- At Globe Live Media we tell you the 10 things you should know if you want to work in the US, including the permits you need and how you should behave in your work space
The labor market in the United States, at least for the time being, appears strong enough to generate a certain sense of stability. The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated, in fact, that although hiring decreased during the month of August, 315,000 jobs were created, and the unemployment rate remained relatively low.
In short, working in the US still seems not only feasible, but recommended. In this country, hard work, precise results and a good attitude when facing challenges will take you far. However, there are certain things you should know to get the most out of your desire to progress.
For this reason, at Globe Live Media we tell you the 10 things you should know if you want to work in the US.
1- How much money can you earn if you work in the US?
The amount of money you can earn if you work in the US depends, to a greater extent, on the industry in which you manage to enter as an employee, as well as the position you hold, the state of the country in which you are located and your skills .
However, this data can give you an idea of income in the US: according to the last national salary census, the annual income per household, for the year 2020, was $67,521 dollars.
It should be noted that this data is only for reference, and that there are substantial differences in the income of each US locality. But, in general, it can be ensured that the higher your level of education, the higher your salary will be.
On the official page of the US government’s occupational census, you can check an estimate of the salaries of some professional jobs.
2- What is the minimum wage in the US?
The federal minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour, but the truth is that each state has its own regulations when it comes to minimum wage.
In states like New York, for example, the minimum wage ranges between $13 and $15 dollars per hour.
3- What requirement must I meet to be able to work in the US if I am a foreigner?
In order to work in the US, you must have a work visa.
Among them is:
1) E-Visa: for trade or investment in the United States by foreign companies.
2) L-Visa: for employees at branches in the United States.
3) H-1B-Visa: for academics with job offers in high-demand professions.
4) Green Card: which gives unlimited work authorization in all US industries, occupations and states.
4- How can I apply for a job in the US?
The application for a job in the US usually follows the following steps:
1) Obtaining the visa (it is advisable to apply for a Green Card).
2) Get a job ad.
3) Send the application documents.
4) Follow up on the application and contact the work management.
5) Pass job interviews.
6) Get job confirmation.
5- What are the areas of work that have experienced the greatest growth in recent years in the US?
The answer to this question is the so-called TIMES market, an acronym to define telecommunications, information technology, entertainment and security services. Each of these sectors has had a boom in recent years.
Among the areas of greatest interest are:
1) Software development.
2) Environmental engineering.
3) Mechanical engineering.
4) Banking.
5) Accounting
6) Taxes.
7) Insurance.
8) Audit.
6- What are the professions with the highest demand in the United States?
According to the BLS, the occupations with the highest demand in 2022 are:
1) Nursing assistants.
2) Cooks.
3) Waiters, bartenders and managers in the restaurant industry.
4) Software developers and analysts.
5) Nurses and medical service managers.
6) Storage employees and drivers:
7) General managers.
8) Market analysts.
9) Marketing specialists.
10) Security personnel.
7- How is the payment of wages in the US?
In general, salaries in the United States are paid on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, through checks or bank transfers.
8- What are the deductions from my wages if I work in the US?
Taxes and Social Security contributions are statutory deductions from wages in the United States.
9- What recommendations are there for those who are not familiar with the US culture but want to work there?
1) Do not make inappropriate jokes in your workplace, as it can lead to being accused of sexual harassment.
2) Practice humility as a fundamental value when relating to others.
3) Respect the rules of your employment regarding the use of computers, internet, telephones and email:
4) Do not smoke in your work spaces (only in places specially designated for it) and do not drink alcoholic beverages during your working hours.
5) It is recommended that you take diversity courses to learn how to treat minorities appropriately and that you do not fall into discriminatory practices.
6) Make sure you keep your work up to date.
7) It is preferable that you talk with your colleagues outside of working hours, so that you do not get too distracted.
Also, your work clothes should not draw too much attention. In case you have doubts about how to dress in your work space, you can ask the Human Resources supervisor for better guidance on the appropriate clothing for the time you are in the company.
10- What benefits do US workers have?
Workers in the US generally have no legal protection against being fired, so whether or not you stay in your job will depend on your bargaining power and your job (unless you are protected by a contract) .
Also, be aware that not all states have maternity protection regulations (although there are exceptions such as Hawaii, New Jersey, Connecticut, Oregon, Rhode Island, New York, Washington, D.C., and California).
However, there are at least five laws that you should know to safeguard your rights if you work in the US.
Therefore, a large part of the benefits you can obtain will depend on the labor policy of the company where you work.