Every year, the United States welcomes thousands of immigrants. Finding solid work that would enable them to obtain experience and establish roots in the nation is a dream for most of them. Little wonder why they are often looking for good paying jobs for immigrants in the US.
You should also read:
- Easy Ways to Travel to the United States as an Immigrant
- US Immigration Requirements: Everything You Need to Know
The best jobs in the US for legal immigrants have a high earning potential, are in high demand, and are open to people from all walks of life. We will highlight the best jobs to consider while relocating to the US, ranging from the tech sector to healthcare and banking. Discover the routes that will take you to a rewarding and profitable future in your new home. Let's go!
How to Get A Job as an Immigrant in the US
About 140,000 employment-based permanent resident immigrant visas are granted to foreign workers who wish to relocate to the United States each year. These employment-based (EB) visas, also referred to as green cards, are permits for permanent residence.
An American company must extend an offer of a full-time position that cannot go to American citizens or permanent residents of the United States for the application to be started.
Most U.S. visas are employment-based, so you must have a job set up to be eligible to work in the country. Hiring non-American citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States will require your employer's consent. The first step is to apply for jobs with companies with this certification already or are prepared to consider applications from qualified candidates.
The American embassy in your nation of residence may be able to provide you with details on future job prospects or employers looking to hire if you're applying from abroad. Numerous American websites can also assist you in your hunt for jobs for legal immigrants. The Department of Labor offers a job search portal that you can use to find employment if you're searching for seasonal or temporary positions in the construction, agriculture, and other industries.
Best Paying Jobs for Immigrants in the US
The United States of America boasts a diverse labor market with several job options. Most high-paying occupations in the United States demand a college degree, relevant experience, or both. Here are the good paying jobs for immigrants in the US.
1. Nurse
A nurse is someone who has finished a broad, foundational nursing education program and has been granted permission by the relevant regulatory body to practice nursing in their nation.
In addition to having the necessary training and licensure, this person must be able to practice general nursing, which includes promoting health, preventing illness, and providing care for physically and mentally ill and disabled people of all ages in all settings.
They must also be able to conduct health care teaching, make treatment plans, actively engage in the health care team, and engage in research. The nursing job market is very competitive. If you're a foreign-educated nurse hoping to work in the US, be sure you abide by US federal immigration law and fulfill the necessary professional and educational qualifications.
You need to have your license as a registered nurse and practice for at least two years in your country. Also, you may need to have a certain educational attainment and apply for the CGFNS certification program. The average salary for this job in the US is $133,000.
2. Caregiver
A carer is a trained worker who helps patients with everyday duties and activities so they can lead more independent lives. It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in US. They have strong organizational abilities and an excellent heart. These immigrant workers monitor treatment plans and are available to assist. Visa sponsorship is needed for this job.
The best way to work as a carer in the US is to have your employer sponsor your application for an EB-3 (Other Worker) visa.
With this permanent US visa, you are able to remain in the country and continue working there. To be eligible for the EB-3 Visa (Other Worker) and be able to work in the United States, you do not need to have any particular experience, education level, or abilities. Nonetheless, you must be able to read and write in English and be in good physical shape. Although unnecessary, it's a fantastic career step if you have prior experience providing care. Individual income varies, but the annual average salary for this job is $45,000.
3. Doctor
A doctor is a qualified medical professional with training and certification who helps preserve or improve mental and physical health. The duties of a physician include engaging with patients, identifying medical issues, and effectively treating disease or injury. They can also be personal trainers in some cases. Students can choose from various specialty areas within the medical sector.
Some requirements and educational attainment must be met to relocate to the US as a doctor. You might need to get an ECFMG certification and secure your US work visa. In addition, you must apply for medical residency and get your license from the state you want to practice. Individual income varies but the average annual salary for this job in the US is $200,000.
4. Construction Worker
A construction worker's duties on the job site include clearing debris, building scaffolding, loading and unloading supplies, and operating and supporting heavy machinery. In addition to the responsibilities above, they are also in charge of setting up the building site, gathering supplies and equipment, loading and unloading equipment, clearing out trash and hazardous materials, erecting and dismantling temporary buildings and scaffolding, and supporting other contractors.
Furthermore, the construction industry is quite lucrative. It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in US. The country’s demand for labor is growing rapidly. The most fundamental requirement for employment in construction is a high school degree or school diploma. It is advantageous if students obtain vocational training by enrolling in high school math, woodshop, and welding courses. The majority of immigrant workers receive on-the-job training from their employers. To prove their knowledge in the field, the staff members might need to earn a certification unique to the industry. Individual income varies, but the average annual salary for this job is $50,000.
5. Software Developer
Software engineers are responsible for software design, development, and upkeep for systems and applications. Application developers and systems developers are the two primary categories of software developers.
For software to better satisfy user needs, both kinds of developers examine, test, and refine it. They manage every step of the software lifecycle, from component design to maintenance and upgrade release.
Once a foreign national has obtained the appropriate software engineer visa, they can immigrate to the United States as a software engineer. It's important that you adhere to the most recent US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) visa application forms and regulations. The average salary for this job is $100,000.
6. Data Analyst
Data analysts play a critical role in gathering, assessing, managing, and analyzing the available data. The relevant data must be sorted, filtered, and used for a variety of purposes by the data analysts.
Data analysts are in high demand in the United States and worldwide. Data analysts are in high demand in several industries, including medicine, finance, data management, education, banking, and healthcare. They have to be very proficient in data cleaning and statistical modeling. It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in the US.
Additionally, they must be knowledgeable in coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL. In order to improve their knowledge and coding abilities, immigrant workers can also enroll in certificate programs. To become a data analyst in the United States, you must have a graduate degree or complete an endorsement program in information examination. The average salary for this job is $108,000.
7. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers create, develop, test, and oversee the production of electrical equipment. These equipment include electric motors, communications systems, radar and navigation systems, and power generation equipment. Furthermore, the engineers design airplane and car electrical systems.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exams are required to certify your engineering degree in the US. Know that obtaining your Green Card from the US government is necessary for being granted permission to work and live legally in the country. The average salary for this job is $100,000.
8. Physical Therapist
In your role as a physical therapist, you will identify and manage patients with medical disorders that affect their capacity to move and carry out daily tasks. Not only will you assist in regaining their mobility and bodily function, but you will also endeavor to enhance their general well-being and quality of life.
As a physical therapist, you can assist patients in avoiding surgery and lowering their reliance on prescription medications. You'll frequently build enduring relationships with patients and get satisfaction from witnessing their efforts achieve perfection.
If you want to work as a physical therapist in the US, the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) will need to conduct a credential examination for you. After that, you'll take the NPTE ( National Physical Therapy Examination) and get your license from the state where you want to work.
Obtaining the legal authorization to practice physical therapy in the United States through the appropriate immigration processes is the last step towards becoming a foreign-educated physical therapist in the country. It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in US. The average salary for this job is $80,000.
9. Accountant
An accountant gathers, monitors, and corrects the company's financial data to assist firms in making important financial choices. In addition to making sure financial records are accurate all year long, they are in charge of reconciling bank statements and conducting financial audits.
To work as an immigrant accountant in the US, you'll need to assemble your resume, employment history, degrees, licenses, certifications, and information on Certified Public Accountant (CPA) work done in your country.
To acquire a review of your credentials, you can contact the Board of Accounting in the state where you want to work. However, most states mandate that you use the National Association of State Boards of Accounting (NASBA). Furthermore, you must pass all sections of the CPA exam and apply for CPA license in the US. The average salary for this job is $100,000.
10. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers organize, create, and oversee major building projects. This could refer to buildings, bridges, transportation hubs, and other major constructions. They use computer modeling tools and data from testing, surveys, and maps to generate project designs.
Taking the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exams is a requirement for having your engineering degree recognized in the United States. Civil engineering is also among the best jobs for immigrants in Canada. The average salary for this job in the US is $120,000.
11. Dentist
A dentist is a medical professional with a focus on oral health. They offer preventive healthcare and diagnose and treat diseases in a patient's teeth and gums.
While some dentists specialize in treating specific patient populations or conditions, many dentists work as general or family practitioners, providing services to a wide range of patients. It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in the US.
To work as a dentist in the US, you need to apply to ECE and JCDNE with your certificate of eligibility form. You also have to apply for NBDE Part I and II examinations. The average salary for this job in the US is $200,000.
12. HR Manager
Human resources managers oversee all aspects of hiring new employees, including recruiting, interviewing, and hiring. They facilitate the communication between executives and staff, develop talent resource strategies, enhance employee engagement, and establish an employer brand.
In most US regions, a large pool of candidates for HR management jobs exists. This isn't a scientific or technical area requiring years of study and dedication. In this area, employer-sponsored green cards might be hard to come by and challenging to acquire. The average salary for this job in the US is $81,000.
13. Veterinarian
A veterinarian is a medical specialist specializing in treating and diagnosing animal diseases and injuries.
They carry out operations as necessary and use medical instruments and diagnostic tools like x-ray machines. Like doctors treat people, veterinarians provide necessary medical care for animals.
In order to become a licensed veterinarian in the US, you need to have either graduated from a veterinary school recognized by the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA COE) or fulfilled the requirements of an educational equivalency certification program run by the AVMA's Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG). The average salary for this job in the US is $128,000.
14. Hairdresser
A hair stylist, sometimes called a hairdresser, is a trained expert in hair coloring, cutting, treating, and styling. The primary responsibilities of the staff members are to provide clients with consultation and advice, as well as successful, visually appealing outcomes that meet the client's specifications. The demand for labor in this area is high.
It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in the US. You don’t necessarily need a school diploma to be a hairstylist. A foreign-educated hair stylist or cosmetologist who wants to work in the United States must fulfill numerous important conditions, such as getting a state license, finding employment, and fulfilling immigration laws. Individual income varies but average annual salary for this job is $50,000.
15. Hotel Administrator
The hotel administrator is in charge of both visitor reception and internal communications within the hotel. The role of administrator is associated with front office service. Apparently, no particular training or school diploma is needed for the administrator position. An applicant must meet various personal requirements to be considered for a position as a hotel administrator. Among these are sociability, stress tolerance, organizing abilities, language skills, and self-control. A competent administrator doubles as a qualified psychologist since he can create an emotional profile of the client and understand how he might benefit from it.
Foreign-born workers working in the hotel industry require a passion for working with people and providing exceptional service. You also need the right visa to immigrate to the US and work there. The average salary for this job in the US is $100,000.
16. Flight Attendants
The flight attendant is responsible for ensuring that passengers are comfortable, safe, and secure. In addition to providing customer service, the flight attendant makes the cabin welcoming to passengers before, during, and after each trip.
Flight attendants working for US airlines must be citizens, permanent residents, or hold one of many types of legitimate work visas. You might need visa sponsorship and language skills for this job. Most airlines need applicants to be between the ages of 18 and 21. However, others have a higher minimum age. It’s one of the good paying jobs for immigrants in the US.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires certification for all flight attendants. Attendees must satisfactorily fulfill training standards set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to be certified. The average salary for this job in the US is $102,000.
Conclusion
Good paying jobs for immigrants in the US are within reach. With determination and skill, newcomers can thrive in various industries and build a prosperous life.
