Introduction
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers specialize in transporting, assembling, and securing prefabricated structures, including mobile homes, modular buildings, and manufactured housing. Their work ensures that these homes are safely installed, leveled, and connected to utilities such as electricity, plumbing, and sewage.
This role is a combination of construction, transportation, and mechanical know-how, and is critical in the housing sector, particularly as manufactured housing grows as a cost-effective housing solution.
What Does a Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer Do?
- Transportation & Site Prep: Moving homes or sections of manufactured buildings to job sites and preparing the land.
- Assembly & Installation: Positioning, leveling, and anchoring units.
- Utility Hookups: Connecting plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
- Sealing & Weatherproofing: Ensuring homes are airtight and protected against the elements.
- Inspection: Checking compliance with state and federal safety codes.
- Repair Work: Making adjustments during or after installation to ensure safe occupancy.
Installers often work in crews, and the role involves outdoor labor in varied weather conditions.
Average Requirements
Education
- Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Vocational training in construction, carpentry, or mechanics.
Skills
- Physical stamina and strength for heavy lifting.
- Ability to use hand and power tools.
- Knowledge of construction safety protocols.
- Basic plumbing, carpentry, and electrical knowledge.
- Teamwork and communication skills.
Certifications & Licensing
- Some states require licensing for manufactured home installation.
- OSHA construction safety certifications are often preferred.
- A valid driver’s license (sometimes CDL) for transporting homes.
2025 BLS Salary and Job Outlook
The figures below are U.S. national estimates. Wages refer to May 2025; job growth and annual openings refer separately to the 2025–2035 BLS employment projections.
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers
Related O*NET occupation: Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers (49-9095.00). BLS reporting code: 49-9095.
- Median wage (May 2025): $45,990 per year.
- Mean wage (May 2025): $45,410 per year.
- 10th percentile wage (May 2025): $27,120 per year.
- 25th percentile wage (May 2025): $35,800 per year.
- 75th percentile wage (May 2025): $51,970 per year.
- 90th percentile wage (May 2025): $60,810 per year.
- OEWS employment estimate (May 2025): 3,020. This estimate excludes self-employed workers.
- Employment in the projections base year (2025): 3,500.
- Projected employment (2035): 3,700.
- Projected employment change (2025–2035): 5.8%.
- Projected annual openings (2025–2035 average): 300. Openings include employment growth and workers leaving the occupation; they are not all newly created jobs.
Wage percentiles describe the distribution of wages, not guaranteed entry-level or experienced-worker salaries. National figures can differ from pay in a particular state, industry, or employer. OEWS wages do not include self-employed earnings. The projections employment estimates use a different coverage basis and may include self-employed workers.
Sources: BLS May 2025 national OEWS wage estimates; BLS 2025–2035 occupational projections, Table 1.2; BLS OEWS coverage and definitions.
Earnings Potential
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $30,000 – $38,000 annually.
- Mid-Career (3–7 years): $38,000 – $50,000.
- Experienced (8–15 years): $50,000 – $60,000+.
- Crew Leaders / Independent Contractors: $60,000 – $75,000+.
Hourly wages typically range from $15–$28/hour, with overtime available.
Growth Stages & Promotional Path
Stage 1: Installer’s Helper
- Assists in site prep and basic assembly.
- Focus: learning tools, safety, and setup process.
Stage 2: Installer / Crew Member
- Handles leveling, securing, and simple utility hookups.
- Works under supervision of senior installers.
Stage 3: Senior Installer / Specialist
- Independently installs full units.
- Trains new workers and ensures compliance with building codes.
Stage 4: Crew Leader / Supervisor
- Oversees teams, manages logistics, and ensures deadlines and safety standards are met.
Stage 5: Contractor / Business Owner
- Runs independent manufactured home installation service.
- May expand into repair and resale markets.
Education & Training Path
- High School Prep: Shop, carpentry, and mechanics courses are useful.
- On-the-Job Training: Most skills are learned while working under experienced installers.
- Licensing (State-Dependent): Some states mandate training and exams for mobile home installers.
- Certifications: OSHA, forklift, or construction equipment certifications can expand job opportunities.
- Continuous Learning: Staying current with housing codes and green building standards.
Employment Outlook
- Projected Growth: Around 3–4% through 2032, modest but steady.
- Drivers of Demand:
- Increased demand for affordable housing.
- Growing acceptance of modular and prefabricated buildings.
- Retirements in the trade opening new positions.
- Industries Hiring:
- Mobile home dealerships.
- Construction contractors.
- Independent installation companies.
Would You Like This Career?
This role may be right for you if:
- You enjoy construction and outdoor work.
- You prefer physical, hands-on jobs.
- You want a stable career tied to housing and construction demand.
- You like teamwork and seeing immediate results.
It might not fit if you:
- Want predictable, climate-controlled work.
- Dislike heavy lifting or working in varied weather.
- Prefer jobs with less physical demand.
If you’re considering a career as a Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer, it’s smart to test whether your motivations align with the physical and technical demands of this role. Take the Free MAPP Career Assessment at Assessment.com to see if this path is a natural fit for you, or if another construction-related trade might be a better match.
