Fence Erectors

SOC code 47-4031 · O*NET-SOC 47-4031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Fence Erectors pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$47,980

a year

Hourly

$23.07

per hour

10th$35,810Median$47,98090th$70,010

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$50,530

$24.29 per hour

Middle 50%

$40,400 – $58,610

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,810 – $70,010

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

24,480

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,810; $17.22/hr
25th percentile: $40,400; $19.43/hr
Median percentile: $47,980; $23.07/hr
75th percentile: $58,610; $28.18/hr
90th percentile: $70,010; $33.66/hr

What does a fence erector do?

Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to become a fence erector

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: 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.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48%
Less than a High School Diploma29%
Some College Courses22%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%

Common questions

How much does a fence erector earn?

The national median is $47,980 a year. The full range runs from $35,810 at the 10th percentile to $70,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a fence erector without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Building and Construction4.0/5
Transportation3.9/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
Design3.7/5
Mathematics3.5/5
English Language3.4/5
Education and Training3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Time Management, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.