Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students

Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Jan 06, 2023 5:26 PM IST

Job Market in USA for Foreign Students

Every year, lakhs of international students apply for jobs in the US, during and after graduating from their course of study. During the Trump era, job market in the US had slowed down for international students due to rigid immigration rules and organisations reluctant to hire foreign graduates. However, with the new US President Joe Biden's moveto reverse Trump's immigration policies, international students looking for jobs are likely to benefit.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, foreign-born workers in the US accounted for 17.4% of the total workers, with 28.4 million people. Most immigrants were more likely to be employed in management, professional, and related occupations (33.9%) than in production, natural resources, sales and service. With only 13.4% of the total foreign-born labour force in the USA, natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations were the least preferred among all.

Almost all US companies think of international staff as the keystone of their ability to succeed in the global market. This is because of several reasons such as subsidiaries of a company in your home country, assistance in dealing with international clients, maintaining a diversity percentage within the company and so on.

The labour market in the US for international students will also depend on the location of the university and the industry you wish to join. However, the US is widely-popular to welcome talented and recognised people from all over the world to serve and represent their country. For most US universities, around 90-96% of the graduates receive an offer or take up further education after they have graduated.

Given that a lot of Fortune 500 firms are headquartered in the US, some of which include Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon, international students would hardly face any scarcity in terms of employment opportunities. An entry-level job offered to an MS international graduate will guarantee an income of USD 69,000 to USD 90,000 per annum. This may further go up if you are from the fields of IT, finance, management, advertising or engineering.

Some of the top designations associated with jobs after completing MS in the US are business analyst, software engineer, computer systems analyst, web developer, and health information technician, among others.

Top Job Sectors in the USA for International Students

The two sectors with the highest job opportunities in USA for international students along with the highest salaries are technology and healthcare. It is imperative for students to be aware of the employment possibilities in their chosen academic subject. The top job sectors in the USA are energy, tech and IT, retail, marketing/creative, Life Sciences, e-commerce, healthcare, and business services. The most sought-after jobs in the USA are in business management, medicine, law, and computer science disciplines. The following is a graphical representation of the top job sectors in the USA based on different industries for the year 2021:

The most esteemed and lucrative profession in the US is becoming a physician or doctor, with an annual base remuneration starting at USD 212,000 per year. Although medical school is challenging, passing the USMLE exam is necessary to obtain a "licence to practise" in the US. The Pharmacy Manager is the second most sought-after job position in the US, however, there are proportionally limited opportunities each year. The profession of a software architect is the third most sought-after high paid job position in the country. In the USA, the average annual pay for lawyers is also over USD 125,000. Therefore, it is evident that students who plan to pursue their careers in computer science, medicine, law, or business management in the US after completing their education profit the most. The following table highlights a few top job positions in the USA along with their average annual base salaries:

Job Position

Average Annual Base Salary (in USD)

Accounting Manager

85,794

Business Development Manager

78,480

Clinic Manager

70,000

Data Engineer

102,472

Data Scientist

107,801

DevOps Engineer

107,310

Finance Manager

120,644

Financial Consultant

78,356

Front-End Engineer

105,240

Java Developer

83,589

Lawyer

126,930

Management Consultant

110,980

Nursing Manager

85,389

Physical Therapist

71,483

Product Manager

117,713

Software Engineer

105,563

Also Read:

Job Opportunities in UK for International Students

Job Opportunities in Canada for International Students

Job Opportunities in Australia for International Students

Job Opportunities in Germany for International Students

Looking for High Paying Jobs in USA?

Working in the US on Different Types of Student Visas

One of the primary concerns for foreign students is the prospect of working while they are Studying in the US. While it is true that they can work in the USA while studying to supplement their income and get experience, there are certain strict restrictions imposed by the Federal government of the United States that students are obligated to follow.

