Best USA Jobs For Immigrants
Last Updated on July 4, 2024 by NAMS Editor
With opportunity and freedom at its core, America has long attracted immigrants worldwide seeking a better life. However, getting established in a new country can be difficult—one of the biggest hurdles is finding stable employment. If you’re an immigrant looking to start your career in the USA, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best jobs available and tips for getting your foot in the door.
We’ll explore in-demand fields with opportunities for immigrants, required qualifications and training, potential earning power, and advice straight from immigrants who have found success in these careers. My goal is to inform and equip you with practical knowledge to make well-researched decisions as you pursue the American dream.
Healthcare: Nursing and Healthcare Support Positions
One of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the US economy is healthcare. With an ageing population and shortage of domestic workers, the industry has many openings welcoming immigrants with the right credentials. Two areas ripe for new immigrants are nursing and healthcare support roles.
Registered Nursing (RN)
Registered nursing is a stable, high-paying career that is in very high demand across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RN employment is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030—much faster than average. The median annual salary for RNs is $75,330.
To become an RN in the US, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Programs range from 2-4 years depending on your educational background. Many community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs that take 2 years to complete for those without a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are available at 4-year universities and also take 2 years for those with an unrelated bachelor’s.
As an immigrant, you can work as an RN if you have a valid US work visa and nursing license obtained after passing the NCLEX-RN. Your work authorization status will impact where and how you can work. Temporary visas like H-1B may allow work under sponsorship while permanent residents (green card holders) have broader options. Over 90% of RNs are US citizens or permanent residents.
“As a nurse from the Philippines, finding work as an RN in the US was challenging at first due to visa limitations, but community colleges made it possible to get my ADN and bridge program to work here,” says Arnelle M., an RN in Seattle. With her nursing credentials and experience, Arnelle was eventually sponsored for a green card by her employer.
Healthcare Support Occupations
Other in-demand healthcare jobs for immigrants include medical assistants, home health aides, and physical therapist assistants. These roles provide an on-ramp to working in healthcare with fewer educational requirements compared to nursing.
Medical assistants perform various clinical and administrative duties under the direction of physicians and other healthcare practitioners. Training programs are available at community colleges or vocational/technical schools and take around 12 months to complete. The median salary is $36,930.
Home health aides help elderly, injured, or disabled patients with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. Most employers prefer a high school diploma or equivalent along with a state-issued certification after 75 hours of training. Earning potential ranges from $24,900 to $30,920 annually.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of physical therapists to provide various treatments that help patients improve movement and manage pain. An associate degree from an accredited PTA program is needed, which usually takes 2 years. PTAs earn a median $59,870 per year.
With relatively short training periods and clearly defined qualifications needed, these supportive healthcare fields can be ideal entrance points for immigrants to establish themselves in the growing US healthcare industry.
Technology: Programming, Software Development and IT Support
As technology continues transforming all sectors of the economy, the demand for skilled tech workers consistently outpaces supply. A Computer Science degree from a US university is not absolutely required in many programming and IT roles if you have the right skills, experience, and self-study habits. Here are some options:
Software Developer/Programmer
Software development careers like programmer, developer, and engineer are highly sought-after across the country. Large tech companies thirst for talent while smaller startups also provide opportunities. Programming skills may include languages like Java, Python, C++, and frameworks like React.js.
A 4-year computer science degree or a related field like IT or engineering is recommended if intending to work for larger companies. However, online programs, coding boot camps and documented self-study can open doors too at small-to-medium sized ventures in need of specific skills. The median pay for software developers is $110,000 annually with remote roles being possible.
“I came to the US on an H-1B visa sponsored by my employer after working as a programmer in India for 5 years,” shared Akshay B., currently leading an engineering team at a San Francisco startup. “Being self-taught and having shipped commercial projects was key experience accepted without an American degree.”
IT Support/Helpdesk Specialist
The demand for IT professionals to provide technical support to end users and keep systems running smoothly remains constant. Helpdesk or IT support roles require 1-2 years of vocational training and certifications like CompTIA A+ and Client Services.
