I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolBest Jobs for Green Card Holders
Updated on April 7, 2024
Written by
Written by
Securing a Green Card in the United States opens up a myriad of opportunities, not least of which is the vast job market. With a Green Card, individuals have the right to live, work, and study in the U.S. indefinitely, significantly broadening their career prospects. This article explores some of the top jobs for Green Card holders, spanning various industries and sectors.
Civil Engineer
- Average Salary: $83,000 per year, with a range from $53,000 to $133,000.
- Job Description: Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, supervising, operating, and maintaining large construction projects and systems.
- Responsibilities: These include infrastructure projects and systems such as roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage treatment systems.
- Required Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is typically required.
Physician
- Average Salary: Varies by specialization, with family practitioners earning around $190,000 per year and urologists around $206,000.
- Job Description: Physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and provide a range of healthcare services to patients.
- Responsibilities: Patient care, diagnostic testing, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
- Required Education: A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, followed by residency and licensing.
Hairdresser
- Average Salary: Approximately $24,000 per year, varying based on location and establishment.
- Job Description: Hairdressers cut, color, and style hair to enhance or maintain a person’s appearance.
- Responsibilities: Consulting with clients, styling, coloring, and maintaining hair health.
- Required Education: State-approved cosmetology or barber training program and state licensure.
Nail Technician
- Average Salary: Around $22,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and location.
- Job Description: Nail technicians clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.
- Responsibilities: Manicures, pedicures, applying artificial nails, and nail art.
- Required Education: A postsecondary nondegree award from a cosmetology school and state licensure.
Teacher
- Average Salary: Varies by level; kindergarten teachers average $52,000, elementary $55,000, and high school teachers $58,000 per year.
- Job Description: Teachers educate students in a range of subjects and help develop their analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Responsibilities: Lesson planning, instructing students, grading assignments, and managing classroom dynamics.
- Required Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a specific subject area along with a teaching credential.
Nurse
- Average Salary: Around $66,000 per year, with potential for growth based on specialization and experience.
- Job Description: Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate about health conditions, and offer support to patients and their families.
- Responsibilities: Assessing patient health problems and needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, and maintaining medical records.
- Required Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Accountant
- Average Salary: Approximately $68,000 per year, with growth expected in the sector.
- Job Description: Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws.
- Responsibilities: Assessing financial operations, recommending best practices, auditing, and preparing taxes.
- Required Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
Financial Manager
- Average Salary: Around $121,000 per year, reflecting the responsibility and expertise required.
- Job Description: Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization.
- Responsibilities: Producing financial reports, directing investment activities, and developing strategies for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
- Required Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration; many also have a Master’s degree.
Software Engineer
- Average Salary: Varied based on experience and specialization, but software engineering is known for its lucrative compensation packages.
- Job Description: Software engineers apply engineering principles to the development of software, from design to implementation and maintenance.
- Responsibilities: Developing software solutions, debugging, and problem-solving within the development lifecycle.
- Required Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
Truck Driver
- Average Salary: Earnings can vary widely based on routes and experience, with some long-haul drivers earning significant salaries.
- Job Description: Truck drivers transport goods from one location to another, often over long distances.
- Responsibilities: Safely operating trucks,maintaining accurate logbooks and ensuring their vehicle is in good condition.
- Required Education: A high school diploma is generally required, along with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and completion of a professional truck driving school.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a career in the United States as a Green Card holder presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. The roles listed here span a broad range of industries and skill levels, reflecting the diverse American job market. Whether your background is in technology, healthcare, engineering, or education, there are promising career paths available. Remember, success in these roles often depends on a combination of education, experience, and the ability to adapt to the U.S. work culture.
Sources
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Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.