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Workers are scarce on US construction sites, temporary construction jobs abound, and Brazilians discover that bricklayers, plumbers, and welders can earn much more with the right contract and visa
The US civil construction sector is experiencing one of its most tense moments in recent years. There’s a shortage of people to build houses, renovate buildings, install plumbing, weld structures, and carry out projects that cannot stop.
According to estimates from the Associated Builders and Contractors, the country faces a shortage of hundreds of thousands of workers. And it is precisely there that many Brazilians begin to see an opportunity: to work legally on American construction sites and get paid in dollars.
The shortage that opened a window for foreigners
The construction sector in the US faces a gigantic labor shortage. In some surveys, the deficit has already exceeded 500,000 workers.
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This means that American companies are having difficulty filling essential positions. These include bricklayers, plumbers, welders, carpenters, construction helpers, and installers.
For those with practical experience in Brazil, this news is noteworthy. After all, many of these professionals already master tasks valued on American construction sites.
How much does a bricklayer earn in the United States?
A bricklayer or concrete worker in the US can earn, on average, between US$18 and US$42 per hour, depending on the state, experience, and type of project.
Wage data from O*NET for concrete workers show that earnings can vary significantly by region and specialization level.
In practice, someone earning US$25 per hour and working 40 hours a week can approach US$4,000 per month gross.
Welder can earn up to US$45 per hour
Among the most desired positions is that of welder. In industrial, heavy construction, maintenance, and metal structure jobs, salaries can vary significantly.
The most common range is between US$18 and US$36 per hour, but specialized professionals can find opportunities between US$30 and US$45 per hour, especially in more technical projects.
According to O*NET data for welders, the highest annual salaries in the category can easily exceed the national average.
Plumbers are also in companies’ sights
Another highly valued professional is the plumber, known in the US as a plumber or pipefitter.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the remuneration for plumbers and pipefitting professionals can be quite high, especially for those working with commercial and industrial systems.
In many cases, plumbers earn more than those in basic construction roles, precisely because it requires technical knowledge and direct responsibility for project safety.
The right visa for Brazilians to work in construction
The most common path for Brazilians in temporary construction jobs is the H-2B visa.
This visa allows US companies to hire foreign nationals for temporary, non-agricultural work when there are not enough American workers to fill the positions.
The official rules of the H-2B program show that the process begins with the American employer, who must prove the need for the hiring.
Caution: TN visa is not for Brazilians
Many people confuse visa types and end up falling for false promises. The TN visa is not for Brazilians.
According to USCIS, this category is intended for citizens of Mexico and Canada, under specific agreements with the United States.
Therefore, if someone promises a “TN visa for Brazilians to work in construction,” be alert. For Brazilians, the most compatible path in this sector is usually the H-2B, provided there is a sponsoring company.
Where to find real job openings
The main official website to check for temporary job openings is SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor.
There you will find job openings linked to formal processes, with information on salary, location, role, employer, and work period.
There are also companies and intermediaries that advertise opportunities in Brazil, but candidates must be very careful. Before paying any fee or sending documents, it is essential to verify if the job opening exists on an official source.
The warning every Brazilian needs to know
The dream of earning in dollars can be real, but it also attracts scams. Promises of “guaranteed visa”, “immediate boarding,” or “employment without a contract” should be viewed with suspicion.
The Department of Labor itself provides guidelines in Portuguese on recruitment of migrant workers, including precautions before accepting an offer.
A legitimate job opening should inform company name, hourly wage, city, contract duration, visa type, and working conditions.
Is it worth it for Brazilians?
For experienced, disciplined professionals willing to face heavy labor, American civil construction can represent a chance to earn much more than in Brazil.
But the secret is to do everything through legal channels. The dollar salary is attractive, but the cost of living in the U.S. also weighs heavily.
Even so, with proper planning, a correct contract, and the appropriate visa, roles such as bricklayer, welder, and plumber can open important doors for Brazilians who wish to work abroad.
The news is clear: the United States needs labor. And those with experience in construction may be facing one of the strongest opportunities in recent years.
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