Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Maryland
Roofing, MD
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Maryland
Types of Roofing Licenses in Maryland
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Maryland
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Maryland
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Maryland?
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Maryland?
How to Get a Roofing License in Maryland
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Maryland?
Maryland Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Maryland Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Maryland?
Do I Need to Renew My Maryland Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Maryland Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Maryland Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Maryland
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 Maryland employs 2,660 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 Maryland is 6% 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 in the state of Maryland.
Roofing License Requirements in Maryland
Maryland doesn’t offer a state license for roofers or general contractors. However, most people who perform roofing work need to obtain a Home Improvement License.
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission, a subdivision of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), licenses and regulates home improvement contractors and salespersons in the state.
Maryland’s Home Improvement Law defines home improvement as “the addition to or alteration, conversion, improvement, modernization, remodeling, repair, or replacement of a building or part of a building that is used or designed to be used as a residence or dwelling place or a structure adjacent to that building; or an improvement to land adjacent to the building.”
Maryland does issue a general contractor license at the county level for anyone who works in new residential or commercial construction projects. This license can be obtained from the Maryland Clerks of the Circuit Court for the specific county.
For other trades, the Maryland Department of Labor issues licenses for plumbers and HVACR technicians, while the Maryland State Board of Electricians licenses journeyman and master electricians.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Maryland
To recap, you need a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor License to perform roofing work on residential buildings in Maryland. There is no Maryland General Contractor License or state-issued roofing license.
View all work that falls under the home improvement contractor license here.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Maryland
Complete the following steps to apply for a home improvement contractor license in Maryland.
Obtain two years of experience doing home improvement work.
Pass the licensing examination administered by PSI Exams prior to applying for license.
Register your business name with the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation.
Provide a financial statement. If financial solvency is not met, obtain a two-year surety bond in the amount of $20,000.
Provide real estate and bank statements for property, vehicles, and other assets.
Obtain a credit report from one of the three credit bureaus.
Obtain a certificate of liability insurance of at least $50,000.
If applicable, provide a copy of any felony or drug conviction records since Jan. 1, 1991, and any misdemeanors related to home improvement work.
Mail the application package with a photo and a check or money order in the amount of $370 to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, P.O. Box 17410, Baltimore, Maryland 21297-1410. You can also apply online using electronic licensing.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Maryland
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Maryland.
First, and most important, the state requires a home improvement 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 Maryland?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $58,790 for those in Maryland. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for roofers in Maryland is $24.33 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $55,538.
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 Maryland?
Getting started in the roofing field in Maryland is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.
In Maryland, candidates must pay a licensing fee and complete the application process. There are also additional expenses for securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, such as liability insurance.
Costs associated with obtaining a Maryland home improvement contractor license include:
$370 license application fee
The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Maryland is $.081 per $100 of payroll
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year
Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount
How to Get a Roofing License in Maryland
While Maryland doesn’t offer a state license for roofers or general contractors, you do need to apply for a Home Improvement License via the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. As part of that application process, you will need to demonstrate two years of job experience and pass the licensing exam through PSI Exams.
Applicants will also need to register their business name with the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation and provide proof of at least $50,000 in liability insurance. Additionally, you must provide a financial statement demonstrating financial solvency or obtain a two-year surety bond in the amount of $20,000 and supply a credit report from one of the three credit bureaus.
You can apply online using electronic licensing or mail the application package with a photo and a check or money order for $370 to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Maryland?
Applicants for a home improvement contractor's license must provide proof of at least two years of experience in home improvement work, construction and/or related education.
Candidates typically earn the experience by working under a licensed contractor or attending a trade school or university.
Maryland 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 Maryland that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Montgomery College | Rockville and Germantown Certificate in Construction Management — 33-35 credit hours AAS in Construction Management, Architectural/Construction Technology — 2 years
Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold AAS in Construction Management — 2 years
Community College of Baltimore County | Catonsville Certificate in Construction Management — 39 credits AAS in Construction Management — 60 credits
University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne BS in Construction Management Technology — 4 years
Morgan State University | Baltimore BS in Construction Management — 120 credits MS in Construction Management — 30 credits
Maryland Roofing Licensing Exam Details
In Maryland, PSI Exams administers the home improvement contractor’s exam. Candidates must demonstrate two years of home improvement project experience before becoming eligible for the exam. Candidates will receive their scores immediately after taking the exam via computer. If a candidate fails the exam, they have two years to retake the licensing exam.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Maryland?
Maryland doesn’t offer a roofing license. However, people who perform roofing work must obtain a home improvement contractor license. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors and salespersons in the state.
Do I Need to Renew My Maryland Roofing License?
Home improvement licenses require renewal every two years, and license holders must pay the Guaranty Fund assessment fee of $150 to remain in good standing. The fee goes toward a fund to pay homeowners in the event a home improvement contractor performs substandard work.
Continuing Education
Maryland doesn’t require continuing education for home improvement licenses.
Does Maryland Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Maryland doesn’t reciprocate home improvement licenses with any other states.
Does My Maryland Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Unfortunately, no. Other states like Delaware and Virginia maintain reciprocal agreements with Maryland for electrical and HVAC licenses, but not for home improvement contractors. However, obtaining this license 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 Maryland through one of the industry associations in the state.
They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Maryland
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.
The State of Maryland regulates people who work with asbestos and also those who train persons to work with asbestos. All asbestos licensing is administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Companies that remove, repair, or encapsulate asbestos-containing materials (ACM) must be licensed to do this work, which requires submitting an application and paying a fee. Companies that provide asbestos training must also submit an application and pay a fee.
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.