Top 10 Jobs Available for Immigrants in the USA

Immigrants play a vital role in the U.S. workforce. They work in a wide range of industries—from high-paying fields like IT and healthcare to entry-level positions in agriculture, construction, and retail. Understanding the best job options, average wages, and what it takes to succeed can help immigrants build a strong career path. In this article, we will explore the best industries that hire immigrants, discuss pay levels, and share tips on how to find the right job in the United States.

Common and Best-Paying Jobs for Immigrants

When looking for jobs in the United States, immigrants must consider both short-term and long-term goals. Some jobs pay very well but require special licenses, good English skills, or extra training. Other jobs are easier to get right away and can lead to better positions over time. Every immigrant’s situation is different, depending on their education, skills, and immigration status. The list below shows a mix of jobs that are easy to start and others you can reach with more education, practice, or certifications.

Agriculture

Farmworkers are vital to the U.S. agricultural sector, which relies heavily on immigrant labor due to high demand, physically intensive work, and relatively low barriers to entry. Many immigrants, including recent arrivals, find these positions as an immediate way to earn an income.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Accessibility: Agriculture often requires no formal education, making it a practical starting point for newcomers adjusting to U.S. life.
• Support Organizations: Advocacy groups such as Farmworker Justice and the United Farm Workers Union help protect immigrant workers’ rights, advocate for fair wages, and improve working conditions.
• Long-Term Outlook: While these jobs are accessible, they are often seasonal, physically demanding, and may offer limited upward mobility. Immigrants seeking more stable or higher-paying work often transition into other industries over time.

Construction

The U.S. construction industry frequently employs immigrants—especially those from Latin America and Africa—in roles such as general labor, roofing, masonry, and carpentry. For many immigrants, construction can offer immediate earnings, on-the-job training, and the potential to move into specialized trades.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Entry Requirements: Physical fitness, basic English for safety instructions, and willingness to learn are key. Formal education may not be necessary for entry-level roles.
• Credentialing: Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA training) are relatively easy to obtain and can increase job opportunities and wages.
• Professional Growth: With time, immigrants can specialize in areas like plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC installation, which often pay more. Mentorship from experienced workers can smooth the path to advancement.

Domestic Work and Cleaning

Housekeeping, childcare, and eldercare roles are common starting points for undocumented immigrants and newcomers with limited English proficiency. Such jobs often provide flexible hours that can fit around family responsibilities.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Accessibility: Little to no formal education or certification is required for entry-level domestic roles.
• Worker Advocacy: Organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance support immigrants by advocating for fair wages, legal protections, and safer working conditions.
• Career Trajectory: Over time, some immigrants move from domestic roles into higher-paying positions in hospitality, caregiving (such as CNA roles), or even private household management, depending on their language skills and training.

Hospitality and Tourism

Immigrants often find work in hotels, restaurants, and tourism services—sectors that thrive in major U.S. cities and tourist hotspots like New York, Las Vegas, and Miami. These roles range from entry-level positions (housekeepers, dishwashers) to skilled roles (chefs, event managers, multilingual tour guides).

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Language Skills: While basic English may be enough for some roles, multilingual immigrants can get better positions, especially as tour guides for non-English speaking tourists.
• Training and Advancement: Entry-level roles (dishwashing, housekeeping) require minimal qualifications. Formal culinary training or certifications (e.g., from the American Culinary Federation) can help immigrant chefs secure better-paying positions.
• Cultural Familiarity: Understanding American customer service standards, food safety regulations, and guest expectations can improve job prospects. The National Restaurant Association offers training and resources that immigrants can leverage.

Retail and Customer Service 

Retail sales associates, cashiers, and customer service representatives often serve as stepping stones for immigrants. These roles can help newcomers improve their English, understand American consumer culture, and gain customer-facing experience.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Entry Requirements: Generally minimal—often a high school diploma, basic English proficiency, and strong interpersonal skills.
• On-the-Job Training: Employers frequently provide training, making these roles accessible. With strong performance, immigrants can move into supervisory or management positions.
• Workforce Programs: Local workforce development agencies and immigrant support organizations may offer English courses, mentorship, or job placement assistance, easing the transition into customer service roles.

