Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Fence Installer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Fence installers earn more at the median ($47,980 vs. $47,120), while construction laborers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks (on the job) of training). Construction laborers prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job. Fence installers build wood, vinyl, chain-link and metal fences.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Fence Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $47,980 ($23.07/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $35,810 – $70,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +5.6% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 2,500 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | AFA training |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Installers work outdoors at homes, farms and businesses.. |
What each job does
Construction Laborer
- Prepare and clean job sites, removing debris and hazards
- Load, unload and move building materials
- Dig, backfill and compact trenches and foundations
- Mix, pour and spread concrete and asphalt
- Erect and dismantle scaffolding, barricades and forms
Fence Installer
- Call for utility locates
- Lay out fence lines
- Dig post holes
- Set posts
- Install panels and rails
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and in-demand. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose construction laborer if…
- I like physical work and staying active all day
- I don’t mind getting dirty or working in bad weather
- I want to start working right away
Choose fence installer if…
- I like outdoor work
- I like building
- I’m strong
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Fence Installer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or fence installer?
Fence Installers earn more at the median: $47,980 versus $47,120 for construction laborers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Construction Laborers typically train faster (Days to weeks (on the job)) than fence installers (A few months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +5.6% for fence installers.