Across U.S. metros, rebar workers typically earn $8,425 more a year than fence installers (17%). In the 7 metros where BLS publishes both, fence installers earn more in 0 and rebar workers in 7.
| Fence Installer | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,410 | $56,835 |
| Lowest metro median | $36,360 | $27,120 |
| Highest metro median | $64,600 | $102,080 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.6% | -5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,500 | 1,000 |
| Self-employed | 21% | 18% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 118 | 34 |
| Metros with pay data | 51 | 24 |
On safety, fence installers report more injuries that cause missed work (118 vs. 34 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 rebar workers out-earn fence installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Fence Installer
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Rebar Worker
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
Compare one trade across two cities →