Job
Roof Slater and Tiler
- Department
- Construction / On-Site
- Earning potential
- £26,000–£42,000
- Training time
- Level 2 Roofer apprenticeship (roof slater and tiler option): typically 24 months plus assessment
Roof slaters and tilers install the pitched roof coverings that protect new homes from the weather.
Their work combines precise setting out, careful fixing and strong safety awareness, often in exposed conditions high above the site.
It all started after secondary school; every day I passed a local building site and saw the progress and how it was being done.
Simon
Roof Slater and Tiler introduction
Roof slaters and tilers install the pitched roof coverings that protect new homes from the weather. Their work combines precise setting out, careful fixing and strong safety awareness, often in exposed conditions high above the site.
The role of a roof slater and tiler in house building
On a new-home development, a roof slater and tiler works from roof plans and specifications to install underlay, battens, slates or tiles and associated ridge, verge and flashing details. Correct fixing and weatherproofing are essential to protect the structure and give the home a durable finished roof.
A day in the life of a roof slater and tiler
A typical day may begin with checking the roof area, access equipment, weather and materials. The team sets out the roof, fixes battens and coverings, cuts tiles or slates around features and completes ridge, valley and verge details. Work is planned around safe access and changing weather conditions.
Skills for a roof slater and tiler
The skills below help people succeed in this role on residential developments.
- Working at height safely — Roofing requires disciplined use of access and fall-prevention measures.
- Accuracy — Correct setting out and fixing provide weather resistance and protect appearance.
- Practical ability — Cutting, positioning and securing coverings require controlled tool use.
- Reading plans — Roof drawings and specifications guide materials and detailing.
- Physical stamina — Roofing involves outdoor work, lifting and repeated movements.
- Teamwork — Roofing gangs coordinate deliveries, access and work sequences.
Routes into roof slater and tiler work
A Level 2 Roofer apprenticeship with a roof slater and tiler option is a recognised route. College courses in roof slating and tiling may help you find a trainee position. Learning under experienced roofers is important because safe working at height and correct fixing are central to the job.
Qualifications and training
The Skills England Level 2 Roofer apprenticeship has a Roof Slater and Tiler option and currently lists a typical 24-month training period, excluding assessment. Employers may require evidence of construction-site safety training and appropriate access competence. Always follow site-specific working-at-height procedures.
Roof Slater and Tiler pay and earning potential
The National Careers Service provides an indicative annual salary range of £26,000–£42,000 for the closest occupational profile. Actual earnings vary by experience, location, employer, employment type and any specialist responsibilities.
Career progression
Experienced roof slaters and tilers may become a lead roofer, roofing foreperson or supervisor. Others specialise in complex pitched roofs, heritage materials, estimating or running a roofing business.
Explore our career progression guide to understand how experience can lead to greater responsibility in house building.
Find roof slater and tiler opportunities
Roofing contractors and house builders recruit trainees and experienced roof slaters and tilers for new-home developments. Search for pitched-roof, slating and tiling opportunities as well as the broader title roofer.
Roof Slater and Tiler FAQs
They install slate and tile coverings on pitched roofs, including the supporting battens, underlay and weatherproof details. Their work helps protect new homes from rain and wind.
For more information, visit GoConstruct.
A Level 2 roofing apprenticeship is a recognised route. Some people also begin with college training or supervised work with a roofing contractor.
Yes. Working on pitched roofs is a central part of the job, so appropriate access, fall prevention, supervision and weather checks are essential.
The National Careers Service gives roofers an indicative annual range of £26,000–£42,000. Pay varies with experience, location and employment type.
Roof slaters and tilers primarily install pitched-roof slate and tile systems. Flat roofers typically use different waterproofing membranes and installation methods.
Roof Slater and Tiler career path
- Trainee Roofer
- Roofer
- Roofing Supervisor /Foreman