A fence erector installs and maintains fences for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Fence erectors build and repair fences using wood, metal, vinyl, and other materials. You will measure and mark fence lines, dig post holes, set posts in concrete, attach rails and panels, and ensure structures are level and secure. The work involves operating power tools and mechanized equipment, handling heavy materials, and communicating with supervisors and customers about project details. You may also work on gates, perform maintenance on existing fences, and follow building codes and safety standards on job sites.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Fence Erectors earn a median of $47,980 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 2,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most fence erectors start with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn through on-the-job training. You will begin as a helper or apprentice, working alongside experienced erectors to develop practical skills in measurement, tool operation, and construction techniques. Some employers offer formal apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction in building codes and mathematics with paid hands-on experience. Training typically takes one to two years, depending on the program and your pace. Consider starting with entry-level positions at construction companies or fence installation firms.
You can enter this field through apprenticeships or direct entry into helper roles, depending on what fits your timeline. Use Pathly can map the fence erector path that fits you to map out your path and work with your counselor to find the right starting point for you.
You are drawn to hands-on work, solving practical problems, and seeing tangible results. You work well with tools and machines, communicate clearly with teams, and take pride in building structures that last.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).