Hiring a roofing contractor involves more than just materials—it’s a vital investment in labor, expertise, and peace of mind. Whether you’re comparing national rate ranges or looking for costs specific to areas like Chesterfield, MO, or Belleville, IL, this guide will help you understand what contractor fees cover—and how to budget wisely for your roofing project.
What Do Contractor Fees Cover?
Roofing contractor fees typically include:
- Labor (installation, tear-off, cleanup)
- Small materials (nails, underlayment, flashing, seals)
- Equipment usage (ladders, scaffolding)
- Disposal and debris removal
- Permits and inspections
- Overhead and profit margin
Labor often constitutes a significant portion: typically being $200–$350 per “square” (100 sq ft), making up 40–50% of a typical installation cost.
National Contractor Fee Averages (2025)
Per Square Foot / Per Square Pricing
- RayPro Roofing estimates total cost (materials + labor) runs $4.50–$8.50 per sq ft (≈ $450–$850 per square) for asphalt shingle installations.
- JobNimbus reports that a standard 2,000 sq ft roof replacement ranges between $8,500–$14,300 (i.e., $425–$715 per square).
If you want to see how these contractor fees compare when combined with materials and permits, check out our Roof Replacement Costs Guide for a full project breakdown.
Regional Variation and Cost Multipliers
Regional factors—like labor rates, permits, demand, and supply—play a big role in pricing.
- In the Midwest, residential roofing averages around $4.50–$7.50 per sq ft .
- Nationally, labor averages $4–$8 per sq ft, but ranges can dip to $3–$6 in lower-cost states and climb to $6–$10+ in high-cost areas.
Local Contractor Fees: Missouri & Illinois Service Areas
Missouri (Chesterfield, O’Fallon, Creve Coeur, etc.)
- Replacement cost range: $5.00–$17.50 per sq ft depending on materials, complexity, and location.
- Typical labor rate: $3.50–$6.00 per sq ft, though complexity (pitch, design) may increase that.
Illinois (Belleville, Swansea, Worden, etc.)
- Instant Roofer reports an average cost for asphalt shingle roofs at $6.54 per sq ft, which equates to $13,172 for a typical 2,015 sq ft home.
- Overall, roof replacement in Illinois averages between $8,000–$36,000, depending on scope.
Key Factors That Affect Contractor Fees
Several variables influence the cost of hiring a contractor:
| Factor | Cost Impact |
| Roof complexity | Multi-level, steep, or ornate roofs may add 25–50% more |
| Tear-off & disposal | Add $100–$150 per square depending on layers |
| Permits & inspections | Varies by municipality; local knowledge helps |
| Seasonal timing | Costs fluctuate across seasons—often lower in spring and fall |
| Labor availability | High-demand periods or shortages push rates up |
Also, remember that waiting too long to start your roof project can actually make contractor fees climb over time. Learn more in The True Cost of Waiting Too Long on a Roof Replacement.
How to Estimate Contractor Fees (DIY Style)
- Measure your roof area accurately—use pitch-adjusted square footage.
- Apply regional cost estimates:
- Missouri: $5–$17.50 per sq ft
- Illinois: ~$6.50 per sq ft average
- Adjust for complexity (+25–50%)
- Factor in permit, tear-off, and cleanup (approx. $1–$2.50 per sq ft extra)
- Seek several itemized quotes and compare
- Use cost multipliers for precision—e.g., Roof Observations
Example Estimates for Local Projects
| Location | Roof Size | Estimated Contractor Fees* |
| Chesterfield, MO | 2,000 sq ft | $10,000–$35,000 depending on complexity |
| Belleville, IL | 2,000 sq ft | ~$13,000 (base) up to $20,000+ |
| O’Fallon, MO | 2,500 sq ft | $12,500–$43,750 (range per Missouri site) |
* Estimates reflect total cost including materials and contractor fees.
How to Lower Your Contractor Fees
- Get multiple itemized quotes—ensure clarity and avoid surprises.
- Plan off-season for better pricing.
- Simplify roof design where possible.
- Know your permits—this avoids delays and added labor.
- Vet contractors thoroughly—licensing, insurance, warranty—not just price. See our full checklist in What to Research When Choosing a Roofing Contractor.
Hiring the Right Roofer Pays Off
Getting a roof installed—or replaced—can range widely in cost depending on materials, location, roof complexity, and contractor fees. By understanding the base rates, regional differences, and key cost drivers, you’ll be far more informed and less likely to be surprised.
Ready for a Transparent, Local Estimate?
At Gorilla Roofing, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch roofing services with integrity and professionalism. Our team is licensed, insured, and committed to exceeding your expectations.
📞 Call us today at (636) 295-1212
🌐 Request a FREE roofing estimate
Whether you’re in Chesterfield, Belleville, O’Fallon, or surrounding areas, we offer clear, honest pricing and expertise you can trust.