Only those students with F-1 and J-1 visas are allowed to work in the USA. On the other hand, students holding an M-1 visa are not permitted to work during their ongoing course of study. The three categories of non-immigrant US Student Visas for studying in the United States are F-1, J-1, and M-1. Here is a brief overview of these three visa categories as well as the conditions for obtaining a student work visa in the USA:

F-1 Visa

The most common international student visa in the United States is the F-1 Visa, which is intended for full-time academic study. F-1 visa holders are qualified for part-time on-campus employment or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which normally entails no more than 20 hours per week. Furthermore, F-1 students are permitted to pursue optional practical training (OPT) for a period of up to one year following the completion of their academic degree.

Working in the US on an F-1 visa

An F-1 student who has completed at least one academic year of college or university is eligible to gain Practical Training or work experience. Practical Training can be divided into two types: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). A practical training programme usually involves on-campus employment. The term on-campus employment refers to any work performed within or outside the college campus but associated with the university, for example, an internship. Furthermore, it is also essential that the work is linked to the curriculum of the programmes offered by the university. In other words, on-campus employment does not necessarily mean working only within the campus. As an F-1 student, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic session and full-time during vacations, holidays, term breaks, and times when your college or university is on a sessional break. Now, let us briefly discuss what CPT & OPT is:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Sponsoring employers to offer Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is often taken by students for credit and to get practical experience in their field of study. You must have finished at least one academic year, have declared your major, and have a job offer from a US employer to be eligible for CPT. However, there might just be a few employers taking part in CPT. You must also submit an application for authorisation to CPT at the time of the employment offer. The Designated School Official (DSO) of the university grants this authorisation after confirming that the job position satisfies CPT standards. You must conduct research and confirm the CPT requirements with the international student office of your institution because they differ for both undergraduate and graduate students.

CPT, which allows you to work 20 hours or less each week, is considered part-time work. However, you can only opt for employment when your university is not in regular session. You would not be able to enrol in Optional Practical Training, however, if you have completed one year or more of full-time CPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

All F-1 students are eligible to receive Optional Practical Training (OPT) for one year as long as they completed their programme's first academic year. OPT is intended to supplement academic study, therefore the work is defined relative to the area of specialisation or major. You may be qualified for a 24-month extension of the OPT, for a total of 36 months, if you are enrolled in a degree programme that is designated as STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). OPT can be completed both before and after graduation, in contrast to CPT, which must be completed before graduation. You must visit your nearest DHS Service Center to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you want to work while on OPT.

If you are on OPT as an F-1 student, the working hours and state of affairs may vary. Hence, the following are some crucial pointers you must keep in mind:

  • OPT is valid during study breaks, yearly vacations, and other times when classes are not in a regular academic session. If this is the case, you must register for the upcoming term or session and satisfy the eligibility requirements stipulated by the employer and your institution.

  • While classes are in session, OPT may be pursued for up to 20 hours per week.

  • Once the entire programme is through, you are eligible to start working full-time under OPT.

  • If you have finished all programme prerequisites, you are eligible for full-time OPT employment.

  • Additionally, bear in mind that OPT is closely tied to your field of study; for example, if you are studying commerce, you are not qualified to work as a graphic designer or web developer, and the opposite is true.

F-1 visa holders can work off-campus, which may or may not be relevant to the field of study, in addition to the above-mentioned practical training that takes place on campus. Students who experience financial difficulties (such as an unexpected loss of a scholarship, a robbery, or a depreciation of their currency, among other things) or who receive a job offer from an international organisation may be qualified for off-campus employment under certain conditions. The DSO is tasked with further evaluating the validity of student petitions for off-campus work.

J-1 Visa

Students who need to complete their academic programme with practical training that is unattainable in their home country are granted a J-1 visa. As long as the criteria specified by the exchange visitor programme are followed, the J-1 student visa offers comparable work opportunities to the F-1 visa.

Working in the US on a J-1 visa

The following are the three types of employment available to J-1 visa holders:

Academic Training: This training course is approved and pertinent to the student's subject of study. After completing their degree programme, J-1 visa holders are qualified for up to 18 months of practical training. This calls for you to apply for the academic training before the completion date specified on the DS-2019 form and have a job offer. You must submit a DS-2019, also known as a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status), to apply for a J-1 visa to work as an intern or trainee in the United States.

