Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Indiana
IN
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Indiana
Types of Roofing Licenses in Indiana
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Indiana
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Indiana
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Indiana?
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Indiana?
How to Get a Roofing License in Indiana
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Indiana?
Indiana Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Indiana Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Indiana?
Do I Need to Renew My Indiana Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Indiana Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Indiana Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Indiana
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 proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Indiana employs 2,670 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 Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Indiana is 5% for roofers.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started.
Roofing License Requirements in Indiana
Indiana doesn’t require a roofing license at the state level. There is no general Indiana contractor license, and Indiana only licenses plumbing contractors at the state level. However, many cities and counties require a contractor license for anyone who installs or removes a roof on a residential home or commercial property.
In the city of Indianapolis, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services issues a general contractor license for any business that performs roofing work in Marion County. This does not include the cities of Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, and Southport.
In Fort Wayne, the Allen County Building Department issues three contractor licenses for businesses that perform roofing work, along with an unlimited roofing contractor license, which only allows for roofing work, but not windows or siding.
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 Indiana
While Indianapolis offers trade-specific licenses for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC, roofing falls under the general contractor license. The license is required for contractors who engage in any construction, land alteration, sewer, driveway, or excavation work.
Fort Wayne offers four types of contractor licenses:
General Contractor: Unlimited in scope
Building Contractor: Can work on one- and two-family homes as well commercial buildings up to three stories
Residential Contractor: Can work on one- and two-family homes only
Roofing Contractor Unlimited: Can only perform roofing work
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Indiana
Complete the following steps to apply for a contractor license in Indianapolis.
Complete the licensing application.
Provide proof of business registration with the Indiana Secretary of State.
Obtain a business license.
Obtain an insurance certificate.
Obtain a surety bond in the minimum amount of $10,000.
Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 to safeguard against property damage (The “Consolidated City of Indianapolis” must be named as “Additional Insured” on the certificate).
Demonstrate proof of workers’ compensation insurance (if you have employees or subcontractors).
Pay the $124 license fee.
Complete the following steps to apply for a contractor license in Fort Wayne.
Complete the Structural Exam Application.
Provide proof of business registration with the Indiana Secretary of State.
Select one of the four contractor license types.
Pay the $25 exam application fee.
Once the completed application is received, candidates will be contacted by a licensing specialist regarding scheduling the exam and next steps in the application process.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Indiana
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Indiana.
First, and most important, many cities and towns require a contractor license to legally perform roofing services.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license 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 Indiana?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $53,800 for those in Indiana. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for roofers in Indiana is $20.34 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $47,807.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the years of experience 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 Indiana?
Getting started in the roofing field in Indiana is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. If you plan to work in an area where roofers need a contractor license to legally operate, you’ll need to meet the experience threshold and pay for licensing.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, such as liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Costs associated with obtaining a contractor license may include:
The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Indiana is $.064 per $100 of payroll
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year
Contractors in Indianapolis must pay $63 per authorized agent (individuals who are authorized to secure permits)
Indianapolis charges a $124 licensing fee
Fort Wayne charges a $25 exam application fee and $90 license fee
How to Get a Roofing License in Indiana
As was mentioned above, Indiana doesn’t require a roofing license or general contractor license at the state level. However, many cities and counties require a contractor license for anyone who installs or removes a roof on either a residential home or commercial property.
For example, Indianapolis offers a general contractor license and roofing falls under that catergory. That license is required for contractors who engage in any construction, land alteration, sewer, driveway, or excavation work.
To get a general contractor license in Indianapolis, you will need to complete the licensing application. That includes providing proof of business registration with the Indiana Secretary of State. You will also need to obtain a business license, an insurance certificate, a surety bond of at least $10,000, and at least $500,000 general liability insurance to safeguard against property damage . For that the “Consolidated City of Indianapolis” must be named as “Additional Insured” on the certificate. If you have employees or subcontractors, you will also need to demonstrate proof of workers’ compensation insurance . Finally, you must pay the $124 license fee.
In Fort Wayne to apply for any of the four types of contractor licenses, applicants must complete the Structural Exam Application. You’ll need to select one of the four contractor license types General Contractor which is unlimited in scope, Building Contractor: which allows the holder to work on one- and two-family homes as well commercial buildings up to three stories, Residential Contractor: which allows for work on one- and two-family homes only, or Roofing Contractor Unlimited: which restricts the holder to performing roofing work only. There is an exam application fee of $25 .
Again, you will need to provide proof of business registration with the Indiana Secretary of State. Once the completed application is received, candidates will be contacted by a licensing specialist regarding scheduling the exam and next steps in the application process
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Indiana?
Because Indiana doesn’t offer a state license for roofing or contracting, the length of time depends on the municipality.
Indiana does offer a roofing pre-apprenticeship program through The Indiana Plan. The program lasts four years and provides 1,043 hours of on-the-job training. Construction management programs typically last two to four years.
Indiana 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 Hoosier State that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Ivy Tech Community College | Fort Wayne, Hamilton County, Indianapolis, and Gary campuses | AAS in Building Construction Management — 5 semesters
Indiana Tech | Fort Wayne | Construction Management Certificate
Indiana State University | Terre Haute and Online | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
University of Evansville | Evansville | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
Purdue University | Multiple Campuses | BS and MS in Construction Management Technology — 4-6 years
Indiana Roofing Licensing Exam Details
While Indianapolis requires electricians, plumbers, wrecking, and HVAC contractors to pass a licensing exam, there is no exam for general contractors.
Fort Wayne requires contractors to pass a licensing exam. According to the Allen County Building Department, “Examinations shall be required in order for applicants to obtain a license. Examinations shall be standard in form and shall be prepared and/or administered by the Building Commissioner, or other approved testing facility, or other individuals as designated by the Commissioner.”
Exams are open book, and candidates must complete the exam in four hours or less. To start the process, complete the Structural Exam Application form.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Indiana?
To recap, Indiana does not offer a state-issued roofing license. Many municipalities require a contractor license to perform roofing work.
In Indianapolis, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services issues general contractor licenses. In Fort Wayne, the Allen County Building Department is responsible for granting contractor licenses.
Do I Need to Renew My Indiana Roofing License?
In Indianapolis, contractors must renew their licenses every two years and pay a renewal fee of $247.
Contractors in Fort Wayne must renew their licenses annually and pay a $90 license renewal fee.
Continuing Education
Neither Indianapolis or Fort Wayne require continuing education for contractor licenses.
Does Indiana Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Because licenses are issued at the local level, there are no statewide reciprocal agreements for contractors.
Indianapolis does not allow reciprocity for any type of licenses. In Fort Wayne, the Buildings Department approves reciprocal agreements on a case-by-case basis.
Does My Indiana Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you have a roofing license at the local level in Indiana, that will help you feel prepared for any licensing requirements in the new state. Ultimately, you will have to check out that state’s requirements and follow its application process.
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 Indiana through one of the industry associations in the state.
They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Indiana
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels. In Indiana, before a roofing project starts, it must be determined if asbestos is present. Owners and operators of renovation and/or demolition operations where asbestos must be abated must ensure that at least one Indiana-licensed asbestos project supervisor is present in the work area during asbestos removal.
Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their 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.