Working in the USA as a professional mover can be a great opportunity for foreign workers.
It is a highly sought-after job, as the need for moving companies to find hardworking and reliable individuals to assist clients in their relocations is always there. In case you are willing to work as a professional mover in the USA, this article will take you through job requirements, salaries, benefits, and how to get started in finding a job in this line of work.
What is the job of a professional mover?
A professional mover assists individuals, families, and businesses in moving their belongings from one location to another. This position involves the following activities:
- Packing and unpacking items to prevent them from damage
- Loading and unloading furniture, boxes, and equipment
- Driving the moving truck to the location
- Assembling or disassembling furniture when required
- A moving team usually consists of several members, and the working hours can be long, depending on the season, like summer. Being a physically fit person will help you to maintain the requirements of the job, such as lifting and carrying heavy items.
Why is There a Demand for Professional Movers in the USA?
The moving industry of the USA is huge, with millions of people moving every year. Families often relocate to another city to be able to find a better job or get higher education for their children, whereas businesses have offices that need to be relocated in another location or State. Foreigner workers fill the labor gap since many moving companies are not able to employ workers for that hard and physical job.
Does a Foreign Worker Require Special Permits?
Yes, foreign workers must possess a proper visa enabling them to work in the USA. Concerning professional mover jobs, the most common types of visas include:
- H-2B Visa: For temporary non-agricultural work, which includes moving. Many employers apply to this program for busy times of the year.
- Permanent Work Visa-Green Card: Some may sponsor skilled employees for permanent residency if they prove to be quite valuable to the company.
- Research the requirements for a visa and consult with an immigration professional to make sure you meet all the legal criteria.
Professional Mover Salaries in the USA
The salary of a professional mover in the USA is pretty dependent on where you are located, what experience you have, and what kind of company you work for. However, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect:
- Entry-level movers can receive wages that average approximately $12 to $15 an hour, which is just about normal for those just coming into the position and having less than one year of experience.
- Experienced movers, with a few years under their belt, may earn between $16 to $20 an hour. They could also get rewards, or bonuses, during the busy season.
- Supervisors or team leaders assuming extra duties, such as team management or taking care of more complex projects, can receive up to $25 per hour or more. Full-time professional movers’ annual salaries range between $25,000 and $45,000. In high-demand cities, New York or Los Angeles, for example, this number can go higher.
- Besides the wage per hour, many companies provide tips as well, which can considerably boost your profit. On average, USA movers report receiving $20 to $100 in tips per move depending on the size of the job and the client’s satisfaction.
Benefits of Working as a Professional Mover
A professional mover benefits from several advantages offered by working in the USA in particular for foreign workers.
- Flexible Scheduling: Most moving companies have both part and full-time positions, and thus you can select hours to suit you.
- No Requirements for Formal Education: You are not required to have a college degree for this position. In most cases, basic training is done by the employer.
- Health and Safety Benefits: Some of them offer health insurance, sick pay, and accident cover, particularly for full-time employees.
- Growth Opportunities: It is possible to progress, with experience, into supervisory positions or specialize in niche relocation areas like international moving.
- Work Experience in the USA: Professional movers may provide an entry for foreign workers seeking to gain valuable work experience along with improving their English language skills.
Top Cities for Professional Mover Jobs
Demand for professional movers differs based on population density and trends of relocation to other cities. Therefore, some of the best places to find mover jobs in the USA include:
- New York City: Being one of the highly populated cities in America, NYC sees constant movement of people. The city offers a great number of job opportunities for movers. Salaries here tend to be higher at an average of $20 per hour for experienced workers.
- Los Angeles: The busy lifestyle of LA is yet another high-demand city for movers. Workers in this city can enjoy competitive wages with tips.
- Chicago: Being one of the biggest cities in the Midwest, Chicago also experiences a good number of relocations, especially during summer.
- Houston and Dallas: Texas cities are growing fast, meaning there will be an increased demand for moving services.
- Miami: Florida is a retirement and family hot spot; this makes it yet another hot spot for moving jobs.
How to Find Professional Mover Jobs in the USA
In case you’re a foreign worker looking to find professional mover jobs in the USA, here’s how to get started:
- Research Moving Companies: Look for companies that hire foreign workers. Some large moving companies, like Allied Van Lines and United Van Lines, often recruit workers through visa programs.
- Online Job Portals: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are great platforms to find job openings. Use keywords like “Professional Mover Jobs in USA for Foreign Workers” to narrow down your search.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in connecting foreign workers with jobs in the USA. They can help you find employers willing to sponsor your visa.
- Networking: Reach out to friends, family, or community groups that may have contacts within the moving industry.
- Direct Applications: Most of the moving companies have a “Careers” section on their website where you can apply directly.
Skills Needed to Succeed as a Professional Mover
While it may not be necessary, particular skills that can help an individual excel in this position include:
- Physical Strength and Stamina: You are going to need to lift and carry heavy items for several hours.
- Teamwork: Movers work in a team, so being able to communicate and work together is a vital part.
- Attention to Detail: Packing and handling of the items should be carefully done, so as not to get damaged.
- Customer Service Skills: Customers like courtesy and professional movers, and this will also increase your gratuities.
- Basic Driving Skills: If you possess a CDL, this will make you more marketable to the employer.
Challenges of Being a Professional Mover
- As with any occupation, professional moving also presents its challenges. Some of these are:
- Physically Demanding Work: The work involves lots of heavy lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
- Irregular Hours: Movers often work early mornings, late evenings, or weekends, especially during busy seasons.
- Weather Conditions: You may have to work in hot summers, cold winters, or rainy weather.
- Short-term Contracts: Many moving companies hire workers on a seasonal basis, so job stability can be an issue.
Tips for Foreign Workers
- If you are a foreign worker considering a career as a professional mover in the USA, here are some helpful tips:
- Basic English Skills: Good communication with clients and colleagues is always appreciated. For that, you will do better with improved English.
- Safety First: There are lifting skills a person must have to protect themselves from injury. Many employers provide safety training.
- Reliability: Come on time and be professional. That may bring a long-term offer of a job.
- Save for Emergencies: If you are on a temporary visa, it’s a good idea to save some money for when work is slow.
Conclusion
Professional mover jobs in the USA offer great opportunities for foreign workers. With competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and room for growth, this field can be a satisfying career path. Whether you are looking for temporary work or a long-term job, the moving industry has something to offer.
Start by researching the companies, applying online, and meeting all the requirements for your visa. You can work your way up to a successful career as a professional mover in the USA with hard work and dedication.
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