TradeAtlas
🏗️Careers

Fencing

Residential and commercial fence installation and repair

$47k/yr median+5% growth (10-yr)2,300 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)

Wages & Job Outlook

$47k
Median wage
per year
$35k
Entry wage
per year
$75k
Top 10%
per year
2K
Annual openings
jobs per year
+5% projected job growth over 10 years — faster than average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Schedule
Full-time, outdoor project-based hours
Environment
outdoor
Overtime
seasonal
Physical demand
very-high
Travel
Travel typically required
Hazard level
Moderate hazard
Moderately cyclical

Overview

Fencing contractors install and repair wood, vinyl, chain-link, aluminum, and ornamental iron fences for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications.

Day in the Life

Load truck with posts, panels, and hardware. Mark property lines with homeowner. Use post hole digger and level for post placement. Set posts in concrete. Install panels and gates. Clean up and photograph completed job. Quote next week's jobs from incoming leads.

How to Get Started

On-the-Job Training

on-the-job

Most fence installers learn on the job working for established fencing companies

Duration: 1–2 yearsCost: Low / minimal tuition

Certification-First

certification-first

AFA (American Fence Association) Certified Fence Professional designation

Duration: variesCost: Moderate tuition

Trade School / Vocational Program

trade-school

No dedicated programs; construction trades programs cover relevant skills

Duration: 6–12 monthsCost: Moderate tuition
Find local fencing training near you
Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers
Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).
Up to $12,000
Apply →
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)
Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.
Up to $3,200
Apply →
See all programs you may qualify for →

Career Ladder

Fence Laborer

$31k/yr
0–1 yrs exp.

Digs post holes, carries materials, assists crew

Fence Installer

$39k/yr
1–3 yrs exp.

Handles standard installs under supervision

Lead Fence Installer

$50k/yr
3–7 yrs exp.

Works independently, manages job from start to finish

Fence Foreman

$60k/yr
5+ yrs exp.

Leads crews, handles estimates and client relations

Fencing Contractor

$75k/yr
5+ yrs exp.

Owns and operates fencing contracting business

Licensing by State

StateRequired?License typeIssuing body
CAYesC-13 Fencing ContractorCSLB (Contractors State License Board)
TXNo––
FLNo–Florida DBPR / CILB
NYNo––
ILNo––
PAYesHome Improvement Contractor (HIC) RegistrationPA Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection
OHNo–Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB)
GANo–Georgia Secretary of State - State Licensing Board for Residential & General Contractors
NCNo–NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
MINo–Michigan LARA - Bureau of Construction Codes
WAYesRegistered Specialty Contractor (Fencing)Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I)
AZYesCR-14 / C-14 / R-14 FencingArizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC)
VAYesContractor License (Class A/B/C) - no dedicated fencing specialtyVirginia DPOR - Board for Contractors
NJYesHome Improvement Contractor RegistrationNJ Division of Consumer Affairs
TNYesContractor License (incl. fencing as prime contractor)Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Time to Enter

Time to journeyman2 yrs
Fast-entry trade — earning wages in <1 year possible

Wages (BLS 2024)

Entry (10th pct)$35k
Median$47k
Top 10%$75k

BLS OEWS May 2024. Wages vary by state and employer.

Compare all trades side-by-side →Find training funding →

Own a fencing business?

Provisional · 1 source

What it's worth today — the starting point for weighing any exit.

Peak Business Valuation
Appraisal / small business
1.5×–3×
× SDE

Provisional — a single citable source so far; treat as directional until we add a second.

Full valuation breakdown →Explore exit paths →

Ways out for fencing owners

Compare all →
Sell to Private EquityMaximizing price · Commonly 4–9 months from first conversation to close.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Reward employees · Commonly 6–12 months to establish; ownership transfers over many years.Family SuccessionKeep it in the family · Best run over 3–10 years; rushed handoffs are where regret concentrates.

Industry Associations

  • AFA

Physical Requirements

  • Heavy outdoor labor
  • Post driving and digging
  • Lifting fence panels 50–100 lbs
  • Working in all weather

Recommended Software

Jobberper-userCompanyCamper-userQuickBooks for Contractorssubscription
All Fencing software →
Compare top tools →

Related Trades

🌿 Landscaping🧱 Concrete & Masonry🏗️ General Contracting