The United States has long been a dreamland of opportunity for many people around the world. No doubt, it’s a great country, full of opportunities, and if you’re skilled (technically or handcrafts), you can easily land a job in the States as an immigrant.
There are lots of good-paying jobs skilled immigrants can get in the US. By skilled immigrants, we mean electricians, engineers, health workers, and IT experts. As of 2024, certain jobs have become more prominent and accessible for skilled immigrants due to economic shifts, technology, and government policies.
The 10 Best Jobs for Skilled Immigrants in the USA
Hereunder are the top 10 best jobs for residents and skilled immigrants in the United States of America. These jobs are very much in high demand at the moment in the US, and they offer competitive pay.
1. Software Developer
The tech sector in the U.S. is an ever-growing niche, and as such, more employment opportunities keep springing up in various tech companies. Software developers are at the forefront of technological developments, which makes software developers fall among the most sought-after skills in the US.
From creating apps to building complex systems for large companies, the demand for software engineers and developers is steadily increasing. The U.S. has one of the highest demands for tech talent, and companies are often willing to sponsor skilled immigrants to fill these roles. Of course, you must be exceptional and have strong programming skills with good knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software development life cycles.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
News sources hint that the U.S. healthcare sector is facing a shortage of qualified healthcare workers, with nurse practitioners being among the top list of needed staff. If you’re a skilled nurse (you don’t necessarily need to be a registered nurse), you can easily get employed in a US healthcare sector to serve as a primary care provider.
However, to qualify for this, you must have a medical degree or nursing qualifications, and a license to practice in the U.S. (after passing exams). Strong communication skills are also required and you have to be the compassionate type. The average annual take-home pay of nurse practitioners in the US is around $115,000.
3. Mechanical Engineer
Manufacturing, energy, and construction industries are core to the U.S. economy, and mechanical engineers play a vital role in designing, analyzing, and improving products and systems. The U.S. is known to invest heavily in infrastructural improvements from time to time, which continues to push the demand for skilled mechanical engineers.
Of course, a degree in mechanical engineering is needed for this job, and further requirements may include proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) programs, an understanding of materials science and mechanical systems, and project management. Mechanical engineers earn anywhere from $90,000 to $140,000 per year.
4. Data Scientist
With the explosion of big data, companies need skilled data scientists to analyze and make sense of the massive amounts of information they obtain from various marketing campaigns and sources. Skilled immigrants with expertise in mathematics, statistics, and programming are highly sought after for this job opportunity, particularly in the finance, healthcare, and tech sectors.
As a data scientist in the US, expect to earn around $120k annually. Soft skills demanded for this job opportunity include expertise in programming languages like Python or R, knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning, strong data visualization skills, and fluency in communication.
5. Civil Engineer
Same as mechanical engineers, civil engineers are in the U.S., as the country continues to focus on improving infrastructures like bridges, roads, and water systems. Generally, you need to have experience in large-scale construction projects and be full of innovative ideas to thrive seamlessly in this job as an immigrant. A degree in civil engineering is a must, and a strong understanding of construction materials and structural analysis will be a bonus. The average annual pay for this job is between $80,000 and $120,000.
6. Information Security Analyst (Cybersecurity Expert)
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, making information security one of the most critical sectors today. Skilled immigrants with a background in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, or network security are in high demand, especially in industries like banking, healthcare, and government services.
Professional cybersecurity experts and ethical hackers are not really many at the moment, so if you’re really very good at this, you will easily land a job in the US high-profile offices. Of course, you must be conversant with penetration testing and have a strong knowledge of network security, firewalls, and encryption – expect to be paid $150k+ annually.
7. Physical Therapist
The aging U.S. population is leading to an increased need for physical therapists who can help patients recover from injuries or surgeries. So, if you’re experienced with, or have a background in physical therapy or related fields, you can find steady work across the States, especially in clinics and hospitals. You can offer this service on freelance and work on your terms. Well, you may need a degree in physical therapy and state licensure. Physical therapists in the US earn an average of $90,000 annually.
8. Electrician
There is so much for a skilled electrician to get along with; from working on construction sites to building projects, and also helping homeowners with renovation projects. Electricians are among the most sought-after skilled workers, not only in the US but in many other countries.
Skilled trades like electrical work are always in demand for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. You may need to register with a national body to be fully licensed to operate in all US States. A skilled electrician must be able to understand safety codes and have the ability to read blueprints and technical diagrams. The average pay for electricians is $90,000 annually.
9. Business Analyst
Businesses in the US often search for analysts who can evaluate their operations, recommend improvements, and implement technology to streamline day-to-day business processes. Skilled immigrants with backgrounds in business, finance, or IT are often hired as business analysts, especially by companies seeking to expand globally.
To fit in for this job, you need to possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as knowledge of business process management – the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and proficiency with data analysis tools. The average business analyst in the US earns around $85,000 per year.
10. Farmers (Agric Experts)
In the US, immigrants with agricultural skills are in high demand as there are many firms looking to expand in their agricultural farms and setups. Agriculture is vast, it includes crop and livestock production, forestry, aquaculture, and local farming. If you have good knowledge of these agricultural sub-sectors, you will easily get a job in the US. The salary expectation is anywhere between $60,000 and $110,000 yearly.
Conclusion
The U.S. offers a wide range of job opportunities for skilled immigrants, with many industries actively seeking international talent. From technology and healthcare to engineering and skilled trades, the demand for qualified professionals continues to rise in the US, and immigrants are mostly favored for these jobs.