Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Nebraska
Roofing, NE
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Nebraska
Types of Roofing Licenses in Nebraska
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Nebraska
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Nebraska
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Nebraska?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Nebraska?
How to Get a Roofing License in Nebraska
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Nebraska?
Nebraska Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Nebraska Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Nebraska?
Do I Need to Renew My Nebraska Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Nebraska Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Nebraska Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Nebraska
_____________________________________________________________________
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 hold a general contractor license and meet specific insurance requirements.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Nebraska employs 1,470 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska
While there’s no specific roofing license in Nebraska, the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires general contractors and subcontractors doing business in Nebraska to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor, located at 550 S. 16th Street in Lincoln.
Some cities and counties have their own contractor licensing requirements. For example, the City of Omaha requires contractors doing exterior rehab or repair work to submit their qualification information to the City of Omaha Planning Department, Housing and Community Development Division. Omaha is in Douglas County, which requires a Class E contractor license.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Nebraska
Roofing work within the state only requires a contractor registration, though certain cities and counties require licenses for contractors or residential journeymen.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Nebraska
To register as a contractor in Nebraska, follow these steps:
Create a user profile on the Nebraska Department of Labor website at dol.nebraska.gov.
Complete the application form. The application requires the business name and name of the contractor and their employer ID number (if an entity) or Social Security number (if an individual).
Attach workers’ compensation insurance information if you have one or more employees. The Department of Labor must be listed as the certificate holder.
Pay a $25 registration fee.
Submit application.
Any questions regarding how to become a registered contractor can be sent to ndol.contractorregistration@nebraska.gov.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Nebraska
There are many benefits to registering as a contractor in Nebraska.
First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or 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 Nebraska?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $45,010 for those in Nebraska. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Nebraska is $23.92 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $55,778 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 Nebraska?
Getting started in the roofing field in Nebraska is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. Contractor registration incurs a $25 application fee and a $25 annual renewal fee.
A person who is self-employed (must be a sole-proprietorship or single owner LLC) and does not pay more than $3,000 annually to employ others is exempt from the registration fee.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, including general liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation 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 Nebraska
There’s no specific roofing license in Nebraska, but the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires general contractors and subcontractors doing business in Nebraska to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.
The registration process requires completing an application form, attaching a workers’ compensation insurance form if you have employees, and paying a $25 registration fee.
Some cities have licensing requirements, so it’s important to verify those details for each locality in which you intend to operate.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Nebraska?
Since there are no formal education or licensing requirements, there’s no set length of time to become a roofer. If you pursue a roofing apprenticeship or formal education, the time for completion varies depending on the program.
Nebraska 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 Cornhusker State that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Central Community College | Hastings | AAS Construction Management — 2 years Construction Management Diploma — 1 year Construction Technology Diploma — 1 year Jobsite Leader Certificate — 16 credit hours Design and Estimate Certificate — 15 credit hours
Metropolitan Community College | Omaha AAS Construction Management — 2 years AAS Construction Technology — 2 years Commercial Construction Certificate — 1 year Construction Management Certificate — 1 year
Northeast Community College | Norfolk AAS Building Construction — 2 years
Southeast Community College | Milford, Lincoln AAS Building Construction Technology — 2 years Carpentry & Cabinet Making Construction Certificate — 17.5 credit hours Construction Process Certificate — 12 credit hours Residential Design and Estimating Certificate — 7 credit hours Commercial Design and Estimating Certificate — 6.5 credit hours
Western Nebraska Community College | Scottsbluff General Carpentry Program — 250 hours
Nebraska Roofing Licensing Exam Details
There is no exam requirement at the state level for roofers in Nebraska.
Who Issues Roofing Contractor Registrations in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Labor processes registration applications.
Do I Need to Renew My Nebraska Roofing Contractor Registration?
Nebraska contractor registrations must be renewed annually for $25. Contractors can renew with their Department of Labor website login information.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for building contractor registration and renewal in the state of Nebraska.
Does Nebraska Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
While Nebraska has electrical contractor reciprocity agreements, all out-of-state contractors must register in Nebraska to perform roofing work in the state.
Does My Nebraska Roofing Contractor Registration Work in Any Other State?
Because there’s no Nebraska contractor license, Nebraska roofers don’t receive license reciprocity in any other states. However, the experience you gain while working as a registered roofing contractor in Nebraska will help you feel prepared for any licensing requirements in a 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 Nebraska through the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.
Other Requirements Unique to Nebraska
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 Nebraska, roofing contractors must follow specific asbestos laws when working on projects that may involve asbestos-containing materials. First, an asbestos inspection is required by a licensed professional before starting work. If asbestos-containing materials are found, a certified asbestos abatement professional must be hired for removal.
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