Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Fence Installer
What fence installers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a fence installer?
Load the truck. From there, the day usually includes call for utility locates, lay out fence lines, and dig post holes. Full time, seasonal in cold regions.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a fence installer working full time.
- Load the truck.
- Check utility marks.
- String the fence line.
- Auger post holes.
- Set posts in concrete.
- Install yesterday’s panels.
- Hang a gate.
Where fence installers work
Installers work outdoors at homes, farms and businesses.
Hours and schedule
Full time, seasonal in cold regions.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Call for utility locates
- Lay out fence lines
- Dig post holes
- Set posts
- Install panels and rails
- Hang gates
- Clean up
Tools you’ll use every day
- Post hole augers
- String lines
- Levels
- Chain-link stretchers
- Saws
- Post drivers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Outdoor work
- Can be self-employed
- Short path to work
What’s hard
- Heavy work
- Weather
- Rocky soil
- Seasonal
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like outdoor work
- I like building
- I’m strong
- I want growing work
- I might start a business
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Fence Installer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Call 811 before digging
- Wear eye and ear protection
- Lift posts safely
- Use augers carefully