Roofer
Roofing has the highest structural exposure score in this entire dataset, but it's also one of the most dangerous jobs in America, and that danger is exactly what protects it.
In real usage data, AI shows up in this job less often than in most occupations.
Technical detail
Based on Microsoft's "Working with AI" study of real Copilot conversations mapped to O*NET tasks (arXiv 2507.07935): Roofers scored 0.009 on AI applicability, notably below the cross-occupation mean (0.159, stdev 0.098) across all 785 SOC codes studied — banded here as Low real-world AI usage relative to other occupations.
Corroborating signal from the Anthropic Economic Index (Claude.ai/API conversations, a different product and userbase than the Microsoft data above): Roofers shows measurable Claude usage tied to this occupation's tasks, though at low absolute volume — treat as directional confirmation, not a second precise score.
What a roofer actually does
Roofers tear off worn roofing material, inspect the deck underneath for rot or damage, and install new systems using asphalt shingles, standing-seam metal panels, clay or concrete tile, slate, or rubber membrane depending on the building and climate. The work includes measuring and snapping chalk lines for straight courses, cutting shingles and flashing to fit valleys, chimneys, and vents, nailing or fastening materials to manufacturer specifications, and sealing seams to prevent leaks.
Roofers install underlayment, ice-and-water shield, and ridge ventilation to manage moisture and temperature inside the attic space. Steep-slope residential work differs significantly from low-slope commercial membrane roofing, which involves torch-applied or adhered systems and different safety rigging. Crews typically work from ladders, roof jacks, and harnesses tied to anchor points, adjusting technique for pitch, wind, and surface temperature that can make shingles brittle in cold weather or soft in heat.
Estimators and lead roofers also assess storm and hail damage for insurance claims, calculate material quantities, and coordinate dumpster and delivery logistics for tear-offs. Entry is typically through a paid apprenticeship or on-the-job training, often supplemented by OSHA fall-protection and manufacturer installation certifications.
Why it reads this way
Roofing has the highest structural exposure score in this entire dataset, but it's also one of the most dangerous jobs in America, and that danger is exactly what protects it. Federal data puts roofer fatalities at 48. 7 per 100,000 workers — the third-deadliest US occupation — with 84% of deaths from falls. A real automated roofing robot exists: Renovate Robotics' "Rufus" has done paid shingle-fastening jobs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 2026.
But as of 2026-08-09 it remains small-scale — $3. 25 million in total funding, no Series A round, operating in only 2 states, and limited to shingle-fastening rather than full tear-off, flashing, and repair work. It doesn't yet meet the bar of a commercial-scale, growing threat to the occupation as a whole.
Skills this role draws on
We don't yet have task-by-task time-share data for this occupation, so we can't show which specific tasks carry the exposure score above. This is the real skill set instead.
Typical salary range (USD)
$35,000–$71,000
Average: $58,140/yr
Range source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024
Average source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Annual Mean Wage)
Related careers
Head-to-head comparisons
As of 2026-08-09, Roofer (structuralScore 95, tied for the highest in the dataset, Safe band) passes the mandatory section 2a materiality check, though narrowly. One real robotic deployment was found — Renovate Robotics' 'Rufus,' performing paid shingle-fastening jobs in NJ/PA since 2026 — but it remains small-scale ($3.25M total funding, no Series A, 2-state footprint, shingle-fastening only) and does not meet the commercial-scale/growing threshold. Category 3 evidence is exceptionally strong: 48.7 fatalities per 100,000 workers (3rd-deadliest US occupation), 84% from falls, per federal occupational injury data. Confidence held at Medium rather than High because a real (if early-stage) robotic competitor exists and nextReviewDate is accelerated to 6 months to track its scale-up.
This is a researched judgment (checklist v1.2), not a statistical measurement — it sits alongside, not instead of, the structural exposure signal above. Next scheduled review: 2027-02-09.
Data sources & methodology
Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024. Min/max figures represent the 10th–90th percentile annual wage range across the United States. Average figure sourced separately: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Annual Mean Wage).
Automation Risk Score: Based on O*NET occupational analysis (47-2181.00) evaluating task complexity, physical requirements, social intelligence, and environmental variability. Methodology based on research from Frey & Osborne (Oxford, 2017).
Growth projections: 6% (2024-2034), based on BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.