On-Campus: Under the Exchange Visitor Programmes for Indian Students, you are permitted to work on campus in areas relevant or unrelated to your field of study. You might, for instance, work for a campus-based event organisation.

Off-Campus: Students participating in the exchange visitor programme may be qualified for off-campus employment based on unforeseen financial circumstances, such as the unanticipated loss of a scholarship or emergency medical expenses, etc.

For work-related issues, students must check with DSO for international students and keep themselves informed. While working in the USA, be informed of the laws and regulations on employee rights, social security numbers, benefits, contracts, Highest Minimum Wages, and tax deductions.

M-1 Visa

For non-academic or vocational courses, an M-1 visa is required. It is given to a student who will study at a US vocational or non-academic institution. M-1 visa holders are not allowed to work while they are studying in the US. Students who fall under this visa category must additionally provide proof that they have the money on hand to cover their tuition fees as well as the Average Cost of Living in the USA.

Students need to know that F and M visas can be awarded up to 120 days before the start of the programme. The US entry deadline for students is one month or 30 days before the start of the academic programme.

Note: Students holding M-1 visas are not permitted to undertake any work in the US during their study programme. However, they can participate in practical training but only when they have completed their studies in the States.

Related Read:

How are J, M, and F US Student Visas Different?

F1 Visa Denied - Reasons for Rejection of USA Student Visa

J1 to H1B and J1 to F1: How to Change Your Visa Status?

List of Documents Required for USA Visa Application for Indian Students

Part Time Jobs in USA for Indian Students

It is indeed crucial to consider the types of jobs you want to engage in and your career aspirations before you begin applying for part-time jobs in USA for international students. Your chances of landing an international students part time job in USA are increased if you can make an impression on employers with your special capabilities and enthusiasm or zeal for the position given the volume of other international students vying for the same positions as you.

Applying for some jobs can be difficult if you have no prior work experience. Certainly, several US Universities provide a variety of options for entry-level job positions and/or lines of work where you can obtain practical experience and advance to other positions as your skills expand. The following are the top five positions for part-time jobs in USA for Indian students:

  • Teaching Assistant

Working as a teaching assistant at your university or college enables you to support the instructors' classroom activities and help students. If a student has a question that is not too complex or if help is required after office hours, teaching assistants are often in charge of responding. This position is perfect for students who enjoy teaching or who are knowledgeable in a certain field and wish to impart that knowledge to others.

A teaching assistant earns, on average, USD 11.85 per hour. You must have a thorough comprehension of the classroom curriculum and excellent observational skills to be able to spot students who require additional individual assistance. Depending on the class, this position may require a lot of effort, so make sure to think about how you will manage your academics and your teaching assistant roles and responsibilities. If you intend to pursue a profession in teaching or a field that involves training in the future, gaining experience as a teaching assistant is also highly beneficial.

  • Campus Ambassador

You are in charge of introducing prospective students to your university or college campus in your job as a campus ambassador. As there will be a lot of new students and parents with questions, being a campus ambassador is a perfect opportunity for students who appreciate helping others or who enjoy socialising. Campus ambassadors interact with prospective students and offer their knowledge of the university while also honing their communication skills, cooperating with other ambassadors, and participating in special activities.

On average, Campus ambassadors earn USD 10.94 per hour. However, you might only be able to submit an application for this job position in your second semester since it requires you to be familiar with your university and its campus. When courses are in session, campus ambassador positions are typically open so that interested students and their parents can visit the college or institution, tour the campus, and get a feel for university life as well as what it means to live a Life in the USA as an International Student.

  • Library Assistant

In the US, library assistants often serve as support personnel in their respective university or college libraries. The main responsibilities include organising and shelving books, assisting fellow students in finding the books they need and giving book recommendations. For students who prefer reading and quiet work without important responsibilities, library assistant positions can be appropriate. If there are days when you are not busy, you can study while working in these positions.

The hourly wage for library assistants is on average USD 13.24. This position typically does not have many requirements or demands, making it an excellent choice for your first career. Its flexibility allows you to gain work experience while managing your course load and adjusting to life in the US.

