Roofing is one of the most vital components of a building. It not only protects occupants and property from the elements but also impacts energy efficiency, resale value, and curb appeal. One of the most significant factors in the cost of installing or replacing a roof is labor.
Understanding roofing labor costs, what drives them, and how to estimate them accurately can help homeowners budget wisely and avoid surprises. For homeowners in Missouri and Illinois, understanding the costs is especially important. Weather swings, city permit rules, and regional market rates can all affect what you’ll pay for a roof replacement or repair in these states.
Understanding How Roofing Labor Costs Are Quoted
Per Square Foot vs. Per Square
Roofing labor is commonly priced in two ways:
- Per square foot: A straightforward area-based rate. According to HomeGuide, tearing off existing material costs between $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on complexity and layers.
- Per square: One roofing “square” equals 100 square feet, a standard unit in the roofing industry. Cedur reports average labor costs range from $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot, equating to $250–$350 per square, depending on location and roof complexity.
Tip: When evaluating quotes, converting both formats into a single unit helps with accurate comparisons.
National Averages for Roofing Labor
Overall Rates
- Home Side Kick estimates labor averages around $4 to $8 per square foot in 2025, though it may reach $6 to $10+ per square foot in high-cost regions like California and New York.
- Combined labor and materials for a roof replacement typically range from $4 to $30 per square foot, with asphalt shingles alone costing $5.50 to $12 per square foot.
In our Missouri service areas, such as O’Fallon and Ladue, labor prices tend to be slightly below the national midpoint. In Illinois service areas like Swansea and Freeburg, rates are generally competitive with national averages but can shift during high-demand seasons.
National Project Cost
For context, JobNimbus reports that replacing a typical 2,000 sq ft roof with asphalt shingles in 2025 costs $8,500 to $14,300 total, or $425 to $715 per square.
Regional Variation in Labor Costs
Location dramatically affects labor costs due to factors like cost of living, local building codes, and weather.
- Factors such as climate, accessibility, building codes, and local labor supply play a major role.
- Labor tends to be more expensive in urban and high‑cost‑of‑living areas. For example, Town and Country, MO, may have slightly higher rates than smaller communities nearby due to HOA requirements, while Troy, IL, maintains moderate labor pricing thanks to a steady contractor supply.
- RepairAdvisorPro notes that the Northeast and West typically carry higher overall roofing costs (about 15% above the national average), while the South is often more affordable (can be up to 10–20% cheaper).
Roofing Labor Costs in Missouri and Illinois
At Gorilla Roofing, we proudly serve homeowners across Missouri (West County, Ballwin, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, Town and Country, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Ladue, St. Charles, Concord, Lake St. Louis) and Illinois (Belleville, Swansea, Worden, Troy, Alhambra, Freeburg), and we’ve seen firsthand how labor costs in these states compare to national averages.
Missouri Roofing Labor Costs
In Missouri, roofing labor generally falls toward the lower-middle range of national pricing.
- Average labor rates for asphalt shingles in 2025: $3.50–$6.00 per square foot.
- More complex roofs, such as steep pitches or multiple dormers, may push labor rates into the $6.50–$8.00 per square foot range.
- Rural areas tend to have slightly lower rates due to reduced overhead, while some premium neighborhoods (e.g., Ladue, Town and Country) may have higher rates due to HOA or permit rules.
Illinois Roofing Labor Costs
Illinois has a more varied range due to its mix of urban and rural markets.
- Labor rates for asphalt shingle installation typically run $4.00–$6.50 per square foot in small cities and rural regions.
- Historic homes (e.g., Belleville) may require specialized labor, pushing costs to $7.50+.
- Winter weather can shorten the roofing season, which sometimes pushes labor prices up in peak months due to increased demand.
Key Factors for Both States
- Weather resilience: Both Missouri and Illinois see a full range of seasonal conditions—from summer storms to icy winters—which can influence installation methods and labor hours.
