How to Become a Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer in 2026

    Median salary: $41,080 · +5.9% projected growth (2024–2034)

    O*NET Code: 49-9095.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026
    Median Salary
    $41,080
    annual wage
    Job Growth
    +5.9%
    projected 2024–2034
    Education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    typical entry
    AI Exposure
    43/100
    exposure score
    Section 01

    What does a Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer do?

    Move or install mobile homes or prefabricated buildings.

    Section 02

    Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer Salary in 2026

    The median annual salary for Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers is $41,080. The bottom 10% earn around $30,280 while the top 10% earn over $57,190.

    Experience levelAnnual salary
    Entry-level (P10)$30,280
    Early career (P25)$35,290
    Median$41,080
    Experienced (P75)$48,410
    Top earners (P90)$57,190
    10th: $30,280Median: $41,08090th: $57,190

    Highest-paying metros

    North Carolina
    Highest paying
    $47,250
    top metro salary
    Pennsylvania
    $40,070
    $-7,180 vs highest

    Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer salary by state

    StateMedian salary
    Californiatop$49,530
    Washington$49,030
    Virginia$48,270
    North Carolina$47,250
    South Dakota$46,840
    Georgia$46,360
    Montana$46,190
    Ohio$45,210
    New York$44,790
    Alabama$40,640
    Pennsylvania$40,070
    New Mexico$39,170
    Florida$38,210
    Tennessee$37,440
    Texas$35,290
    Kentucky$33,890
    Oklahoma$26,410
    West Virginia$25,860

    How to earn more as a Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer

    The salary range for Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers spans $26,910 — from $30,280 at entry level to $57,190 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is North Carolina at $47,250 — $6,170 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.

    Section 03

    How to get there

    Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
    On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training

    Starting from high school

    1. Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
    2. Earn industry-recognized certifications (EPA Section 608, ASE certifications, manufacturer-specific training)
    3. Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
    4. Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
    5. Advance to journeyman level or specialized role

    Start with a vocational program or community college certificate in your specialization. Many manufacturers (like HVAC companies, automotive brands) offer their own certification programs, some of which are free or employer-sponsored. The EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone handling refrigerants. Apprenticeships through IBEW (electrical) or UA (plumbing/pipefitting) provide paid training.

    3–12 months to start working, 2–4 years to journey level $0–$5K

    Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.

    Switching from another career

    1. Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
    2. Complete a short certification or orientation program (EPA Section 608, ASE certifications, manufacturer-specific training)
    3. Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
    4. Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
    5. Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience

    If you've worked with your hands, operated equipment, or have any technical background, you're ahead of most applicants. Many skills transfer directly: diagnostic thinking from any troubleshooting role, tool familiarity from any trade, and safety awareness from any industrial setting. Companies are struggling to fill these positions and are often willing to train motivated career changers. Consider contacting local HVAC, electrical, or plumbing companies directly — many prefer to train their own staff.

    1–6 months to start, faster advancement with prior experience $0–$3K

    Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.

    Already working in another career?

    See how your skills transfer to Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.

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    Section 06

    AI and automation outlook

    43/100

    The Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer role has a moderate AI exposure score. Some tasks may be augmented by AI tools, but the core role remains human-driven.

    See full AI risk breakdown
    Section 07

    Related careers to consider

    Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer.

    Get your personalized Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer transition plan

    Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.

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    Step-by-step roadmap Skill gap breakdown Financial feasibility Salary by city
    Section 08

    Frequently asked questions

    SOC: 49-9095.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034