  • Peer Mentor

Peer mentors' primary duty is to assist students who desire to enhance their skills in areas like reading, writing, comprehending assignments, and studying study materials. This is an excellent option for students who appreciate mentoring others, particularly international students, as you may offer your mentees distinctive insights and teaching strategies. You often schedule certain office hours where students can come in to ask for assistance as a peer mentor. You might also collaborate with other student mentors, which could lead to the discovery of novel approaches to teaching and learning.

Peer mentors typically make USD 14.31 per hour on average. While peer mentors may perform tasks that are similar to those of teaching assistants, they typically assist more students overall than teaching assistants to undertake in particular classrooms. This is a brilliant job to start accumulating experience and learning the principles of teaching if you want to pursue a career in education.

  • Research Study Assistant

As a research study assistant, you collaborate with your professor and the department professors at your university to do research in a particular area. While primary tasks vary depending on the department and field you work in, you will typically assist in research, organise and analyse data outputs, maintain equipment in good functioning order, and participate in projects. Students who are enthusiastic about a particular area of research and are interested in bolstering efforts to discover new discoveries are ideal for this position.

On average, the hourly wage for research study assistants is USD 15.48. This work is a perfect opportunity to develop relevant knowledge and skills while you study if you intend to work in a career in a related sector after graduation. You usually need to have a deep understanding of the research subject for these types of roles, and they can also be very time-consuming. You must balance these responsibilities with your academic programme commitments.

Tips for Hunting a Part-Time Job in USA

Having discussed the top part-time jobs salary in USA for students, let us talk over some important tips to find one. If you are an international student, you might wonder, how do I get a part-time job in USA for international students? Getting started can be easy if you follow the tips mentioned below:

Start Your Research and Apply Early: Part-time jobs in USA for international students can be very competitive. If you want to start working as soon as possible, it is imperative to start looking for and applying for job positions beforehand.

Research Each Job Role Watchfully: Read the job description and requirements in-depth before applying for any job position to ensure that you are a suitable fit for you. This helps you determine whether the job complies with the work impediments on your student visa.

Update Your CV and Prepare a Cover Letter: You must submit your CV or resume for consideration for almost every USA part-time job for students, and some employers might also want you to submit a cover letter. You must make absolutely sure that your resume is updated and that your cover letters are personalised or tailored for each job position.

Speak to Your University Career Services or Professors: If they have a contact at a company that interests you, your professors and faculty may be able to introduce you to suitable student prospects or perhaps provide you with a referral.

Consider Applying for Job Positions that Interest You: As opposed to a work that you are not passionate about, if you have a personal interest or strength in it, you may perform more effectively and have a far more satisfying experience.

Prepare for Interviews: Employers may contact you for an interview if they find your resume appealing. An excellent method to practise your responses and make doubly sure you are prepared for the actual interview is to prepare for them with advisers or close friends.

Remember to Send a Thank you Note: Thanking the hiring officer for taking the time to interview you is a great way to demonstrate your professionalism and courtesy. Hence, make sure you send a thank-you note following the interview to show appreciation.

While it is important to stay positive and optimistic when applying for part-time jobs in USA for Indian students, there are certain challenges you should prepare for as you search for the right job.

Related Read:

Top Part-Time Campus Jobs for International Students in the US

Part-Time Job Options in the UK for International Students

Part Time Jobs in Germany for International Students

Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for International Students

Need Expert-Recommended Information on Part-Time Jobs in USA?

Jobs After MS in USA for International Students

In the US, STEM studies are usually included in MS or Master degrees. The majority of international students pursuing an MS in the United States choose to take courses in Engineering, Business, Science, Computer Science, and Information Technology. Following an MS in USA, job chances vary depending on the stream, and some of them fairly pay well. The following table outlines a list of the top 10 jobs after MS in USA for international students along with the highest salaries:

MS Degree Specialisation

Average Salary (in USD)

