Jobs That Pay Over $75K in the USA with Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for Unskilled Professionals

A significant and often-overlooked reality in the American job market is the existence of jobs that pay over $75K in the USA with visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled professionals. This isn’t a fairy tale; it’s a testament to the immense and growing demand for dedicated workers in key sectors that are grappling with labor shortages.

This extensive blog article will delve into this fascinating topic, shedding light on the opportunities available and guiding you through the process of making your American dream a reality.

The idea of securing a high-paying job and a work visa in a foreign country without a formal degree or extensive experience might seem too good to be true. But the landscape of the US job market is changing.

Many industries are experiencing a critical shortage of workers for roles that are essential to their operations. These are not low-wage, temporary positions. They are jobs that require reliability, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn on the job.

The sheer number of jobs that pay over $75K in the USA with visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled professionals reflects this new reality. As a result, employers are increasingly turning to international talent to fill these vacancies, and they are willing to navigate the complex visa sponsorship process to secure the right candidates.

The EB-3 Visa: Your Gateway to a Permanent Future in USA

When we talk about long-term, high-paying jobs with visa sponsorship for workers without a degree, the most important visa to understand is the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) visa. The EB-3 visa is an immigrant visa category that can lead to permanent residency (a Green Card).

This is not a temporary work permit; it’s a pathway to a new life in the U.S. The EB-3 visa is divided into three sub-categories, and the one most relevant for our discussion is the “Other Workers” category, often referred to as the EB-3 Unskilled.

This category is specifically for individuals who will perform unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience and for which qualified U.S. workers are not available.

The employer must be able to demonstrate to the Department of Labor (DOL) that there are insufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the job, and that employing foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. This process, known as the PERM labor certification, is the first and most critical step.

Understanding The Visa Sponsorship Process

A critical part of making your American dream a reality through one of these jobs that pay over $75K in the USA with visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled professionals is a thorough understanding of the visa process itself.

The journey is complex and lengthy, but with a clear roadmap, you can navigate it with confidence. The entire process is driven by the employer, who acts as your sponsor and takes the lead on most of the paperwork. Your role is to be a responsive, organized, and patient partner in this multi-stage journey.

Step 1: The Foundation – PERM Labor Certification

This is the most crucial and often the longest part of the entire process. The Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) Labor Certification is the cornerstone of the EB-3 visa. The purpose is for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to certify that there are no qualified, willing, and available U.S. workers for the job you’ve been offered.

• Prevailing Wage Determination: Before any recruitment begins, the employer must submit a request to the DOL to determine the “prevailing wage” for the specific job in the specific geographical area. This is the minimum wage the employer must agree to pay you. The purpose is to ensure that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact the wages of American workers.
• Recruitment: Once the prevailing wage is determined, the employer must conduct a mandatory and extensive recruitment process. This involves placing job advertisements in various outlets, such as the state workforce agency, a major newspaper on two consecutive Sundays, and a posting at the job site. The employer must carefully document all these efforts, including any responses they receive.
• Filing the ETA-9089: After a minimum of 30 days of recruitment and a mandatory waiting period, if the employer has not found any qualified and willing U.S. workers, they can file Form ETA-9089, the Application for Permanent Employment Certification. This form officially attests to their recruitment efforts and the lack of a suitable U.S. candidate. The date this form is filed becomes your “priority date”—a critical marker that establishes your place in the visa queue.

The PERM process is detailed and can take a significant amount of time, with an average processing time often exceeding a year. Audits by the DOL can extend this timeline even further, making a well-documented and meticulously executed process by the employer essential.

Step 2: The Immigrant Petition – Filing Form I-140

Once the PERM Labor Certification is approved, the employer moves on to the next major step: filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• What it Proves: This petition is the formal request to the U.S. government to classify you as an individual eligible for a green card. The employer must demonstrate that they can pay the offered wage, and that you, the foreign worker, meet the minimum job requirements listed on the PERM application.
• Supporting Documentation: The I-140 is filed with a copy of the certified PERM application and other crucial documents, such as the employer’s financial records (to prove their ability to pay your salary) and your personal documents, including any proof of prior work experience.
• Premium Processing: In many cases, employers have the option to pay an additional fee for “premium processing,” which guarantees a decision on the I-140 within a specific timeframe (often 15 business days). While this does not speed up the PERM stage or the final visa availability, it can significantly reduce the I-140 processing time.

Approval of the I-140 is a major milestone, as it confirms that the employer-employee relationship is legitimate and that you meet the basic qualifications for the EB-3 visa.

Step 3: Visa Availability

After the I-140 is approved, the process enters a new phase: waiting for a visa number to become available. This is where your priority date becomes paramount. The number of EB-3 visas issued each year is limited by law, and the demand often outstrips the supply.

• The Visa Bulletin: The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that lists the “final action dates” for each visa category and country of chargeability. You can only move on to the final step of the process when your priority date is “current,” meaning it is on or before the final action date listed in the bulletin for your category and country.
• Country-Specific Backlogs: The wait time can vary dramatically depending on your country of origin. This is due to per-country caps on the number of visas that can be issued. For some countries, the wait can be a few years, while for others with a high demand, it can be much longer. This is often the most frustrating and uncertain part of the process, but it is a necessary reality of the U.S. immigration system.

Step 4: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

Once a visa number is available and your priority date is current, you can proceed with the final application for your Green Card. This step varies depending on whether you are in the United States or abroad.

• Consular Processing: If you are outside the U.S., you will go through consular processing. This involves submitting a visa application (Form DS-260) to the National Visa Center (NVC), attending a medical exam with a government-approved physician, and finally, attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. If the interview is successful, an immigrant visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to travel to the U.S. and receive your Green Card upon entry.
• Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the U.S. on a valid non-immigrant visa (like a student or temporary worker visa), you may be eligible to “adjust your status” by filing Form I-485. This allows you to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country. You may also be able to concurrently file for work authorization and travel documents, which can provide a great deal of flexibility while your application is being processed.