Transportation and Logistics 

This sector includes roles ranging from truck driving and package handling to warehouse inventory management. Immigrants, including many from Africa and Latin America, are well-represented in these roles, partly due to relatively straightforward entry requirements and stable demand.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Licensing and Training: Truck drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Forklift or warehouse equipment certifications are shorter courses that boost employability in warehouse operations.
• Access Points: Staffing agencies and immigrant advocacy groups can help place newcomers in entry-level logistics roles. Some companies offer paid training programs.
• Long-Term Outlook: With experience, immigrants can move from package handling to supervisory or distribution management roles, increasing their earnings over time.

Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the most immigrant-friendly and rewarding sectors in the U.S. While high-level medical roles (doctors, dentists) require years of credential re-approval and licensing, other positions like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), home health aides, and certain technician roles offer quicker entry. 

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Doctors: Foreign-trained physicians must pass the USMLE exams, complete a U.S. residency, and obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
• Nurses: Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, secure state licensure, and may need additional training if educated abroad.
• Quicker Entry Paths: Immigrants can start as CNAs, which require shorter training programs, often available at community colleges or through healthcare organizations.
• Resources: Upwardly Global and local healthcare boards offer guidance for navigating certification, and many hospitals actively recruit multilingual staff to better serve diverse patient populations.

Education 

The U.S. education system values teachers who can address the needs of diverse student populations. Bilingual teachers and ESL (English as a Second Language) instructors are in high demand. Immigrants who can speak multiple languages and understand different cultures often find good opportunities in this field.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Credential Recognition: Foreign-trained teachers must have their degrees and licenses evaluated by state boards. ESL instructors often need TESOL/TEFL certifications, and bilingual teachers may need a bilingual endorsement.
• Starting Points: Paraprofessional or teacher aide positions help immigrants gain U.S. classroom experience while they work toward a full teaching license or ESL certification.
• Recruitment & Support: Many school districts recruit immigrant educators. State education boards, teacher unions, and organizations like Upwardly Global or WES guide newcomers through the credentialing process.
• Long-Term Outlook: Earning a U.S. teaching license can lead to higher pay, job security, and career growth. Immigrant educators who combine language skills, cultural understanding, and proper certifications contribute greatly to diverse classrooms.

Digital Marketing 

Digital marketing—covering social media management, SEO, content creation, and online advertising—can be lucrative but is often a highly competitive and saturated field in the U.S. Many successful digital marketers have U.S. degrees or certifications, and strong portfolios that demonstrate their ability to engage American audiences.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Cultural & Market Insight: Immigrants must understand American consumer behavior, language nuances, and current market trends. This may require additional education, research, or volunteering to build a portfolio showcasing work tailored to U.S. audiences.
• Credentials & Competition: While a marketing degree is helpful, practical experience and certifications like Google Ads, Meta Blueprint, or HubSpot credentials can help immigrants stand out. Many established professionals have journalism, communications, or marketing degrees from U.S. institutions—a hurdle newcomers may face.
• Freelancing as a Start: Some immigrants begin as freelance content creators or consultants, work with nonprofits, or serve immigrant-focused businesses to build experience before applying to larger agencies or brands.

IT and Software engineering 

The tech industry is one of the highest-paying sectors for immigrants. Large numbers of immigrants, particularly from South and East Asia, already work in U.S. tech companies. African immigrants are also increasingly entering IT roles, though they may face challenges with degree recognition, cultural differences in hiring practices, and building professional networks.

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Long-Term Goal: Although IT is lucrative, it may not be immediately accessible to recent immigrants lacking U.S. degrees or local work experience. Additional schooling, bridging programs, or internships may be needed.
• Credential Recognition: Foreign degrees in computer science or engineering are often recognized, but practical U.S. experience, portfolios (e.g., GitHub projects), and U.S.-based certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, CISSP) significantly improve job prospects.
• Networking and Community: Engaging in local tech meetups, bootcamps, online courses (Coursera, Udemy), and joining immigrant communities in tech (such as the Black Professionals in Tech Network) helps newcomers gain insights into the job market, find mentors, and understand cultural hiring norms.