Popular Job Roles

Biotechnical/Biomedical

92,620

  • Healthcare Consultant

  • Research Associate

  • Professor

Chemical Engineering

108,540

  • Scientist

  • Chemical Consultant

Computer Science

126,830

  • System Analyst

  • Network Architect

  • Programmer

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

100,830

  • Radio Engineer

  • Systems Engineer

  • Electrical Design Engineer

Engineering Management

144,830

  • Project Manager

  • Program Manager

  • Industrial Engineer

Finance

108,350

  • Accountant

  • Auditor

  • Budget Analyst

  • Financial Analyst

Management

80,000

  • Resource Manager

  • Business Development Manager

  • Project Manager

Mechanical Engineering

90,160

  • Mechanical Engineer

  • Project Engineer

  • Manufacturing Engineer

Petroleum Engineering

137,720

  • Petroleum Engineer

  • Program Manager

Data Science/Statistics

103,930

  • Data Scientist

  • Data Analyst

  • Statistical Analyst

Top Recruiters Offering Jobs After MS in USA

Some of the finest corporate and technological heavyweights in the world are based in the US. Several businesses not only employ US-born students but also help foreign students obtain H-1B work permits. The following are some of the top recruiters offering jobs after MS in USA to international students:

Company Name

Average Pay Scale (in USD)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

62,000 to 1,30,000

Microsoft

80,000 to 1,35,000

Lockheed Martin Corporation

64,000 to 1,25, 000

Intel Corporation         

61,646 to 1,40,000

IBM

78,000 to 1,16,000

Google

68,000 to 1,20,000

General Electric

78,000 to 1,15,000

Cognizant

72,000 to 1,20,000

Apple

70,000 to 1,80,000

Amazon.com Inc.

60,000 to 1,50,000

Also Read:

Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students - Check Total Expenses Here

Find Out the Top Job Opportunities After MS in USA

Job Prospects After Pursuing MS in Business Analytics in the US

How to Write a Student Resume for MS Courses Abroad?

Job Opportunities After MBA In the US

Given that over 100 US B-Schools out of 258 were featured in the Global MBA Rankings 2021, the quality of business schools, employment rate upon graduation, salary levels and return on investment continue to remain unmatched by any other country.

Further, US business schools are undoubtedly the most established networks with connections with domestic and international businesses in the world. When looking for jobs post-MBA, a well-established network proves vital to an international student’s success. The US is also known to be the most generous in terms of MBA salary levels, with US employers offering a medium annual base starting salary of USD 115,000 to new MBA hires in 2019, according to GMAC.

Let us now look at the top job opportunities after MBA in the US along with their salary range and annual average salaries:

Job Role

Annual Average Salary (in USD)

Average Annual Salary Range (in USD)

Chief Executive Officer

823,896

635,261 - 1,024,364

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

444,333

340,420 - 569,226 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

385,412

302,604 - 480,203 

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

247,381

207,450 - 289,357 

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

243,950

199,460 - 307,340 

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

348,540

274,500 - 448,130

Medical Director

286,513

261,760 - 313,961 

Investment Banker

100,669

78,906 - 146,448 

Know More About the Highest Paying Jobs in USA! 

Job Opportunities After Engineering In the US

The engineering sector is booming with over 50% of international graduates in the US enrolling in engineering courses every year. Graduating in the field of engineering from a leading US university can turn up as a great asset in the future.

Depending on the engineering discipline, the US offers numerous opportunities for jobs in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 139,300 new jobs are expected to be added from 2016 to 2026. Petroleum engineers earned a median wage of USD 128,230 per year, the highest of all engineers, followed by computer hardware engineers, aerospace engineers, nuclear engineers and electronics engineers.

Given below are the top job opportunities after studying engineering in the US along with their salary range and annual average salaries:

Job Role

Annual Average Salary (in USD)

Average Annual Salary Range (in USD)

Mechanical Engineer

86,645

70,280 - 111,980 

Computer Hardware Engineer

119,560

70,100 - 192,110 

Nuclear Engineer

116,140

74,800 - 185,550 

Aerospace Engineer

118,610

72,770 - 171,220 

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

103,390

64,870 - 159,520 

Cartographer

65,470

52,340 - 85,050

Petroleum Engineer

137,720

107,020 - 193,430 

Civil Engineer

87,060

68,130 - 113,580 

Biomedical Engineer

91,410

70,990 - 118,020 

Architect

80,750

62,600 - 105,600 

Environmental Engineer

88,860

68,000 - 114,250 

Environmental Engineering Technician

50,620

38,780 - 64,890 

Online Part-Time Jobs in USA for Indian Students

For an international student, the desire to be financially independent is indispensable. Students who work online part-time gain access to new networks as well as a second source of income. From a number of online part-time jobs in USA for Indian students that involve no or tad investment, you can pick the one that best suits your skills and interests. It might also help you determine if you can pursue it full-time in the future. 

