Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $18,970 more a year than fence installers (39%). In the 51 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 51 and fence installers in 0.
| Building Inspector | Fence Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $48,410 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $36,360 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $64,600 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +5.6% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 2,500 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 21% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 58 | 118 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 51 |
On safety, fence installers report more injuries that cause missed work (118 vs. 58 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where building inspectors out-earn fence installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, building inspectors earn more in 45 states and fence installers in 0. The gap favors building inspectors most in Connecticut ($45,490) and building inspectors most in Arkansas ($6,550).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Standing, bending, kneeling and walking: occasionally for building inspectors, often for fence installers. Sitting: sometimes for building inspectors, rarely for fence installers.
| Building Inspector | Fence Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | Often |
| Sitting | Sometimes | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Building Inspector
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Fence Installer
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
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