The visa sponsorship process for jobs that pay over $75K in the USA with visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled professionals is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong partnership with your sponsoring employer.

While the path may be long, the end result—a U.S. Green Card and a stable, high-paying job—is a life-changing reward for those who commit to the journey.

Unskilled Jobs of over $75K in the USA with Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

Securing a high-paying job in the United States without a college degree is a monumental achievement, and it becomes even more significant when combined with visa sponsorship.

While “unskilled” may be the immigration classification, these roles require a high level of dedication, hands-on skill, and often, a specialized form of training that is not degree-based. The high demand for these professionals is what drives employers to offer lucrative salaries and sponsor international talent.

Here, we take a look at different top jobs that pay over $75K in the USA with visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled professionals, providing a deeper look into each career path.

1. Commercial Truck Driver

Average Salary Range: $75,000 – $120,000+ per year (for experienced, long-haul drivers)

The American economy runs on the trucking industry. The demand for commercial truck drivers, especially for long-haul routes (known as Over-the-Road or OTR), is consistently high.

While entry-level salaries may start lower, with experience, a clean driving record, and the willingness to drive long distances, drivers can easily surpass the $75,000 mark.

Companies are often desperate to fill these positions and are willing to sponsor international workers to maintain their supply chain operations. The job requires obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which is a specific form of training that does not require a college degree.

2. Construction Supervisor

Average Salary Range: $80,000 – $98,000+ per year (for experienced supervisors)

A construction supervisor is a crucial figure on any building site, responsible for overseeing workers, managing project timelines, and ensuring safety compliance.

This role is a prime example of a career path that starts with hands-on labor and progresses through experience and leadership skills, rather than formal education. As a construction worker gains experience and demonstrates the ability to manage a team and handle the complexities of a construction project, they can move into a supervisory role.

The high pay reflects the significant responsibility and the skilled nature of managing projects, and the demand is so great that many construction companies are open to sponsoring qualified foreign workers.

3. Welder

Average Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000+ per year (for specialized and experienced welders)

Welding is a highly skilled trade, though it does not require a bachelor’s degree. Welders are in high demand across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas.

The salary for a welder can vary greatly depending on their specialization, certifications, and experience. For example, a welder who specializes in underwater welding or welding on pipelines can command a much higher salary than an entry-level welder.

With the right certifications and a few years of experience, a welder can comfortably earn over $75,000 a year, and employers in these high-demand sectors are often willing to sponsor visas for top talent.

4. CNC Machine Operator/Programmer

Average Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000+ per year, with programmers earning more

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operators and programmers are essential for modern manufacturing. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to program machines that precisely cut and shape materials.

While a four-year degree is not required, vocational training or an associate degree is often preferred. The high demand for these professionals, especially those with programming skills, has driven salaries upward.

As a CNC programmer with experience, you can easily find a job with a salary exceeding $75,000, and given the consistent need for skilled workers in this field, visa sponsorship is a real possibility.

5. Aircraft Mechanic

Average Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000+ per year (with an FAA A&P certificate)

The aviation industry is always in need of skilled mechanics to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft. While this is a highly technical field, the path to becoming an aircraft mechanic does not involve a traditional university degree.

Instead, you need to attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school and pass a series of exams to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. The high level of responsibility and specialized training results in a very competitive salary.

Experienced aircraft mechanics, especially those working for major airlines or cargo companies, often earn well over $75,000 per year, and due to the significant labor shortage, many employers are actively seeking international talent.

6. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Average Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000+ per year

Industrial maintenance mechanics are the unsung heroes of manufacturing, keeping complex machinery and equipment running smoothly. Their responsibilities can range from preventative maintenance to emergency repairs.

This is a hands-on role that requires a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, typically gained through a combination of vocational training and on-the-job experience.

The demand for these professionals is high across a variety of industries, and the salaries reflect the critical importance of their work in preventing costly downtime. Employers in manufacturing and logistics are frequently willing to sponsor visas for skilled maintenance mechanics to ensure their operations remain uninterrupted.

7. Plumber

Average Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000+ per year (for master plumbers or those with specialized skills)

Plumbing is another vital trade with high earning potential that doesn’t require a four-year degree. The path to becoming a master plumber involves an apprenticeship and passing licensing exams. As a plumber gains experience and expertise, their earning potential increases significantly.

Plumbers who specialize in complex commercial projects or who start their own businesses can easily earn six-figure incomes. The constant demand for new construction and maintenance of existing infrastructure ensures a steady need for plumbers, making it a viable career for international professionals seeking visa sponsorship.

8. Medical Equipment Technician/Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)

Average Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000+ per year

As technology becomes more integral to healthcare, the need for technicians who can install, maintain, and repair medical equipment has grown exponentially. These professionals, often called Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs), work in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

While a two-year associate degree or a vocational certificate is often a prerequisite, a bachelor’s degree is not. The specialized knowledge and critical nature of their work make them highly valuable.

With experience and specialized training on specific types of equipment, a BMET can earn a salary well over $75,000. Hospitals and healthcare systems that are experiencing a shortage of these technicians are often willing to consider visa sponsorship to ensure patient care is not compromised.

Conclusion

The path to finding jobs that pay over $75K in the USA with visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled professionals is not a myth, but a reality for those who are willing to put in the effort. The U.S. economy has a real need for dedicated, hard-working individuals in a variety of essential sectors. By focusing on the right industries, understanding the visa process, and developing a strategic approach, you can turn the dream of a high-paying job and a new life in America into a tangible reality.