Hands-on experience and customer service skills are just as valued as technical chops. With duties like troubleshooting software, hardware and networking issues, salaries for specialists range from $46,000 up to $65,000 depending on location and employer.
“After obtaining two associate degrees in India, I received an H-1B visa as an IT consultant,” shared Sandhya D., now an IT manager. “Starting at the helpdesk let me build experience within a multinational firm for internal promotions over the years.”
Trades: Construction, Electrical, Plumbing
Immigrants have long made their living in the skilled trades—construction work, electrical, plumbing, and installation/repair jobs will remain steady options for those willing to get their hands dirty. Technical diplomas, certifications, and on-the-job mentorship can pave the way.
Construction Worker
Construction labour jobs and trades like carpentry, and masonry offer accessibility since training is often acquired “on the job.” Experience is valued more than education. Day rates range from $130 to $200 for skilled workers. Specialized roles such as operating engineers (average $65,000-$80,000) require heavy equipment operator certification.
Ability to learn quickly, manage lifts/tools safely, and good communication skills are important. Many construction firms value bilingual workers able to understand both English and Spanish. Continuous work exists nationwide as infrastructure and commercial projects steadily develop.
“I started in construction helping friends renovate houses in my free time after moving here from Colombia 15 years ago,” explained Luis D., who owns his residential construction company today. “Getting experience and learning from crew leaders progressed my skills over the years.”
Electrician, Plumber, HVAC Technician
Technical careers in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) pay higher than general construction with greater specialization. Apprenticeship programs at local unions or technical schools take 3-5 years—mixing classroom courses with supervised on-site experience.
Journey-level electricians and plumbers average around $56,000/year, while HVAC technicians earn a national median wage of $48,730. International training/certifications may be accepted upon review. Union trades provide higher wages and benefits to members in many major metros. Job security exists due to the constant need for maintenance and repairs nationwide.
“Completing my electrician apprenticeship with the IBEW union transformed my career after moving to Chicago from India,” shared Sanjay P. “Having a technical trade was valuable for green card sponsorship too through their hiring process.”
Transportation: Commercial Driving, Logistics, Aviation
Driving and logistics roles filling the nation’s highways, railways, airports and distribution centres present a variety of opportunities from entry-level roles to management. Some transportation jobs need citizenship while others only require work authorization.
Commercial Truck Driver
Commercial truck drivers remain in high demand to deliver goods across America’s transportation infrastructure. Semi-truck, bus and delivery vehicle operators make around $47,000 annually on average. Paid CDL training programs prepare new drivers in 4-6 weeks including road practice.
You must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), medical certification, and a clear driving record. Some large carriers may sponsor temporary H-2B visas for seasonal work as an option while green card holders face fewer restrictions. Steady work is plentiful nationwide due to e-commerce growth and nationwide replenishment needs.
Aviation Mechanic/Technician
With over 730,000 commercial aircraft worldwide and a projected growth of 3.8% annually, the airline industry needs skilled maintenance technicians. FAA-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians service and repair aircraft, earning a median salary of $63,000.
Accredited 18-month programs teach theory and hands-on skills. Certification requires passing two 8-hour exams. Some employers may sponsor H-2B visas for this role if qualified candidates cannot be found domestically. Long-term opportunities exist at major airlines and commercial airports across the nation.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, immigrants have found stable careers and opportunities for advancement in a variety of in-demand fields across the booming US economy. Healthcare, technology, trades, and transportation – each provide pathways suited for different backgrounds and qualifications.
The keys to choosing a suitable career path include researching requirements, training options available locally, potential earnings, and legal work authorization considerations. Starting at an entry-level while developing skills and experience sets immigrants up for success over the long run.
Employers in many industries genuinely value hard work and practical abilities over academic pedigrees alone. By pursuing continuous education, certifications, or on-the-job training programs, immigrants can greatly strengthen their resumes and qualifications over time.
I hope this guide has provided a sense of the promising and accessible options available to help immigrant job seekers establish themselves in the United States. With dedication to developing new skills and contributing valuable services, you have every opportunity to achieve stability and prosperity through worthwhile employment here. Wishing you all the best moving forward in your career journey!
