Per-foot benchmarks help compare options: $0. 20/ft for cable, $8–$40/ft for trenching, and $60–$180 per labor hour depending on skill level and fusion requirements. These figures reflect typical U S prices before any permit waivers or incentives. Distance and path. Buyers typically pay for fiber optic cable by length, fiber type, and installation complexity. Cost data covers project ranges and per unit estimates to help buyers budget for fiber installations, whether. If you install underground fiber, pricing your HDD work right is the fastest way to protect margins without sacrificing win rate.