The construction industry in the United States offers plenty of well-paid job opportunities for foreign workers looking to get an H-2B visa sponsorship. According to the latest data from Indeed, there are over 300 construction companies actively hiring for positions that pay an average salary of $57,000 and offer visa sponsorship.
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These construction jobs cover a wide range of roles requiring different skill sets across various specializations like steel construction, modular construction, excavation work using heavy machinery, prefabricated structures assembly, and more. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top in-demand construction jobs that come with H-2B visa sponsorship and pay around $57,000 annually.
We will also look into the duties and responsibilities involved in these roles, the types of skills and qualifications required, as well as the various construction companies that are sponsoring foreign workers through the H-2B visa program. By the end, you should have a good understanding of the career opportunities available to build your future in the US construction industry.
BIM Modeler/Coordinator
Building Information Modeling or BIM is revolutionizing how construction projects are planned and built today. BIM modelers and coordinators play a vital role in creating 3D models and information databases for structures using specialized modeling software like Autodesk Revit, SketchUp, and Bentley.
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Their key responsibilities involve generating detailed BIM models with all architectural, structural, MEP, and construction details; coordinating models across different project stakeholders; detecting and resolving design conflicts and errors; preparing models for fabrication and on-site construction; producing documentation like plans, elevations, sections from the models; and more.
Companies look for candidates with a bachelor’s or associate degree in architecture, engineering, or construction-related fields, 1-3 years of relevant BIM modeling experience, proficiency in BIM software, and strong 3D visualization, and problem-solving abilities. BIM modelers can expect to earn around $55,000-$60,000 annually. Large contractors like Hensel Phelps, Turner Construction, and Suffolk are sponsoring H-2B visas for these roles.
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Prefabricated Structures Assembler
With the growth of prefabricated and modular construction techniques, there is increasing demand for skilled on-site assemblers and erectors. These workers specialize in assembling precast concrete units, prefabricated steel structures, and modular building components into their final position as per design plans.
Assemblers handle tasks like lifting, positioning, and securing prefabricated structural elements using cranes, forklifts, and mechanical lifting equipment. They correctly join and connect all interfaces like embedded bolts, inserts, and welded or grouted joints as per tolerance specifications. Safety compliance, efficient workflows, and high-quality installation are key performance aspects for these roles.
Employers look for candidates with a technical or trade diploma, and 2-5 years of relevant experience in precast concrete erection, steel structure assembly or modular construction. Proficiency in operating heavy machinery, mechanical aptitude, and physical strength are preferred attributes. Assemblers can expect a salary range of $50,000-$60,000 from sponsoring companies like Coreslab Structures, Oldcastle Precast, and DPR Construction.
Caterpillar Backhoe Operator
Backhoe loaders or excavators are indispensable machines for many site preparation and foundation works in construction. Caterpillar backhoe operators earn an average pay of $57,000 running Cat excavators, loaders, and backhoes on construction job sites for tasks like excavation, grading, material handling, demolition, and trenching.
As an operator, key responsibilities involve safely operating backhoes including the 318 model and 430F2 model to dig trenches, holes, and foundations according to specifications. Other duties include digging around utilities, moving debris and excavated soil, grading and leveling terrain, and digging and backfilling trenches. Operators must have skills to work productively and efficiently while complying with safety protocols.
Sponsoring companies seek 2-5 years of experience operating machines like Cat 320/330 excavators and 906/928 loader backhoes. Possessing an excavator operation certificate, and skills to maintain and perform minor repairs on equipment adds value. Companies sponsoring H-2B visas for these roles are American Infrastructure, Flatiron, and Keller.
Steel Detailer/Erector
Steel construction is gaining momentum worldwide owing to steel’s strength, durability, and versatility as a building material. Steel detailers and erectors play a vital role in various stages of steel structure fabrication and erection.
Detailers take engineering design drawings and break them down into fabrication shop drawings containing all necessary details for cutting, welding, and bending steel components like beams, columns, braces, plates, and decking. They utilize engineering software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Tekla, detailing knowledge of welding symbols, and piece marks to create accurate shop drawings.
Steel erectors physically assemble, install, and connect prefabricated steel components to form the final structure as per layout and erection drawings. It involves tasks like lifting steel sections into place using cranes, temporarily bracing erected steel, aligning and plumbing columns to required positions, and welding and bolting steel pieces together.
Detailers typically need a technical diploma in structural steel detailing along with 3-5 years of relevant experience using steel detailing software. Erectors require a construction trades certification, proficiency with rigging hardware, and experience lifting structural steel. Companies offering H-2B sponsorship include Kraemer North America, Nucor, and Kiewit.
Excavator Operator
Excavators or diggers play a vital role during site preparation, utility works, and foundation projects. Experienced excavator operators with skills to efficiently operate heavy machinery like Caterpillar 325LC, and Komatsu PC360LC-11 excavators can earn up to $60,000 yearly.
Their main responsibilities comprise grading and leveling sites, excavating trenches and foundation holes as per design drawings, demolishing structures, and digging pool foundations. Other key tasks involve lifting, transporting, and precisely positioning heavy materials using the excavator, and maintaining equipment in good working condition.