In this fast-paced world, job searching has become easier and more effective with the implementation of digital breakthroughs. The productivity and skill-building benefits of working from home are greater. If you pursue online part-time jobs in USA, the pressure and tension are less due to the flexible work schedules provided by an online job. All you have to do is schedule a certain number of hours each day to get the job done. You may use this to not only better utilise your time but also to generate some extra income. In addition, you will have the chance to gain a detailed understanding of the company.

The list of online part-time jobs for college students working from home is provided below as a ramification. Try to understand every aspect of the job positions listed below, then submit an application for the one you feel is the best fit for you. It is advisable to research the company before applying for a job to prevent fraud. The following is a list of the top 11 online part time jobs in USA for Indian students:

  • Business development manager

  • Content Writer

  • Data entry agent

  • Graphic Designer

  • HR recruiter

  • Online tutor

  • Social media management

  • Translator

  • Video editor

  • Web developer

How to Get an Internship in the US as an International Student?

If you are interested to get an internship in the US as an international student that is related to your course of study or interests, you may check out the following pointers:

  • To know about Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must speak with your foreign student coordinator. After nine months (considered to be the first academic year) of entering the US, the CPT permits you to partake in a compensated internship. The CPT stipulates that your internship must be relevant to your field of study and that you must obtain academic credit for it.

  • When you are certain that you are eligible for an internship, you must begin looking for them: Newspapers, internet job banks, internship programmes, businesses and organisations that interest you, etc. are all resources you can use. Then, email your resume to the person in charge of co-op and internship programmes at your institution, and the internships coordinator, and submit applications for the jobs you are interested in.

  • After accepting the internship offer, you must complete and submit the CPT form to your international student office for approval. Your I-20 Form will list your employer and the dates of your internship.

  • If you are looking for an internship after graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) will cover it. For authorisation to work under an OPT, you must submit an application to the US Department of Immigration. An Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) that enables you to work lawfully in the US for typically 12 months will be given to you.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in the US

Although the visa scenario in the States is one of the most debated topics with an uncertain future, international students from all over the world often tend to pursue work in the US after completing their studies. Reasons for the same include a wide array of opportunities, a chance at embracing adventure, workforce productivity, good work ethics, among others. Here’s what you need to know about post-study work opportunities in the US:

Work on H-1B Visa: The H-1B visa is granted to immigrants who are employed in a speciality occupation at US organisations. An H-1B visa holder has a higher education degree or its equivalent. The specialised field could be biotechnology, architecture, engineering, chemistry, computing, statistics, medicine and health, physical sciences, journalism, and more.
The duration of an H-1B visa is three years, which can further be extended to six years. 

Under the Trump Administration, the H-1B visa had undergone a number of changes in relation to immigration and visa rules. With Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 US presidential elections, international students are hoping to benefit significantly as he has promised to reverse most of Trump’s visa policies. 

Work on EB-5 Visa: The EB-5 Green Card permits immigrants to become permanent residents of the US if found eligible. In order to be considered for the visa, one has to invest a minimum of USD 900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which manages to employ at least 10 Americans. 

