Prefabrication techniques allow for efficient off-site construction of building components that can be rapidly assembled on location. This modular and prefabricated construction approach has been gaining widespread adoption in the U.S. to deliver projects faster and reduce risks. As a result, the demand for experienced prefabricated structures assemblers has significantly increased across the country.
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A quick scan on ZipRecruiter reveals over 300 active job postings for prefab assemblers/erectors in different regions, with an average annual salary of $80,000 on offer. What’s more, leading precast concrete and modular construction firms are actively sponsoring H-2B work visas to recruit international talent for these positions. In this blog post, we explore the profile of prefab assembler roles, requirements, top companies offering sponsorship, prospects and how overseas candidates can land such well-paying jobs.
Prefabrication Methods
Prefabrication refers to the process of manufacturing building assemblies or components off-site in a controlled factory environment and transporting them for erection or installation at the main project location.
Some common prefabrication techniques utilized are:
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- Precast concrete construction: Manufacturing and assembling precast concrete elements like walls, floors, staircases, columns in a precast yard.
- Modular construction: Completely assembling temporary or permanent modules containing architectural, structural and MEP components in a modular facility.
- Structural steel framing: Fabricating steel beams, columns, braces, and trusses in fabrication shops for field assembly.
- Panelized construction: Producing wood or metal wall/roof panels ready for installation on site.
- Prefabricated bathroom/kitchen pods: Factory-making fully finished bathroom/kitchen units.
The prefab approach offers advantages like reduced waste, improved quality, schedule compression, and easier installation over on-site construction methods.
Prefab Assembler Role
Prefabricated structures assemblers play a pivotal role in physically connecting all precast/prefabricated components accurately according to design and fabrication drawings at the project location. Their core responsibilities typically include:
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- Carefully lifting, positioning, and settling concrete or modular units into place using cranes or forklifts as per tolerance specifications.
- Temporarily bracing erected components for stability before permanent connections.
- Installing embedded bolts, anchors, welding studs, or inserting joints as specified to join interfaces.
- Applying grout or sealing components to make permanent lifts or joins.
- Erecting structural steel frames by bolting, and welding individual pieces as planned.
- Ensuring components are perfectly aligned, leveled, and plumbed as per construction tolerances.
- Dismantling falsework or temporary installation works in a timely manner.
- Maintaining secure, orderly, and clean work areas complying to safety standards.
Skills and Qualifications
Ideally, employers seek candidates meeting the below preferred criteria:
- 2-5 years of relevant experience in precast erection, and modular construction works.
- Skills in safely operating cranes, forklifts, man-lifts, and other installation equipment.
- Mechanical aptitude to comprehend erection plans, and fit components accurately.
- Physical strength, ability to work effectively outdoors at heights.
- Precision skills for quality assembly meeting tight schedules.
- Understanding construction methodology, specifications, and tolerances.
- Certifications like NCCER Core Curriculum, and OSHA 10-30 certification.
- Proficiency in the installation of precast walls, stairs/landings, and modular room components.
- Effective communication and coordination abilities.
Top Sponsoring Companies
Some leading prefabricators providing H-2B visas include:
- Oldcastle Precast – Phoenix, AZ
- Coreslab Structures – Missouri City, TX
- Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services – Pleasanton, CA
- DPR Construction – Redwood City, CA
- ARCO/Murray – Salt Lake City, UT
- Factory OS – Minneapolis, MN
- Pankow – Woodland Hills, CA
- Kiewit – Omaha, NE
- Larson & Darby Group – Lenexa, KS
- BNBuilders – Milwaukee, WI
They support projects across educational, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors recruiting talented foreign assemblers.
Job Prospects and Salary Outlook
With prefabrication gaining widespread prominence to deliver projects efficiently, the fabrication, logistics, and on-site assembly jobs are expanding rapidly offering lucrative prospects.
As per ZipRecruiter data, entry-level prefab assemblers average $70,000-80,000 yearly. Mid-level professionals earn $75,000-85,000 on average with 5+ years experience commanding $85,000-95,000 annually.
Here are the average salaries in some cities:
- Seattle, WA: $75,000 – $90,000
- Austin, TX: $70,000 – $85,000
- Atlanta, GA: $70,000 – $85,000
- Denver, CO: $75,000 – $90,000
- Phoenix, AZ: $70,000 – $85,000
- Charlotte, NC: $70,000 – $85,000
- Nashville, TN: $70,000 – $85,000
Prefab veterans moving into specialized project roles involving rigid frame erection, and lift planning earn $95,000-$110,000 yearly. Overall industry sustains 5-10% annual pay hikes based on performance.
Long-term prospects appear excellent given prefabrication growth of 15-20% annually coupled with a wave of retiring assemblers. Skilled assemblers are in huge demand across commercial, infrastructure projects nationwide. With experience, many establish independent precast installation businesses as well.
Additional Advantages
Aside from lucrative compensation, prefabricated erection jobs in the US offer other benefits like:
- Stable career progression into crew leadership, and project management over the years
- Exposure to installing innovative modular, precast techniques on landmark projects
- Hands-on learning from industry experts across diverse structural assemblies
- Regular skills upgrading through safety training, workshops run by experienced firms
- Work authorization provides opportunity to settle long-term with dependents
- Relocation assistance, accommodation, and medical coverage offered by major employers
- Savings potential through tax benefits, and lower living costs than native countries
- Networking prospects among global specialist construction fraternity
- Experience boost acceptable for jobs worldwide with multinational construction giants
- Visa sponsorship eliminates barriers for candidates otherwise incapable of migrating
Application Strategy
To land coveted prefab assembler jobs, focused applicants must strategize appropriately:
- Research actively sponsoring regional employers, their project portfolios
- Highlight 2+ years of hands-on experience erecting similar precast/modular works
- Emphasize safety record, and precision assembly skills through customized resumes
- Submit work references, licenses/certificates as evidence of competence
- Network aggressively on LinkedIn, and industry events to connect with teams
- Tailor motivation letters relating one’s strengths to each employer’s requirements
- Prepare for technical questions on hardware/methods during rigging interviews
- Demonstrate willingness to be located anywhere projects arise on short notice
- Obtain necessary immigration guidance directly from recruiting organizations
- Relocate immediately upon positive response with all required travel documents
Conclusion
In summary, prefabricated construction assembler profiles present a lucrative avenue for earning over $80,000 annually for overseas citizens through temporary work visas. Experienced candidates have a strong chance of landing one of many active openings amid growing specialized skills demand across the US.
Major precast, modular companies provide stable careers with benefits while executing pioneering projects. Committed applicants are able to expedite residential status through strategic job applications and employer engagement. This career path offers immigrants opportunities for success through safety-focused installation works, exposure to cutting-edge building practices, and prosperity in a dynamic construction economy.
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