Across U.S. metros, roofers typically earn $1,730 more a year than fence installers (4%). In the 47 metros where BLS publishes both, fence installers earn more in 5 and roofers in 42.
| Fence Installer | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,410 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $36,360 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $64,600 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.6% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,500 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 21% | 20% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | 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.) | 118 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 51 | 265 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 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 fence installers out-earn roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers 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.
Roofer
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
Compare one trade across two cities →