- Permit requirements: Larger cities like St. Louis, Springfield, and Chicago often have more detailed inspection processes, which can add time (and thus labor cost) to the job.
- Local expertise matters: Choosing a contractor familiar with state and municipal codes ensures compliance and avoids costly delays.
If you’re located in Missouri or Illinois, Gorilla Roofing can provide a detailed, localized estimate that factors in your home’s location, roof complexity, and seasonal timing for the most accurate pricing possible.
Project-Specific Factors That Affect Labor Costs
Several specific factors influence labor cost beyond per-unit rates:
Roof Complexity and Pitch
Steep roofs or those with multiple valleys, dormers, or skylights increase labor time and difficulty.
Tear-Off vs. New Construction
Removing old layers adds labor—typically $1–$3 per sq ft for shingles, more for tile or slate. In contrast, new construction labor costs about $200–$350 per square ($2–$3.50 per sq ft).
Material Type
Labor differs substantially depending on materials: asphalt is most affordable; metal, tile, or slate require more time and expertise.
Permits, Waste Removal, Supplies, and Overhead
These often make up a large portion of labor-related costs. The “60/40” rule suggests labor accounts for ~60% of total cost, with materials at 40%. This includes equipment, permits, insurance, disposal, and contractor overhead.
Permit fees can vary widely. Clayton, MO, often has more detailed inspection requirements, which can increase labor hours, while some Illinois towns like Worden keep the process simple, keeping costs more predictable.
Labor Market Conditions
Labor shortages drive up labor rates. Florida is cited as having higher labor costs due to demand and storm-proofing requirements, and Missouri and Illinois can see similar spikes after major storms..
???? Flashing may be a small detail, but it’s critical to a roof’s longevity. Learn why in Importance of Replacing Roofing Flashing.
How to Estimate Roofing Labor Costs for Your Project
Step 1: Measure Roof Area Accurately
Include slope, overhangs, dormers, etc.—not just floor area.
Step 2: Know Material-Dependent Labor Rates
- Asphalt shingles: often $4–$8 per sq ft for labor.
- Fully installed rates may be $5.50–$12 per sq ft, including labor + material, for asphalt shingles.
In Missouri and Illinois, asphalt shingle labor costs often fall slightly below these national peaks unless you’re in a major metro area.
Step 3: Adjust for Regional Factors
Apply local multipliers or compare regional rates. For example, use Jack Gray’s Roof Observations for relative cost factors.
Step 4: Factor in Complexity
Expect 25–50% higher labor cost for complex or steep roofs.
Step 5: Get Multiple, Itemized Quotes
Ensure quotes detail labor, tear-off, disposal, permits, materials, and overhead, reflecting the “60/40” ratio.
Example Scenarios
*Labor component only; excludes materials and other costs.
Tips to Manage and Reduce Labor Costs
- Schedule Off-Season When Possible: Some regions offer discounts during low-demand periods.
- Simplify Roof Design: Reducing complexity lowers labor.
- Bundle Projects: Combining permits or scheduling multiple tasks may reduce mobilization costs.
- Opt for Familiar Materials: Asphalt leads to faster installation and lower labor costs.
- Request Clear, Itemized Quotes: Monitor for unusually low labor-only bids, which may cut corners.
???? Price isn’t the only factor. Learn how to choose a roofer who delivers top-quality work with our What to Research When Choosing a Roofing Contractor checklist.
Reach New Heights With Confidence
Crafting a roof isn’t just about materials—it’s about understanding the labor that brings everything together. Roofing labor can range widely—from $2.50 to over $10 per square foot—depending on material, complexity, location, and market conditions.
By measuring accurately, comparing quotes, and planning clearly, you can ensure your reroofing project is both safe and smartly budgeted. And remember: the quality of the workmanship matters just as much as the price.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Gorilla Roofing for a Free, Transparent 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.
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Whether you’re curious about asphalt, metal, tile, or something eco-friendly, our team is here to walk you through the numbers—no guesswork, no surprises. Reach out today!