Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Minnesota
Roofing, MN
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Minnesota
Types of Roofing Licenses in Minnesota
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Minnesota
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Minnesota?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota?
How to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota?
Minnesota Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Minnesota Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Minnesota?
Do I Need to Renew My Minnesota Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Minnesota Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Minnesota Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Minnesota
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 Minnesota employs 1,930 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 toCareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Minnesota is 5%.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the licensing and regulation requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started.
Roofing License Requirements in Minnesota
In Minnesota, residential contractors who perform roofing work must be licensed as a Residential Roofer, Residential Building Contractor, or Residential Remodeler. Roofing subcontractors do not need a license, but must register through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Construction Contractor Registration Program.
Contractors with annual gross receipts of less than $15,000 from their residential contracting or remodeling activities are exempt from license requirements, but must obtain a Certificate of Exemption.
There is no state level license for commercial roofers, though registration is required. Verify any local general contractor licensing requirements in the cities or counties where you conduct business.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Minnesota
The Minnesota contractor licenses available for residential roofing include:
Residential Roofer: Roofing only
Residential Remodeler: Roofing, installing gutters, downspouts, or soffit and fascia; existing homes only
Residential Building Contractor: Roofing, installing gutters, downspouts, or soffit and fascia; existing homes and new construction
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota
The application process to get a Minnesota roofing license includes:
Register your business with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Schedule an exam (Residential Building Contractor: Qualifying Builder (QB) exam; Residential Remodeler: Qualifying Remodeler (QC) exam; Residential Roofer (RR): Qualifying Roofer (QR) exam).
After you receive notification of passing the exam, fill out the appropriate application at the state’s iMS License Management System.
Include the following: Background disclosure form; copy of the business’s Articles of Incorporation, filed and stamped by the Minnesota Secretary of State; partnership agreement, signed by all partners, or other business organization documents; Disclosure of Owners, Partners, Officers form and background check forms for each person listed; $15,000 surety bond certificate; insurance certificates for liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance.
Upload your license application and pay the $180 license fee by credit card online at the DLI website or mail your application to DLI, and pay by check or money order payable to the Department of Labor & Industry.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Minnesota
There are many benefits to obtaining a residential roofing license in Minnesota:
First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license.
Being a licensed contractor is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and 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 Minnesota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $67,730 for those in Minnesota. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed, the average wage for a roofer in Minnesota is $27.09 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $63,183 for a full-time roofer per year.
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 Minnesota?
Getting started in the roofing field in Minnesota is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. The application fee is $180 for all license types. There is also a $50 application fee to sign up for the required exam.
Residential Building Contractors and Residential Remodelers pay an additional fee to the Contractor Recovery Fund based on gross annual receipts.
$320 for gross annual receipts under $1 million
$420 for gross annual receipts between $1million and $5 million
$520 for gross annual receipts over $5 million
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 open your own business.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota
To obtain a residential roofing license in Minnesota requires registering your business with the Minnesota Secretary of State, passing the appropriate exam, and filling out an application at the state’s IMS License Management System. You must provide the requested documentation including background checks, a surety bond, and liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance.
When you upload the license application you can pay the $180 license fee by credit card online at the DLI website or by mailing your application to DLI and paying by check or money order payable to the Department of Labor & Industry.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Minnesota?
There are no experience requirements for licensure, so it doesn’t take long to acquire a license. The website notes online applications are processed about a week faster than those received in the mail.
Minnesota 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 North Star State that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Anoka Technical College | Anoka Construction Estimating Certificate — 28 credits Construction Estimating Diploma — 46 credits Architectural Technology Certificate — 16 credits Architectural Technology Diploma — 45 credits AAS Architectural Technology — 60 credits
Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis Construction Project Management Certificate — 1 year AAS Construction Project Management — 2 years BS Construction Management (for transfer students or AAS graduates) — 2 years
Lake Superior College | Duluth Carpentry Certificate — 30 credits Carpentry Diploma — 45 credits AAS Carpentry — 60 credits
Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Pipestone Carpentry Certificate — 10 credits Carpentry Diploma — 32 credits
Minnesota Roofing Licensing Exam Details
A prelicensing exam is required for each residential roofing license type in Minnesota:
Residential Building Contractor: Qualifying Builder exam
Residential Remodeler: Qualifying Remodeler exam
Residential Roofer: Qualifying Roofer exam
The qualifying person must pass the appropriate exam before submitting their license application. To register for an exam, apply online or submit an application via mail. A $50 application fee applies. You will receive an email notification with scheduling information once you have been approved to sit for an exam.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Minnesota?
Roofer licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Construction Codes and Licensing Division.
Do I Need to Renew My Minnesota Roofing License?
Residential building contractor and remodeler licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fees are:
$505 for companies with gross annual receipts less than $1 million
$605 for companies with gross annual receipts between $1 million and $5 million
$705 for companies with gross annual receipts higher than $5 million
Continuing Education Requirements
Residential remodeler license renewal requires 14 hours of approved continuing education. One hour must relate to the Minnesota Energy Code, and one hour must relate to business management strategies.
Does Minnesota Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Unlike for electricians and plumbers, Minnesota does not offer reciprocity for roofing licenses.
Does My Minnesota Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, having a Minnesota roofing contractor 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. 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 Minnesota through the following organizations:
Other Requirements Unique to Minnesota
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 Minnesota, asbestos must be removed from a structure by someone licensed for asbestos handling before it is renovated. You must notify the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at least 10 working days prior to the start of the 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 likeServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
