Occupation · SOC 47-4031
Fence Erectors
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Median wage
$46,940
$35,090–$74,660
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
22,640
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringCoordinationTime Management
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceBuilding and ConstructionTransportationAdministration and ManagementDesign
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareProject management softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
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.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.Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.Attach fence rail supports to posts, using hammers and pliers.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.Make rails for fences, by sawing lumber or by cutting metal tubing to required lengths.Nail top and bottom rails to fence posts, or insert them in slots on 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.Complete top fence rails of metal fences by connecting tube sections, using metal sleeves.Erect alternate panel, basket weave, and louvered fences.Insert metal tubing through rail supports.Nail pointed slats to rails to construct picket fences.Construct and repair barriers, retaining walls, trellises, and other types of fences, walls, and gates.Weld metal parts together, using portable gas welding equipment.Blast rock formations and rocky areas with dynamite to facilitate posthole digging.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Utility hazard awareness — identify the presence of electric cables and water lines in a designated work area under direct supervisor guidance on a residential fencing site.Posthole digging tools — select and operate spades and manual posthole diggers to excavate holes to specified depths under close supervision on a standard job site.Fence line layout — assist in measuring and marking posthole positions along a designated boundary using a tape measure and stakes, following written specifications.Wooden and metal fence posts — carry and position posts in pre-dug holes under the direction of an experienced crew member on a residential or commercial property.Plumb bobs and spirit levels — use basic alignment tools to check the vertical position of installed fence posts under direct instruction from a crew lead.Hand tools — identify and handle hammers and pliers correctly to attach fence rail supports to posts under close supervision on a residential job site.Tension wire and bottom rails — assist in feeding and attaching wire or rail sections along the base of fence posts following demonstrated procedures on an active work site.Gate components — identify individual gate parts and assist in assembling prefabricated gate sections under direct supervision during a standard installation.Safety protocols — follow established worksite safety rules, including personal protective equipment use, while performing entry-level fencing tasks on an outdoor construction site.Work instructions — read and interpret basic field sketches and supervisor instructions to carry out assigned fencing tasks on a residential or light commercial project.
developing
Underground utility verification — conduct pre-dig inquiries and confirm the absence of buried cables and water lines using locator call-in procedures and site maps on routine fencing projects.Power-driven augers — operate power auger equipment independently to dig postholes to correct diameter and depth specifications on residential and light commercial job sites.Fence line measurement and layout — measure, calculate, and mark accurate posthole positions along straight and angled fence lines using drawings and specifications with minimal oversight.Post setting — set and brace wooden and metal posts securely in postholes, ensuring correct spacing and depth, routinely across varied soil conditions on standard job sites.Post alignment verification — align rows of fence posts using sight lines and confirm vertical plumb using spirit levels independently on multi-section residential or commercial fencing runs.Rail and tension wire attachment — attach horizontal rails and tension wires along the bottom of fence posts to form complete fencing frames, working efficiently within a two-person crew.Fence rail support installation — fasten rail brackets and supports to posts using hammers and pliers accurately and consistently across an entire fence section without supervisor prompting.Gate assembly and installation — assemble standard gate panels and fasten them into proper position using hand tools, ensuring correct swing, clearance, and latch alignment on a job site.Time and task coordination — organize daily work sequence to meet project milestones, coordinating material staging and tool use with crew members on multi-day fencing installations.Customer communication — respond to routine homeowner or site manager questions about fence placement and installation progress in a professional and clear manner during active projects.
proficient
Site assessment and hazard identification — independently evaluate a new fencing site for underground utilities, grade changes, and obstructions before breaking ground on residential and commercial projects.Complex post setting — set posts accurately in variable conditions including rocky, clay-heavy, or sloped terrain, selecting appropriate setting methods such as concrete, gravel, or tamped backfill.Multi-section fence layout — plan and execute complete layout of complex fence configurations including corners, curves, and grade transitions using advanced measuring techniques and site drawings.Post alignment across irregular terrain — establish and maintain consistent post alignment and plumb across uneven or sloped ground, troubleshooting discrepancies without supervisor input.Full frame construction — install complete fencing frames including rails, tension wires, and all hardware components across large-scale projects, ensuring structural integrity throughout.Custom gate fabrication and fitting — build and fit custom or non-standard gate assemblies to precise measurements, adjusting hinges, latches, and supports for proper operation in varied site conditions.Material quantity estimation — calculate fencing materials including posts, rails, wire, and hardware needed for a complete project using field measurements and specification drawings.Non-routine problem resolution — diagnose and correct installation issues such as misaligned posts, sagging wire, or improperly hung gates on active job sites without stopping workflow.CAD and project documentation — use computer-aided design or project management software to review site plans, log installation progress, and update project records on commercial fencing assignments.Quality inspection — inspect completed fence sections and gates against specifications, identifying defects and directing corrections to ensure work meets client and code standards on commercial projects.
advanced
Crew leadership and training — direct and coach a multi-person fencing crew through all phases of installation, demonstrating proper techniques and providing real-time feedback on large-scale commercial or municipal projects.Project planning and scheduling — develop comprehensive project timelines, assign crew responsibilities, and coordinate material deliveries to ensure on-time completion of multi-site or large-volume fencing contracts.Estimating and bidding — prepare accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, and equipment for complex fencing projects, producing competitive bids that reflect site conditions and company overhead.Safety program oversight — establish and enforce worksite safety standards, conduct toolbox talks, and ensure OSHA compliance for all crew members across multiple active fencing job sites.Client and stakeholder relations — manage professional relationships with property owners, general contractors, and municipal clients, resolving disputes and communicating project scope changes throughout contract duration.Workforce development — design on-the-job training progressions for new hires, establishing skill checkpoints and mentoring pathways that advance workers from entry level to skilled installer.Organizational standards and procedures — develop standardized installation procedures, tool maintenance protocols, and quality checklists adopted across the company's field operations.Equipment and fleet management — oversee maintenance scheduling, procurement decisions, and utilization tracking for power augers, vehicles, and specialty fencing tools across a regional operation.Permitting and regulatory compliance — interpret local zoning codes, property line regulations, and permit requirements for complex projects, advising clients and crews on legal installation boundaries.Performance and productivity analysis — use spreadsheet and project management software to track crew output, material waste, and job profitability, identifying operational improvements across a portfolio of fencing projects.
Also known as
31 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Structural (Air Force 3E3X1)Constructionman Apprentice (Navy CA)Chain Link Fence InstallerFence BuilderWood Fence InstallerWire Fence ErectorBuilder (Navy BU)InstallerStructural Craftsman (Air Force 3E371)Structural Journeyman (Air Force 3E351)Fence RepairmanCombat Engineer (Marine Corps 1371)Fence Technician (Fence Tech)Structural Apprentice (Air Force 3E331)LaborerStructural Helper (Air Force 3E311)Gate Technician (Gate Tech)Fence ErectorFence InstallerPavements and Construction Equipment Craftsman (Air Force 3E271)Basic Engineer, Construction, and Equipment Marine (Marine Corps 1300)Pavements and Construction Equipment Journeyman (Air Force 3E251)Pavements and Construction Equipment Apprentice (Air Force 3E231)Wood Fence ErectorFence MechanicPavements and Construction Equipment Helper (Air Force 3E211)Pavements and Construction Equipment (Air Force 3E2X1)Wire Fence BuilderFence ContractorFence LaborerConstructionman Recruit (Navy CR)