Fence Erectors
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Also called: Chain Link Fence Installer, Fence Builder, Fence Contractor, Fence Erector, Fence Installer, Fence Laborer
Median pay
$47,980
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,810 – $70,010
People employed
24,480
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Fence Erectors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What fence erectors do
- 01Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
- 02Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
- 03Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
- 04Align posts, by lines or sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
- 05Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
- 06Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from fence erectors
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers90% · +23%
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers88% · +23%
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers88% · +31%
- Carpenters87% · +26%
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall86% · +2%
Change into fence erectors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers82% · $58,970
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall79% · $49,120
- Carpet Installers78% · $50,340
- Floor Sanders and Finishers78% · $50,440
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing76% · $46,170