Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Ian Golightly

Mobile and manufactured homes are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and efficiency. Behind every successfully installed manufactured home is a certified mobile home setter, a professional crucial to the industry’s integrity, safety, and overall satisfaction of homeowners. Certified setters ensure that mobile homes are correctly installed, meeting local regulations and standards, providing stability, and protecting against environmental challenges such as wind or flooding.

The Role of Certified Mobile Home Setters

Certified mobile home setters handle the installation of both mobile and modular homes, which includes positioning, leveling, and securing the home on its foundation. Their expertise ensures that the homes are safe for occupancy, connected to utilities, and compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.

Their responsibilities typically include:

  • Transporting the home to the designated site.
  • Foundation preparation, including ground leveling and ensuring proper drainage.
  • Assembling multi-section homes, which requires precise alignment.
  • Anchoring and stabilizing the home to prevent shifting or damage from wind or ground movement.
  • Utility connections, such as electricity, plumbing, and gas, to ensure functionality.

Certified setters also troubleshoot any installation issues, ensuring a seamless transition from delivery to occupancy. Their work is essential not just for the homeowner’s comfort, but for safety, as improperly installed homes can suffer from structural failures or environmental damage.

How to Become a Certified Mobile Home Setter

Becoming a certified mobile home setter requires specific training and certification depending on the state or region.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Education and Training: No formal education is typically required beyond a high school diploma or GED. However, specific training courses are essential. Many organizations, like the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), offer online training courses tailored to state-specific regulations. These courses cover critical topics such as load-bearing capacity, soil testing, and proper anchoring techniques​.
  2. Certification: After completing the necessary coursework, aspiring setters must pass an exam to receive certification. This certification ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge to handle the complexities of home installation.
  3. Licensing: Depending on the state, additional licensing might be required. For example, some states mandate specific HUD certifications for manufactured housing installers​.
  4. Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training: New setters often work under experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience. This step is critical as it prepares them to deal with real-world installation challenges​.
  5. Maintaining Certification: Many states require continuing education to maintain certification, ensuring that setters stay updated with changes in industry standards or local regulations​.

Essential tools and equipment for certified mobile home setters

The Pay for Certified Mobile Home Setters Across the U.S.

The income for certified mobile home setters can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the specific industry. Here’s a breakdown of national averages:

  • Entry-level setters with little experience can expect to earn between $23,330 and $27,870 per year, or approximately $11 to $13 per hour​.
  • Experienced setters typically earn an average salary of around $36,360 annually, or $17 per hour. The top 25% in the field can earn upwards of $42,890, with the highest 10% making over $52,200 per year​.
  • Geographical differences also play a crucial role in salary. For example, setters in New Hampshire and Washington enjoy some of the highest wages, earning around $47,520 and $43,490 respectively. In contrast, setters in states like Tennessee and Florida typically earn lower wages, with averages around $28,860 to $29,400​.

Why Certified Mobile Home Setters Are Essential

Certified mobile home setters are the backbone of the manufactured housing industry, ensuring that homes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and safe. Their role ensures compliance with local building codes, reduces the risk of structural damage, and increases the lifespan of the home. By following strict safety protocols and installation guidelines, they help protect homeowners from future costly repairs or potential safety hazards.

Moreover, the demand for mobile home setters continues to grow as more people opt for affordable housing solutions. With proper certification, these professionals not only increase their earning potential but also enhance the overall quality of homes within the industry.

Conclusion

Certified mobile home setters play an indispensable role in ensuring that manufactured homes are safe, stable, and compliant with regulations. For individuals considering this career path, certification offers a gateway to a rewarding and growing profession. As demand for affordable housing increases, so will the need for skilled professionals capable of handling the complexities of mobile home installation.

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Ian Golightly
Author: Ian Golightly

Seasoned professional in the manufactured home industry , specializing in project management and capital expenditure strategies. With a passion for enhancing community value through innovative solutions, Ian leverages his expertise to guide stakeholders in making informed decisions. He serves as President @ GG Property Solutions & Founder @ MHDigest.com. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring technology and building projects that address real-world challenges.