Successful candidates are expected to have at least 3 years of experience operating similar excavator models productively and safely according to protocols. Possessing an excavator operation certificate and the ability to conduct minor repairs on excavators is valued. Sponsoring construction giants include W.G. Yates, CalAtlantic, and Turner Construction.
Construction Crane Operator
Cranes serve as indispensable machinery for lifting and placing heavy construction components. Experienced crane operators earn around $57,000/year operating equipment like Liebherr LR1280 mobile crane, and Manitowoc 8000 lattice boom crawler crane on commercial construction projects.
As an operator, one must be adept at safely hoisting, transporting, and setting structural steel, precast concrete elements, HVAC units, and construction equipment as per load charts, signals, and lift plans. Other key responsibilities involve inspecting and maintaining cranes regularly as well as complying strictly with safety standards.
A high school diploma and 5+ years of experience operating similar cranes is the minimum qualification expected by sponsoring companies. Possessing National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification for mobile and tower crane operation and skills to understand load moment indicators add value. EMCOR, MI Windows and Doors, and AIS Construction sponsor visas for such roles.
Construction Equipment Operator – Loader
Loaders or front-end loaders are crucial for many construction tasks involving digging, grading, leveling, and materials handling. Experienced loader operators can earn a salary of $57,000/year moving equipment like Caterpillar 924K, and John Deere 544K wheel loaders effectively.
Key duties involve clearing, grading, and leveling sites using loader buckets and forks, digging trenches and foundations, loading aggregate, dirt, and debris into trucks, and hauling it to disposal sites. Apart from machine operations, responsibilities also comprise pre-operational checks, fueling, servicing, and maintenance of equipment in safe condition.
Having a high school diploma or equivalent, 3-5 years of solid experience operating similar loaders productively is desirable. Candidates possessing NCCER certification for Loader and Backhoe Operations stand a better chance at selection. Companies providing H-2B sponsorship include Flatiron, Skanska, and Kiewit.
Modular Structure Erector
The modular construction technique involves factory assembly of building components that are transported and installed on-site as complete modules to reduce build time significantly. Experienced modular erectors earn up to $60,000 per annum for their crucial role.
Their responsibilities involve coordinating lifting modules weighing several tons accurately into position using cranes as per erection drawings, squaring and leveling modules using jacks, installing temporary connections, and cutting and fitting modules together using cutting tools. Tasks also involve installing permanent connections like welding studs/clips and bolting flanges together to join interfaces.
Employers look for candidates with 1-3 years of experience handling similar tasks in modular construction, and skills operating machinery like man lifts and cranes. Possessing credentials in modular construction techniques and NCCER certification in Basic Rigging adds to my skillsets. Large modular building companies sponsoring these roles are Factory OS, Coreslab, and ARCO.
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors or construction estimators provide cost estimates and play a key role in project administration and contract management. Working for construction firms and contractors, their average salary stands at $57,000/year.
As a surveyor, one is responsible for undertaking quantity take-offs from architectural/structural drawings and specifications to establish material quantities needed for projects. They must then prepare accurate estimates of all direct and indirect cost components like labor, material, equipment, subcontract charges, markups, and taxes.
Surveyors also monitor project progress, value works completed, track cost deviations against budgets, and prepare payment applications. They evaluate claims, negotiate prices with subcontractors and vendors, and manage contracts to ensure projects are completed within estimated costs.
A Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field with 2-5 years of experience in commercial construction cost estimating is preferred. Candidates should possess knowledge of estimating software like Sage Timberline, R.S. Means, and building codes. Understanding contracts, ability to analyze plans, and resolving costing issues are key skills.
Companies sponsoring H-2B visas for surveyors include McCarthy Building Companies, The Walsh Group, and Turner Construction. They look for candidates who can effectively liaise between clients, design teams, and contractors throughout project delivery to achieve cost certainty.
Foundation Crew Worker
Foundation works form the bedrock upon which an entire structure stands sturdy. Construction firms hire experienced foundation crew workers offering $55,000/year to assist in specialized roles.
As part of foundation crews for projects like bridge piers, retaining walls, and buildings; workers undertake manual labor tasks like mixing and pouring concrete, handling reinforcement bars, setting up trenches, placing leak barriers, and backfilling as per instructions.
Other duties involve daily maintenance of tools, machinery, and site areas. Candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 1 year of experience assisting skilled trades like concrete finishing, paving, and masonry on commercial job sites.
Having construction knowledge through formal education, OSHA 30 certification, and skills in handling heavy machinery aids in selection. Sponsoring companies include FH Paschen, Barton Malow, and Kiewit. They expect workers to work collaboratively, and uphold safety and quality standards every day on job site.
ACAD Technician
ACAD or AutoCAD technicians play an important intermediary role between engineers/designers and construction teams through technical drafting support services. Working for engineering firms, their average annual salary is $55,000.
As an ACAD technician, key responsibilities involve creating 2D CAD drawings like architectural plans, structural and MEP drawings, section details from design concept sketches, and calculations using AutoCAD software.