Highest Paying Jobs in USA for International Students

While possessing an acceptable degree and being a recognised scholar is important, there is a greater demand for individuals who can work in the highest paid jobs in USA. Since the US dollar is booming, international students have no trouble finding the highest paying jobs in USA. As per the BLS, the number of jobs in the country is predicted to expand by 11.5 million by 2026. This will provide international students with several employment opportunities. If your chosen career is in demand in the USA, you may be able to make ends meet. The following table highlights the list of the highest paying jobs in USA:

Job Position/Industry

Average Annual Salary (in USD)

Annual Growth Rate (in %)

Advertising, Marketing Managers and Promotions

135,900

10

Airline Pilots, Co-pilots, Flight Engineers

202,180

13

Analytics Manager

108,565

11

Architectural and Engineering Managers

149,530

4

Chief Executives 

185,950

8

Computer and information systems managers

151,150

11

Data Scientist

107,801

39

Dentists, All other Specialists

175,160

6

Family Physicians

249,543

7

Finance Manager

183,580

15

Front End Engineer

105,240

13

General Pediatricians

177,130

3

Health Care Workers

208,000

13

Nurse Practitioners 

183,580

45

Physical Therapist

71,483

17

Social Media Strategist

110,080

7

Software Developer

103,560

27.5

Highest Paying Jobs in USA After Completing STEM Courses

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and it is highly sought after in many industries. Pursuing a STEM education can help you prepare for a future in a highly demanding sector worldwide. Moreover, there are several Benefits of Studying STEM Courses in the USA owing to the residence of Silicon Valley. Future scientific, technical, engineering and other advances are built on the STEM workforce. The following table highlights the list of the highest paying jobs in USA after completing STEM courses:

Job Position/Industry

Average Annual Salary (in USD)

Annual Growth Rate (in %)

Accountant

70,000

7

Biochemist

92,000

5

Cartographer

64,000

3

Civil Engineer

85,000

8

Computer and Information Research Scientist

115,000

21

Computer Network Architect

104,650

4

Database Administrator

88,000

9

Geoscientist

90,000

6

IT Manager

140,000

12

Mathematician

104,000

30

Mechanical Engineer

86,000

7

Software Developer

104,000

25

Statistician

85,000

33

Web Developer

68,000

13

Also Read:

Highest Paying Jobs in the UK for International Students

Highest Paying Jobs in Canada for International Students

Highest Paying Jobs in Germany for Indian Students

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for International Students

How to Apply for a US Work Visa

Many times it depends on what type of occupation you will perform in the US that decides which visa is best for you. Some other factors that make this decision can include whether you have a relationship with an employer, how long you will be employed in the USA, and what degree of skill it takes to perform the job. When applying for work opportunities or practical training while studying in the US, international students will have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Request the international department of your university to give you the required forms.

Step 2: Submit the Form I-20 at the university with the required documents.

Step 3: After reviewing your eligibility, the DSO will approve your request.

Step 4: The DSO will make a recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Step 5: File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation with USCIS. Submit the required fee and documents as described in the form.

When applying for H-1B Visa, international students should follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the official website of USCIS. Create an account and choose how you would like to receive the verification code.

Step 2: Select “I am an H1-B registrant”.

Step 3: Click “File a Registration”, if you are not registering through a representative.

Step 4: Click “Start”.

Step 5: Provide information about you and the beneficiary. Then “save entry”. You can also add information about additional beneficiaries.

Step 6: Sign electronically.

Step 7: Pay the required fee.

When applying for EB-5 Visa, international students should follow the steps given below:

Step 1: File Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor.

Step 2: Wait for USCIS to approve it.

Step 3: File DS-260 with the U.S. Department of State to get an EB-5 visa abroad for admission to the US OR File I-485 with USCIS to adjust status to a conditional permanent resident of the US.

Step 4: File Form I-829, within the 90-day period to the US as a conditional permanent resident.

PR in USA for Indian Students

The procedure of obtaining a 'Green Card' or Permanent Residency in the US is a bit difficult and challenging. A foreign national may move to the United States in a variety of ways. Residency through employment necessitates a thorough examination and analysis of each unique case, taking into account the position being offered as well as the foreign national's complete immigration history, professional experience, academic credentials, standing in the larger academic community, reputation within the field of expertise (both nationally and internationally), prior immigration history, etc. You can live and work permanently in the United States if you have a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card). The following criteria can be used to apply for a US green card:

As a first-preference immigrant worker, the applicant must be:

  • An outstanding professor or researcher

  • Have extraordinary expertise in the sciences, education, arts, business or athletics

  • A multinational manager or executive who meets specific eligibility criteria set by the Federal government of the United States

As a second-preference immigrant worker, the applicant must:

  • Have exceptional expertise in the sciences, business, arts, etc.

