Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
U.S. Workers
22,640
Median Salary
$46,940
10-Year Growth
+4.6%
Annual Openings
2,300
Typical entry: No formal educational credential
20 of 20 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Discuss fencing needs with customers, and estimate and quote prices.
AI: Fully automatable - AI systems and quoting software in 2025 can handle client discussions, requirements intake, measurements, and generate accurate estimates and quotes end-to-end.
Make rails for fences, by sawing lumber or by cutting metal tubing to required lengths.
AI: Fully automatable - Sawing lumber and cutting metal tubing to specified lengths is routinely automated in shops with CNC saws and tube cutters that AI can program and run.
Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
AI: Partial - Determining fence location and checking for underground utilities can be largely supported by AI (mapping, 811 coordination, sensor analysis) but still requires on-site verification and human oversight for safety and legal compliance.
Align posts, using lines or by sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
AI: Partial - Aligning and vertically verifying posts can be augmented with computer-vision, laser-guidance and automated levelling tools, but full autonomous alignment in varied terrain is not broadly solved by 2025 systems.
Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
AI: Partial - Measuring and laying out fence lines can be assisted or partially automated with GPS, BIM overlays, and robotic marking, yet on-site judgment and adjustments keep it only partially automatable in practice.
Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.
AI: Partial - Digging postholes can be mechanized with powered augers and remote equipment and supported by AI for positioning, but fully autonomous, reliable hole-digging across all site conditions is not universally available.
Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
AI: Partial - Setting posts upright in holes requires handling, tamping, and variable adjustments where AI can guide or enable robotic assistance but typically cannot complete the entire task autonomously on-site in 2025.
Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.
AI: Partial - Mixing/pouring concrete and tamping in varied outdoor conditions requires physical manipulation and situational judgment, so automation can assist but not fully replace humans by 2025.
Nail top and bottom rails to fence posts, or insert them in slots on posts.
AI: Partial - Attaching rails in the field involves variable positioning, driving fasteners, and alignment that current robotics can assist with but not fully reliably perform on-site.
Stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames.
AI: Partial - Tensioning and attaching wire/mesh in uneven terrain and around obstacles requires force control and adaptability that is only partially automatable as of 2025.
Attach fence rail supports to posts, using hammers and pliers.
AI: Partial - Using hammers and pliers to attach supports is a dexterous, on-site manual task where automation can provide tools or aids but not complete replacement yet.
Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
AI: Partial - Gate assembly can be automated in factories, but on-site positioning and fastening with hand tools still requires human judgment and dexterity in most cases.
Complete top fence rails of metal fences by connecting tube sections, using metal sleeves.
AI: Partial - Connecting metal tube sections with sleeves can be automated in controlled shop settings, but on-site completion of top rails amid variability remains only partially automatable.
Insert metal tubing through rail supports.
AI: Partial - Inserting tubing through supports is a simple repetitive motion that can be mechanized, but field variability and alignment needs limit full automation in 2025.
Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
AI: Partial - Attaching bottom rails or tension wire requires field tensioning, anchoring, and adaptive problem-solving that current automation can assist with but not fully replace.
Weld metal parts together, using portable gas welding equipment.
AI: Partial - Industrial robotic welding is mature for predictable joints, but portable gas welding in varied field conditions requires human adaptability, so AI can only partially automate it.
Nail pointed slats to rails to construct picket fences.
AI: Partial - Robotic nailing systems and automated tools can perform repetitive nailing in controlled settings, but on-site variability and dexterity requirements prevent full automation by 2025.
Construct and repair barriers, retaining walls, trellises, and other types of fences, walls, and gates.
AI: Partial - Some aspects of constructing standardized walls can be automated with robots, yet diverse repair tasks and variable site conditions still need human judgment and manual work.
Erect alternate panel, basket weave, and louvered fences.
AI: Partial - Panel and louvered fence erection is repetitive and amenable to mechanization, but on-site variability, alignment, and custom fitting limit full automation.
Blast rock formations and rocky areas with dynamite to facilitate posthole digging.
AI: Partial - AI can model, plan, and remotely monitor blasting operations, but strict regulations, safety risks, and unpredictable rock conditions prevent full autonomous blasting.