Across U.S. metros, carpenters typically earn $7,745 more a year than fence installers (16%). In the 51 metros where BLS publishes both, carpenters earn more in 49 and fence installers in 2.
| Carpenter | Fence Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $56,155 | $48,410 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,750 | $36,360 |
| Highest metro median | $95,280 | $64,600 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.9% | +5.6% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 62,800 | 2,500 |
| Self-employed | 25% | 21% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 165 | 118 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 51 |
On safety, carpenters report more injuries that cause missed work (165 vs. 118 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 carpenters out-earn fence installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where fence installers out-earn carpenters the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, carpenters earn more in 43 states and fence installers in 2. The gap favors carpenters most in Illinois ($28,290) and fence installers most in Louisiana ($1,850).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: often for carpenters, very often for fence installers. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: occasionally for carpenters, sometimes for fence installers.
| Carpenter | Fence Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Working at heights | Often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Carpenter
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Fence Installer
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Compare one trade across two cities →