  • Be a member of a profession that calls for an advanced degree

As a third preference immigrant worker, the applicant must be:

  • A professional (an individual who has earned at least a bachelor's degree in the US or the equivalent foreign degree)

  • A skilled worker (meaning the job requires experience or training of at least two years)

  • A skilled physician (for medical students) whose clinical practice will be full-time in an underserved area for a designated period of time, as well as meeting other eligibility criteria.

After this, you will initially be granted a conditional green card. You must then submit an application to have the condition removed two years after receiving your conditional green card in order to be granted a 10-year green card. The green card must thereafter be renewed every ten years. To do this, you have to simply submit an application for condition removal within 90 days of your status expiring.

Keep in mind that there are annual restrictions on green card issuance that are country-specific. The current projected wait period for green cards through the H1B route is roughly 12 years due to a large number of Indian applicants. You can, however, apply to become a US citizen five years after the conditional green card will be issued. Needless to say, a 10-year green card has exactly the same rights and benefits as a conditional green card.

Related Read:

Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Visa for STEM vs Non STEM Courses

Graduate Route Visa - A Guide to Post Study Work Opportunities in the UK

PR in Canada - All About Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Permit

Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand

Know How to Apply for a PR in USA for Indian Students! 

FAQs on Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students in 2024

What percentage of international students get jobs in USA after graduation?

A survey conducted by Price waterhouse Coopers revealed that over two-third of international graduates were employed during their first six months of post-graduation.

What are some of the most in-demand jobs in the USA?

Healthcare and Technical jobs never go out of style, making it one of the most in-demand jobs in the US. There is always a requirement for healthcare professionals since the health infrastructure is growing at a rapid speed.

What is the current scenario for job opportunities in the USA?

The number of job openings in the US rose by 431,000 in October, 2021 to 11.8 million, which was above expectations. This shows that the current scenario for job opportunities in the US is remarkable.

Do international students get jobs in the USA after graduation?

One of the ways that international students can get jobs in the US after graduation is through an extended stay visa (OPT). This program allows them to stay and work in the country for 24 months.

How much does an international student earn on an internship in the US?

Most recent graduates in the US take up entry-level internships which pay about $7 to $9 per hour. They are also allowed to work part-time during school hours. Students who take on an internship are typically able to earn around $700 to $800 a month. However, depending on the type of role and the skills needed, this amount may vary.

Will I be allowed to work in CPT for the entire duration of my masters program?

You will not be allowed to work in CPT for the entire duration of your master's program, specifically during the first year of your Master’s program. However, some schools may allow you to engage in CPT for the entire duration of your program. Also, if you work full-time CPT for over a year, you may not be eligible to engage in an additional year of OPT after you graduate.

How can I go to school and work simultaneously in the US?

If you are planning on working part-time while attending school, then you should consider taking a program that allows you to do so. Doing so will allow you to complete your degree, and it will also help you get your credits. However, if you are having a hard time focusing on your studies, then it's possible to talk to your supervisor.

May I participate in both CPT and OPT?

Although international students can take both the OPT and CPT, they cannot simultaneously enroll in both unless they have already finished their degree. If you have worked for more than a year in the same field, you may not be allowed to take the same year of OPT. Also, make sure that the job that you're working for is related to your field of study.

Can an international student in the US pay their entire tuition fees by working part-time?

An international student in the US who works part-time will be able to contribute only a portion of their tuition fees but not be able to cover their entire tuition by working part-time. Part-time work usually pays around $10 to $20 per hour, and it can go up to $20 to $200 per month. This means that you can contribute a portion of your tuition fee.

Is it difficult for international students to find jobs in the US?

Finding a job in the US can be very challenging for international students. Many employers are reluctant to hire foreigners due to visa issues or concerns over their English skills. Having a good network among industry professionals is very helpful for an international student to find a job after they graduate. Many universities organize placement drives and their career services departments are there to help international students.

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