The role requires skills to convert complex design ideas into basic 2D layouts, perform take-offs from drawings, and compile material requirements. Other duties include updating drawings based on design changes, preparing presentation drawings, and assisting design teams with document control and archiving systems.
The minimum qualification looked for by companies is an associate degree or technical diploma in engineering drafting/design technology with 2 years of related experience using AutoCAD. Candidates possessing Revit, and Inventor knowledge gain an advantage.
Large engineering consultancies sponsoring H-2B visas for these roles are Arup, WSP, and AECOM. They offer growth opportunities to update technical skills and take on additional responsibilities with experience.
Construction Worker
Construction laborers form the backbone of all construction projects by assisting skilled trade workers deftly through manual labor tasks. Experienced general workers can earn up to $50,000 yearly.
As a worker, one is responsible for safely undertaking tasks like clearing sites, excavating, backfilling trenches, assembling forms, placing concrete, setting rebar, and mixing building materials as per instructions on the job site.
Other duties involve maintaining tools, and materials in organized condition daily, and ensuring work areas are left tidy after task completion. Candidates should have a high school diploma and 1-2 years of related work experience in areas like demolition, road paving, and masonry assisting skilled laborers.
Possessing an OSHA 10 certificate, basic construction knowledge, and strong communication skills paves the way for selection by sponsoring companies like Brasfield & Gorrie, Mortenson, and Hensel Phelps looking for safety-focused, dependable general workers to join teams.
Retaining Wall Construction Crew
Retaining walls play a key role in soil retention on sloping sites, protecting structures from landslides. Experienced retaining wall crews earn up to $55,000 annually putting their construction skills to use.
As part of retaining wall construction crews for projects spanning residential developments, bridges, and sound barriers; crew members undertake duties like excavating footings, mixing concrete on the job site, setting forms for walls, placing rebar, and pouring concrete slabs as per plans.
The role involves undertaking backfilling operations carefully and properly compacting soil behind retaining walls as per engineering specifications. Candidates require 1-3 years of experience assisting skilled masons to construct structures like gravity walls, and segmental walls on job sites.
Having formal education in areas like masonry, Heavy Equipment Operator certification, and proficiency in operating machinery for tasks like grading, and excavating enhances one’s value proposition. Sponsoring contractors are Giroud, Keystone, and Construction Control Systems seeking skilled retaining wall crews.
Concrete Batching Plant Operator
A concrete batching plant is a crucial piece of equipment that mechanically proportions specified concrete mix ingredients into consistent quality concrete for projects. Operators earn $50,000-$55,000 /year.
As an operator, their main responsibilities are to safely operate batching controls to proportion concrete ingredients like cement, sand, and aggregate as per mix designs.
They are also responsible for daily maintenance tasks like calibrating proportioning systems, monitoring plant systems for any errors, and cleaning equipment. Holding an NCCER Concrete Technician certification (CCT) and having 2+ years of experience operating similar batch plants is preferred.
Companies offering H-2B sponsorship for these roles are Gatso, Central Concrete Supply, and Allen Engineering Corporation. Operators play a key support function by timely delivering quality ready-mix concrete to job sites as per project requirements.
Farm Buildings Crew
The farm industry relies heavily on temporary foreign workers to construct buildings like barns, equipment sheds, grain silos vital for housing livestock, and machinery storage. Experienced farm crews earn $50,000/year.
As crew members, key responsibilities involve tasks like excavating footings, forming concrete walls/floors, and erecting structural frames using cranes/forklifts as per blueprints.
Other duties involve installing siding, and trusses onto frames, applying roofing materials, and assembling equipment like feed conveyors, and ventilation systems under guidance. Candidates are expected to have 1-2 years of experience assisting on similar agricultural structures.
Having construction skills certification, and proficiency in operating machinery for tasks like material handling aids selection. Farm service companies sponsoring H-2B visas for dependable crews include Bluestem Buildings, Schaefer Ag Buildings, and FarmBarnBuilder.
Heavy Construction Equipment Mechanic
Heavy equipment plays a key role in construction but requires periodic maintenance and repairs to ensure workplace safety and productivity. Experienced mechanics earn up to $60,000 servicing equipment.
As a mechanic, one would be responsible for performing routine service tasks like changing fluids/filters, inspecting components as well and conducting repairs on engines, undercarriages, and electrical systems of machinery ranging from backhoes, and excavators to cranes, loaders at job sites or workshop.
The role requires diagnostic expertise to pinpoint issues, skills in handling tools, and replacing faulty parts as per OEM manuals. Employers seek candidates having an associate degree in diesel technology or a technical diploma along with 5+ years of hands-on experience repairing similar equipment.
Possessing manufacturer certifications, and understanding electro-hydraulic controls aids selection. Companies sponsoring H-2B visas for these critical roles are United Rentals, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, and Herc Rentals.
To conclude, the US construction industry offers numerous well-paying jobs for foreign workers looking to gain an H-2B visa sponsorship. Right from BIM modeling to heavy equipment operations, demand exists across various skilled construction roles paying around $57,000 on average. Candidates stand to build a bright future by exploring these in-demand opportunities in the thriving infrastructure and building industry through temporary work visas. The stable careers offer growth while contributing to some of America’s most iconic construction achievements.
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