Immigrants have long played a pivotal role in shaping the American Dream. Armed with ambition and determination, they come to the USA seeking high-paying careers and a prosperous future.
This article explores $84/hour jobs in the USA that offer significant opportunities for foreign professionals.
High Paying Jobs In USA For Foreigners
1. Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in administering anesthesia. They play a crucial role in ensuring patients’ safety before, during, and after medical procedures. Nurse Anesthetists assess patients’ medical histories, devise anesthesia plans, administer anesthesia, and monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery.
Due to the ongoing expansion of the healthcare industry in the USA, the demand for skilled Nurse Anesthetists remains consistently high. Particularly in rural and underserved areas, these professionals fill critical gaps in anesthesia services, making healthcare accessible to more people. This high demand means that Nurse Anesthetists can command significant salaries, earning a median annual income of around $221,521, or approximately $84/hour.
Path to Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist:
– A Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
– Experience working as a Registered Nurse (RN)
– Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nurse Anesthesia
– Certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist involves rigorous training, but the high pay and job stability make this profession a desirable choice for foreigners looking to secure high-paying jobs in the USA.
2. Financial Managers
Financial Managers oversee an organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, investment management, and risk analysis. They play a vital role in a company’s profitability by ensuring proper financial planning and regulatory compliance.
Financial Managers in the USA earn a median annual salary of around $107,550, with more experienced professionals earning significantly more. This translates to approximately $84/hour in some instances, particularly for those working in large firms or managing high-stakes portfolios. Financial managers often advance to senior roles such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), where compensation can far exceed these numbers.
Path to Becoming a Financial Manager:
– A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
– Professional experience in finance or accounting roles
– Advanced education (e.g., a Master’s degree or MBA)
– Certification such as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The finance industry in the USA offers substantial growth opportunities, especially for foreign professionals with strong analytical and management skills.
3. Lawyers
Lawyers, or attorneys, are critical players in the legal system, representing clients in various legal matters. The median annual salary for lawyers in the USA is approximately $97,265, but specialization in areas such as corporate law or intellectual property can push earnings to $84/hour or higher.
Foreign professionals who want to practice law in the USA face a challenging but rewarding path. They must meet the rigorous standards required to pass the bar exam and become licensed to practice. Once licensed, lawyers can work in many different fields such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, or environmental law.
Path to Becoming a Lawyer in the USA:
– Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s)
– Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
– Pass the bar exam in the state where you wish to practice
Law is a highly competitive and rewarding field for foreign professionals with the right qualifications and a desire to help clients navigate complex legal challenges.
4. Physicians
Physicians are among the highest-paid professionals in the USA, earning an average salary of approximately $180,621 per year. With the healthcare industry experiencing ongoing growth, the demand for physicians, particularly in underserved and rural areas, remains high. Specialists such as cardiologists and surgeons can command significantly higher salaries, with hourly rates that may easily exceed $84/hour.
The road to becoming a physician in the USA is long and demanding, requiring years of education, residency, and passing multiple licensing exams. However, for foreign professionals with the required qualifications and dedication, the potential rewards are immense.
Path to Becoming a Physician in the USA:
– Bachelor’s degree (Pre-Med)
– Medical School (4 years)
– Residency Program (3–7 years depending on specialty)
– Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
Foreign-trained physicians must also undergo additional exams and assessments to ensure their qualifications meet U.S. standards. But once licensed, physicians enjoy not only high pay but also job security and the satisfaction of providing essential healthcare services.
5. Dentists
Dentists in the USA earn a median annual salary of approximately $226,424, making this profession one of the highest-paying in the healthcare sector. The hourly rate for dentists can range from $84/hour to higher, especially for those who specialize in areas like oral surgery or orthodontics.
Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating a range of dental issues, performing procedures like fillings, root canals, and dental implants, and advising patients on proper oral hygiene. The field offers job stability, high earning potential, and the satisfaction of improving patients’ quality of life.
Path to Becoming a Dentist in the USA:
– Bachelor’s degree
– Dental School (Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD))
– Pass National and State licensing exams
Foreign-trained dentists may need to undergo additional education and exams to meet American standards, but the financial rewards make this profession a top choice for high-paying careers in the USA.
6. Pharmacists
Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals responsible for dispensing medications, providing patient education on prescription usage, and ensuring the safe distribution of drugs. The median annual salary for pharmacists in the USA is approximately $128,710, translating to around $84/hour, depending on location and experience.
Foreign professionals looking to become licensed pharmacists in the USA must meet stringent educational and licensing requirements, but the demand for pharmacists remains high, particularly in hospitals and retail pharmacy settings.
Path to Becoming a Pharmacist in the USA:
– A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited school
– Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
– Complete internship or residency programs
For foreign professionals, becoming a pharmacist offers a clear path to a high-paying career in the healthcare industry.
7. Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits beneath the Earth’s surface. This high-demand profession in the energy sector offers a median salary of approximately $137,720, which can equate to $84/hour for experienced engineers working on large projects or in high-cost regions.
Path to Becoming a Petroleum Engineer:
– Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field
– Professional experience or internships in the energy sector
– Certification through programs such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Petroleum Engineering is an ideal career path for foreign professionals with technical expertise and an interest in the energy sector, as it offers not only high pay but also global mobility and opportunities.
Conclusion
The USA offers a wealth of high-paying job opportunities for foreign professionals, particularly in fields like healthcare, finance, and engineering.
Achieving success in these professions often requires significant education and training, but the rewards—both financial and personal—are immense.