Jobs for Undocumented Immigrants: Legalities and Challenges

Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to various sectors of the U.S. economy despite facing unique legal and logistical challenges. Their work often sustains industries that rely on manual labor and flexible employment practices. However, it’s important to understand the legal realities, risks, and potential pathways toward lawful employment.

Current Legal Landscape:

• Under U.S. law, employers must verify workers’ authorization to work using documents like a Social Security Number or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Hiring undocumented workers is illegal and can lead to penalties for employers.
• For undocumented workers, employment without authorization carries risks, including deportation if discovered by immigration authorities. Enforcement varies across industries and states, but it remains a legal concern.

Common Industries Employing Undocumented Immigrants: 

Undocumented immigrants often find work in sectors with high demand for manual labor and fewer barriers to entry. These include Agriculture, Construction, and Domestic Work and Cleaning.

Legal Risks and Challenges:

• Undocumented immigrants risk job insecurity, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions because their legal status can limit their ability to seek recourse through official channels.
• Many undocumented workers are hesitant to report exploitation due to fear of deportation.

Steps Toward Legal Employment: For undocumented immigrants, pursuing lawful pathways is essential for protection and stability:

1. Consult Immigration Lawyers: Organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can provide advice on options like asylum, family sponsorship, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
2. Explore DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): If eligible, DACA offers temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
3. Seek Community Support: Nonprofits like the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) offer resources to help undocumented workers understand their rights and explore legal avenues.
4. Employer Sponsorship (Long-Term Goal): Some industries, especially agriculture, offer visa sponsorship programs like H-2A for seasonal workers. While this is not an immediate option for undocumented workers, understanding future pathways is critical.

Know Your Rights: Undocumented workers have certain rights under U.S. labor laws, including:

• In many states, the right to minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• The right to safe working conditions under OSHA regulations.
• The right to be free from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Key Takeaway: While undocumented immigrants play a vital role in the economy, navigating the U.S. job market comes with legal challenges. Seeking professional advice, understanding available pathways toward legal employment, and being aware of workers' rights are essential steps for protecting oneself and pursuing a stable future.

How Many Immigrants Have Jobs?

Immigrants represent 17% of the U.S. workforce–around 28 million workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Documented immigrants often work in IT, healthcare, and education, while undocumented immigrants are essential to labor-intensive industries. In fact, they make up nearly half of all U.S. farmworkers.

Percentage of Immigrants in the Workforce (by State)

These figures highlight the integral role immigrants play in sustaining the U.S. economy.

How Can Immigrants Find a Job in the USA?

Finding employment as an immigrant in the U.S. requires planning, patience, and persistence. Follow these steps to improve your chances:

1. Understand the Legal Framework

• Work Visa: If you have documentation, determine which visa you qualify for, such as the H-1B (skilled professionals) or H-2A (agricultural workers).
• Green Card: Consider pursuing permanent residency for broader employment opportunities.

2. Assess Your Skills

• Identify industries that match your qualifications and work experience.
• Obtain any certifications or licenses required for your field.

3. Build Your Network

• Connect with immigrant advocacy groups and professional associations.
• Attend job fairs and industry events to meet potential employers.

4. Use Job Resources

• Explore online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
• Seek local resources for immigrant employment, such as:

5. Consider Entry-Level Roles

Starting with entry-level jobs in fields like retail, hospitality, or logistics can help you gain U.S. work experience, improve your English, and eventually move on to higher-paying positions.

Conclusion

Immigrants play a crucial role in the U.S. workforce, contributing to a wide range of industries that drive both economic growth and cultural diversity. From high-paying careers in IT and healthcare to accessible entry-level roles in retail, customer service, and manual labor, there are numerous opportunities for individuals with varying skill levels and experiences. By leveraging available resources, pursuing relevant certifications, and networking within supportive communities, immigrants can overcome challenges and thrive in their careers.

For immigrants seeking extra guidance, Yolla offers useful resources. Articles like “Finding a Job as a Refugee” and “Tips for African Expats” provide practical advice on job-seeking strategies, building professional networks, and overcoming common obstacles. Together, these guides and Yolla's mission to connect people globally offer valuable support for immigrants as they build new lives and careers abroad.