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

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Iowa

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Iowa

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Iowa

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Iowa

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

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

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Iowa

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

9. Iowa Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Iowa Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Iowa?

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

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Iowa Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

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

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Iowa

_____________________________________________________________________

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 Iowa employs 1,080 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 Iowa 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 Iowa

While there’s no specific roofing license in Iowa, the state requires all individuals and businesses performing construction work who earn $2,000+ a year to register with the Iowa Division of Labor as a Construction Contractor.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Iowa

Iowa offers trade-specific Iowa contractor licenses for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals. However, roofing work only requires a Construction Contractor registration. 

The term construction is applied broadly and defined in Chapter 12 of Iowa Code which includes roofing, siding , and sheet metal contractors.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Iowa

Applicants can register as an Iowa Construction Contractor online or with a paper application by  mail. Either way, the steps and requirements include:

1. Obtain an unemployment insurance number (even if you don’t have employees).

2. Complete application form.

3. Attach workers’ compensation insurance information if you have one or more employees. For self-insured contractors, submit a Certificate of Relief from the Iowa Insurance Division.

4. Pay a $50 license fee or include a signed and notarized fee exemption form if applicable.

5. Submit application with all supporting documents.

6. Renew your license every year.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Iowa

There are many benefits to registering as a general contractor in Iowa.

• 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 Iowa?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $51,150 for those in Iowa. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Iowa is $23.56 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, totaling $54,839 for a full-time roofer per year.

Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing contractor in Iowa as $75,770 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 Iowa?

Getting started in the roofing field in Iowa is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. If you want to strike out on your own or be a more desirable hire for another contractor, obtaining the Construction Contractor registration incurs a $50 application fee and a $50 annual renewal fee. 

There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so this will only affect you if you decide to open your own business.

How to Get a Roofing License in Iowa

To register as a Construction Contractor in Iowa, you must obtain an unemployment insurance number and workers’ compensation insurance. 

Insurance

You must obtain an unemployment insurance number before applying for contractor registration, even if you have no employees. To register for a UI tax account, complete the online registration through the Iowa Workforce Development.

A contractor with one or more employees must submit proof of workers’ compensation insurance, which helps protect employers from financial loss due to workplace injuries. 

Fee

When applying, you must pay the required registration fee as provided in the application and referenced above. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, include a check or money order payable to the Iowa Division of Labor.

Self-employed contractors can submit a signed and notarized fee exemption form if they:

• Do not work with or for other contractors

• Do not pay more than $2,000 a year to employ people

• Are not classified as an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership

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

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. 

Iowa 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 Hawkeye State that offer these types of programs.

Here are some options:

Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny   Building Trades Diploma — 3 semesters  AAS Construction Management — 5 semesters 

Dordt University | Sioux Center   BA Engineering Technology with Construction/Facilities Management Emphasis — 4 years   BA Business Administration with Construction Management Emphasis — 4 years   BA Engineering Science with Construction Management Emphasis  — 4 years

Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo   Introduction to Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship — 12 weeks   Carpentry Apprenticeship — 1 semester   AAS Sustainable Construction and Design — 2 years

Indian Hills Community College | Centerville and Ottumwa   Construction Trades Diploma — 1 year  AAS Construction Technology —  2 years

Iowa Lakes Community College | Emmetsburg   Construction Management Diploma — 1 year  Construction Technology Diploma — 1 year  AAS Construction Technology Management — 2 years

Iowa State University | Ames  BS Construction Engineering — 4 years

Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs   Construction Management Certificate — 1 year  Construction Technology Diploma — 1 year   AAS Construction Management — 2 years 

Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids  AAS Construction Management —  2 years

Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar and Peosta   Building Construction Career Pathway Certificate — 102 hours   Carpentry Diploma — 3 semesters   Construction Business Management Diploma — 3 semesters

North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City   Building Trades Diploma — 1 year  Building Trades Certificate — 1 year

Southeastern Community College | Burlington and Keokuk  Construction Certificate — 1 semester  Construction Diploma — 1 year  AAS Carpentry — 2 years  AAS Construction Management — 2 years

Southwestern Community College | Creston  Carpentry and Building Trades Certificate — 6 months  Carpentry and Building Trades Diploma — 3 semesters  AAS Carpentry and Building Trades — 2 years

University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls  BS Construction Management —  4 years

Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City  Carpentry Certificate — 1 semester  Construction Diploma — 1 year

Iowa Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There is no exam requirement for roofers in Iowa.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Iowa?

The Iowa Division of Labor within the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing processes Construction Contractor registration applications. 

Do I Need to Renew My Iowa Roofing License?

The Iowa Construction Contractor registration must be renewed every year.  The month before a registration expires, contractors will receive a renewal form sent via mail or email.  To renew, use the New Application/Renewal form, mark “renewal,” and write your current contractor registration number where indicated. A $50 fee applies.

Continuing Education

Unlike for mechanical contractors, electrical contractors, and refrigeration, sheet metal, and hydronics professionals, there are no continuing education requirements to maintain a business license as a roofer in the state of Iowa.

Does Iowa Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Out-of-state contractors must complete the Construction Contractor registration to perform more than $2,000 of work in Iowa. They must file a $25,000 surety bond at the time of registration, and meet the following bonding requirements:

• Must be executed by a surety company licensed to do business in Iowa 

• Must be issued on the Out-of-State Bond form provided at www.iowacontractor.gov with the bonding company's seal and two original signatures

• Bonding company must attach its Power of Attorney (POA) to the form

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

Because Iowa doesn’t grant a roofing license, Iowa 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 Iowa through the Iowa Roofing Contractors Association.

Other Requirements Unique to Iowa

Roofing shingles installed prior to 1981 may contain asbestos. A contractor who performs asbestos work must obtain an asbestos permit, and people who work on an asbestos project must obtain an asbestos license. Contractors are required to notify Iowa OSHA and Iowa DNR 10 days prior to asbestos abatement.

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.