Fence erectors
SOC Code: 47-4031
Fence erectors carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,940 and +4.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 26,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Fence erectors (SOC 47-4031) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 26,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $46,940, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Fence erectors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
- 2. Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
- 3. Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
- 4. Align posts, by lines or sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
- 5. Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
- 6. Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.
- 7. Attach fence rail supports to posts, using hammers and pliers.
- 8. Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
- 9. Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.
- 10. Make rails for fences, by sawing lumber or by cutting metal tubing to required lengths.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Sales and Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Fence erectors?
Fence erectors has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Fence erectors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Fence erectors is projected to grow by 4.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 26,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Fence erectors?
Key skills for Fence erectors include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Fence erectors earn?
The median annual wage for Fence erectors is $46,940, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Fence erectors?
The typical entry-level education for Fence erectors is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Fence erectors?
Fence erectors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).