Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Missouri
Roofing, MO
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Missouri
Types of Roofing Licenses in Missouri
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Missouri
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Missouri
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Missouri?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Missouri?
How to Get a Roofing License in Missouri
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Missouri?
Missouri Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Missouri Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Missouri?
Do I Need to Renew My Missouri Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Missouri Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Missouri Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Missouri
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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 Missouri employs 1,960 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 Missouri is 4%.
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 Missouri
There are no statewide Missouri contractor licensing requirements for roofers. However, all businesses must register with the Secretary of State.
Many cities and counties require a general contractor license for anyone who installs or removes a roof on a residential home or commercial property.
The City of St. Louis requires all contractors to obtain a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License. In Kansas City, contractors need to be licensed through the Kansas City Department of Planning and Development.
Inquire with city planning departments to check local contractor license and business registration requirements in the city or town where you intend to perform roofing work.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Missouri
While there’s no statewide roofing license, there are various types of local roofing licenses. All construction businesses operating in St. Louis need the Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License, which requires a business license application.
There are a number of contractor licensing types in Kansas City, including demolition contractor, electrician contractor, and sign contractor. Roofers need the Residential Building Contractor license.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Missouri
To register with the Missouri Secretary of State, visit the website, create a log-in, and follow the prompts.
The licensing process for a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License in St. Louis includes:
Obtain a state sales tax identification number.
Complete the application and deliver it in person to the Office of the License Collector in room 104 of City Hall.
Obtain a statement of clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s office, also in City Hall, to ensure compliance with city ordinances.
Obtain an occupancy permit from the Building Division of the Department of Public Safety.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage.
Pay an application fee of $100 if filing the first half of the year, or $200 if filing on June 1 through the end of the year.
The application process for a Residential Building Contractor License in Kansas City includes:
Be at least 21 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED.
Pass the Residential Building Contractor exam through the International Code Council (ICC).
Set up an account on Compass KC.
Select the Apply button and choose the desired license type.
Fill out the application.
Upload required documents: Certificate of Qualification, exam results, two notarized reference letters.
Review and submit the application.
Once the application status is approved, pay the $55 license fee. There will be an invoice in the Invoices section of your Compass KC account.
Once payment is received, you’ll receive an email with a copy of the license attached.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Missouri
There are many benefits to getting a Missouri contractor license.
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 Missouri?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $53,030, and $53,450 for those in Missouri. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Missouri is $24.20 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $56,440 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 Missouri?
Getting started in the roofing field in Missouri is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. You will, however, have to pay the appropriate application and exam fees required by each locality in which you work.
Fees for contractor business registration with the Missouri Secretary of State are between $30 to $205, depending on the business structure and number of partners registering.
In Kansas City, the license fee is $55, and the exam fee is $115. In St. Louis, the license fee is $100-$200, depending on when you apply.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance coverage required for licensure, like workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so this will only affect you if you open your own business.
How to Get a Roofing License in Missouri
There are no statewide Missouri contractor licensing requirements for roofers. However, all businesses must register with the Secretary of State. To register with the Missouri Secretary of State, visit the website, create a log-in, and follow the prompts.
Some cities have licensing requirements, so you’ll need to verify this for each locality in which you intend to conduct business.
For a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License in St. Louis, you need to obtain a statement of clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s office, obtain an occupancy permit from the Building Division of the Department of Public Safety, and provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage before filing the application with its appropriate fee.
To apply for a Residential Building Contractor License in Kansas City, you must be at least 21 years of age, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass the Residential Building Contractor exam through the International Code Council (ICC). From there, you can set up an account on Compass KC, select the apply button, and follow the instructions. Once the application status is approved, there will be an invoice in the Invoices section of your Compass KC account for the $55 license fee.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Missouri?
Because Missouri doesn’t offer a state license for roofing or contracting, the length of time depends on the municipality. If you choose to pursue a roofing apprenticeship or formal education, the time for completion varies depending on the program.
Missouri 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 accredited higher education options throughout the state of Missouri that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Crowder College | Neosho Construction Technology Certificate — 2 semesters Advanced Construction Technology Certificate — 2 semesters AAS Construction Management — 4 semesters
East Central College | Union AAS Building Construction — 4 semesters
Metropolitan Community College | Kansas City Construction Management Certificate — 1 semester AAS Construction Management — 4 semesters
Ranken Technical College | St. Louis Carpentry and Building Construction Technology Certificate — 4 semesters Carpentry Maintenance Certificate — 3 semesters AS Carpentry and Building Construction Technology — 4 semesters AT Carpentry and Building Construction Technology — 4 semesters
State Technical College of Missouri | Linn AAS Civil Construction Technology — 4 semesters
Missouri Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Since Missouri issues no statewide roofing license, licensing exam details depend on each locality’s requirements. For example, St. Louis doesn’t require an exam, while Kansas City requires contractors to pass the Residential Building Contractor exam through ICC. You can find more information in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Missouri?
Missouri does not offer a roofing license at the state level. Many municipalities require a contractor license to perform roofing work, so each jurisdiction is responsible for issuing the necessary licensing.
In St. Louis, licenses are granted by the City of St. Louis Office of the License Collector. In Kansas City, contractors need to be licensed through the Kansas City Department of Planning and Development.
Do I Need to Renew My Missouri Roofing License?
The St. Louis Graduated Business License must be renewed annually, before June 1. The renewal cost depends on the number of full-time employees within the company. For 1-2 employees, the renewal cost is $200.
The Kansas City Residential Building Contractor License must be renewed every four years. The renewal fee is $181.
Continuing Education
Neither Kansas City or St. Louis requires continuing education for license renewal.
Does Missouri Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Because licenses are issued at the local level, there are no statewide reciprocal agreements for contractors.
Does My Missouri Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you have a roofing license at the local level in Missouri, 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 Missouri through one of the industry associations in the state.
They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Missouri
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 Missouri, demolition and renovation projects involving institutional, commercial, public, industrial, or residential structures are subject to asbestos requirements outlined by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Single residential structures that contain four or fewer dwelling units are exempt.
Prior to demolition or renovation activities, regulated structures must be thoroughly inspected by a Missouri-certified asbestos inspector to determine if any asbestos-containing materials are present.
If the asbestos inspection determines 160 square feet, 260 linear feet, 35 cubic feet, or more of regulated asbestos-containing material will be impacted by demolition or renovation activities, the material must be removed by a registered asbestos abatement contractor.
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.
