Mobile Home Installer

Mobile Home Installer, Mobile Home Laborer, Mobile Home Set-Up Person, Modular Set Crew Member
Job Description

Mobile Home Installers specialize in transporting, installing, and setting up mobile homes at designated locations. They ensure that these homes are safely and securely placed, following local regulations and standards.

Typical Preparation

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: Short-term

Outlook

Projected Growth: -21.0% (negative growth)

Annual job openings: 300

Direct AI exposure: 8% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 15% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers. According to the wage tables, average income is $54K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$39K
per year
$46K
per year
$54K
per year
$67K
per year
$83K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

What does a Mobile Home Installer do?

Duties

  • Transports mobile homes to installation sites.
  • Levels and secures homes on foundations.
  • Connects utilities like water, gas, and electricity.
  • Complies with local codes and regulations.
  • Coordinates with contractors and inspectors.

Work environment

Mobile Home Installers typically work outdoors in residential areas or mobile home parks. The job involves physical labor and may require travel to different installation sites. Safety precautions are necessary due to the use of heavy equipment and the physical nature of the work.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Residential Mobile Home Installation: Focusing on the setup of mobile homes in residential areas.
  • Commercial Mobile Home Setup: Specializing in mobile homes used for commercial purposes, like offices or temporary housing.
  • Custom Mobile Home Solutions: Providing customized installation solutions based on specific client needs and site conditions.

Description

Mobile Home Installers play a vital role in the housing industry, particularly in providing affordable and flexible housing solutions. Their job requires a unique combination of skills in transportation, construction, and utility management. Installers must be adept at maneuvering large structures, ensuring that mobile homes are transported safely and efficiently to their destinations.

Once on site, precision and attention to detail are crucial. Installers must level and anchor homes properly to ensure stability and safety. They also handle the connection of essential services like electricity, water, and gas, requiring knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, and gas systems. Adherence to local building codes and regulations is essential, often necessitating coordination with local authorities and inspectors.

The role requires physical stamina, as it involves considerable manual labor, including lifting, bending, and working in various weather conditions. Installers must also have good communication and interpersonal skills, as they frequently interact with homeowners, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Mobile Home Installer if you are...

Pros:

  • Involvement in a hands-on, physically engaging line of work.
  • Opportunity to work in various locations, providing diversity in work environments.
  • Satisfaction from completing tangible projects, seeing a job through from start to finish.
  • Growing demand for affordable housing solutions, potentially leading to steady employment.

Cons:

  • Physically demanding work that may involve working in adverse weather conditions.
  • The need for constant travel to various installation sites.
  • Requirement to stay updated with local building codes and installation standards.
  • Possible irregular work hours, depending on project timelines and client needs.

How to become a Mobile Home Installer

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient, with most skills learned on the job. Some installers may pursue vocational training in construction or related fields for additional expertise.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Shop classes or vocational training in carpentry and construction for foundational skills.
  • Basic mechanics or automotive classes for understanding machinery and tools.
  • Mathematics for measurements and spatial reasoning.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in construction or building clubs, if available.
  • Volunteer for community building projects or Habitat for Humanity.
  • Engage in physical fitness activities to build stamina and strength.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue vocational training or college certificate programs in construction, carpentry, or related skilled trades.
  • Gain experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions with residential builders, modular home manufacturers, or installation contractors.
  • Obtain the appropriate provincial commercial driver's licence (such as Class 1 or Class AZ) if transporting mobile homes or large components is part of the role.
  • Stay current with provincial building codes, municipal bylaws, and installation standards, as well as required workplace safety training (e.g., WHMIS, fall protection).

More resources

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