experience |
|
TAS |
CBOS |
- CPC30820 or CPC32620 |
- Work experience evidence |
|
ACT |
Access Canberra |
- CPC30820 or CPC32620 |
- Minimum 2 years’ supervised experience |
|
NT |
Building Practitioners Board |
- CPC30820 or CPC32620 |
- Minimum 3 years’ practical experience |
📚 3. Additional Competencies Often Required
Depending on state rules and the class of licence applied for, applicants may also need:
• ✅ White Card (Construction Induction Training)
• ✅ Working at Heights Certification (RIIWHS204E)
• ✅ Asbestos Awareness (for older roofing work)
• ✅ First Aid Certificate
• ✅ Business Management Course (for contractor-level licences)
🧾 4. Experience and Evidence Requirements
When applying, you’ll usually need to provide:
• Evidence of completed qualification (AQF certificate or transcript)
• Statement of practical experience (signed by employers/supervisors)
• Portfolio of roofing work (photos, invoices, or project summaries)
• Referee contact details (to verify your work history)
🏆 5. Summary
To qualify for a roofer licence in Australia, you must hold a Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) or Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620), combined with 2–3 years of verified industry experience.
Contractor-level applicants may also need business management training and public liability insurance.
Compliance and Penalties
• Up to $22,000 fine (individual) or $110,000 (company) for unlicensed work.
• Licence suspension or cancellation for false advertising or defective work.
• Builders may be issued Rectification Orders or disciplinary action.
• Repeated breaches can lead to permanent licence disqualification.
Where to Verify a License
State/Territory Verification Authorities
|
State/Territory |
Licensing Authority |
Verification Link / Notes |
|
New South Wales (NSW) |
Verify NSW |
verify.licence.nsw.gov.au |
|
Victoria (VIC) |
Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) |
vba.vic.gov.au |
|
Queensland (QLD) |
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) |
qbcc.qld.gov.au |
|
Western Australia (WA) |
Western Australian Government |
wa.gov.au |
|
South Australia (SA) |
Consumer and Business Services |
cbs.sa.gov.au |
|
Tasmania (TAS) |
Consumer, Building and Occupational Services |
cbos.tas.gov.au |
|
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
Access Canberra |
accesscanberra.act.gov.au |
|
Northern Territory (NT) |
NT Building Practitioners Board |
bpb.nt.gov.au |
Career Roles
• Roof Tiler
• Roof Plumber
• Metal Roofer (Roof and Wall Cladder)
• Roofing Supervisor / Site Foreman
• Roofing Contractor / Business Owner
• Estimator / Project Manager (Roofing)
• Roof Restoration Specialist
• Roof Inspector / Compliance Officer
• Trainer / Assessor (Roofing Trade)
• Heritage and Slate Roofing
• Waterproofing and Drainage Systems
• Solar Roof Installations
• Industrial and Commercial Roofing
• Roof Design and Estimation
Job Outlook and Salary
· Base/trade-level salary: ~ AUD $50,000-70,000/year (depending on hours, location, scope)
· With more experience/specialisation (roof plumbing, metal roofing, supervisory role) maybe AUD $70,000-100,000/year or more.
· If you move into contracting, business ownership, or high-risk/specialised work (remote, large commercial) then potentially > AUD $100,000/year.
· Hourly rates for roofers/roof plumbing in good markets ~ AUD $40-60/hour (or more depending on overtime, allowances).
· Average salary for “Roofer” (general) in Australia: ~ AUD $54,014/year (≈ $27.33/hour) according to Jobted.
• Entry level (~<3 years): ~ AUD $43,188/year
• Experienced (~10–20 years): ~ AUD $65,098/year average, with high end exceeding ~ AUD $88,463/year.
· Hourly wages in NSW: average ~$41.07/hour in NSW (Indeed) for roofers.
· In Queensland: average ~$44.08/hour for roofers.
· Metal Roofer in Sydney: ~$55K/year average, with high ~$73K and senior up to ~$94K/year.
· Roof Plumber in Sydney: job ads showing ~$82,750/year, and ranges ~$60-90/hour.
· Roof Plumber job in Adelaide: ~$100K/year in some listings.