Career Overview
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Also Known As
- Fence Builder
- Fence Erector
- Fence Installer
- Fence Laborer
Alternate Job Titles
- Chain Link Fence Installer
- Fence Builder
- Fence Contractor
- Fence Erector
- Fence Installer
- Fence Laborer
- Fence Mechanic
- Fence Repairman
- Fence Technician (Fence Tech)
- Gate Technician (Gate Tech)
- Installer
- Laborer
- Wire Fence Builder
- Wire Fence Erector
- Wood Fence Erector
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Design
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Manual Dexterity
- Trunk Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Static Strength
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Stamina
- Control Precision
- Dynamic Strength
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
Tools & Equipment
- Automatic wire twisting pliers
- Barbed wire unrollers
- Cement mixers
- Circular saws
- Claw hammers
- Clip tightening chucks
- Comealongs
- Digging spades
- Electric fence grounding rods
- Electric fence testers
- Hand augers
- Hand jacks
- Hi-tensile wire cutters
- Laser plumb bobs
- Locking jaw pliers
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $35,090 |
| Median | $46,940 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $74,660 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 22,640
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Carpenters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $59,310
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,700
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $59,280
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $58,140
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $92,560
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.