Fence Erectors
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Also called: Fence Builder · Fence Contractor · Fence Erector · Fence Installer · Fence Laborer · Fence Mechanic
Median pay (national)
$46,940
$35,090–$74,660 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
22,640
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.6%
~2,300 openings/yr
Typical entry
No formal educational credential
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for fence erectors shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $74,660 versus $35,090 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $46,940 leaves roughly 59% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.6% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,300 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 46 states with released data, Nebraska pays the most for this role (median $78,780, +68% vs the national median), while Louisiana sits lowest at $31,480 — a 150% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Fence Erectors
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Fence Erectors
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
- Align posts, by lines or sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
- Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
- Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.
- Discuss fencing needs with customers, and estimate and quote prices.
- Stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames.
- Construct and repair barriers, retaining walls, trellises, and other types of fences, walls, and gates.
- Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
- Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
- Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Cutlist Plus fx
- Maxwell Systems American Contractor
- Software Design Associates Computer Fencing System CFS
- Microsoft Excel
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Education and Training