AdminMoving to the United States for work is a major life decision, and where you settle can significantly affect your quality of life, earnings, and long-term career growth. While most foreign workers initially look at major cities like New York or Los Angeles, these locations may not always offer the best balance between salary potential, job opportunities, and affordability.
In this guide, we compare the top U.S. states for foreign workers based on average salaries, cost of living, visa-friendly industries, and quality of life. Whether you’re on an H-1B visa, OPT, or considering a Green Card route, choosing the right state could be the smartest step in building your future in the U.S.
Key Factors Considered in This Guide
- Median salary for skilled workers
- Availability of jobs in in-demand industries
- Cost of living index (housing, groceries, transportation, etc.)
- Immigration-friendly policies and workforce diversity
- Access to healthcare, public services, and international communities
1. Texas
Why It Stands Out:
Texas continues to be one of the most attractive states for foreign workers due to its large immigrant population, booming industries, and relatively low cost of living.
Top Cities:
Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio
Industries in Demand:
- Oil and gas
- Information technology
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Aerospace
Average Salary:
$60,000–$85,000 (varies by profession)
Cost of Living Index (National Avg. = 100):
92
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- No state income tax
- High availability of H-1B and employer-sponsored jobs
- Diverse and international communities
- Affordable housing compared to coastal states
2. Washington
Why It Stands Out:
Washington combines strong job markets with high salaries, especially in the Seattle metro area, where companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing dominate.
Top Cities:
Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane
Industries in Demand:
- Software engineering
- Aerospace
- Cloud computing
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
Average Salary:
$75,000–$120,000
Cost of Living Index:
112
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- Strong tech economy with high H-1B visa approvals
- Culturally diverse, immigrant-friendly environment
- Beautiful natural landscapes and high quality of life
- No state income tax
3. North Carolina
Why It Stands Out:
North Carolina offers a perfect balance of job growth, affordability, and quality healthcare — making it an underrated gem for international professionals.
Top Cities:
Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham
Industries in Demand:
- Finance
- Biotechnology
- Education and research
- Logistics
- IT services
Average Salary:
$60,000–$85,000
Cost of Living Index:
94
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- Fast-growing job market
- Research Triangle Park attracts skilled STEM talent
- Favorable visa conversion rates
- Low housing costs and access to family-friendly communities
4. Massachusetts
Why It Stands Out:
As a top state for education, biotech, and healthcare, Massachusetts is ideal for foreign workers in high-skilled sectors, especially in Boston and Cambridge.
Top Cities:
Boston, Cambridge, Worcester
Industries in Demand:
- Biotech and pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Robotics
Average Salary:
$80,000–$120,000
Cost of Living Index:
128
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- Some of the highest salaries in the U.S.
- Home to top universities and research institutions
- Strong international student pipeline
- Excellent public transport and healthcare
5. Florida
Why It Stands Out:
Florida is especially popular with international hospitality, tourism, and healthcare workers. It’s also one of the few states with no income tax.
Top Cities:
Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville
Industries in Demand:
- Hospitality and tourism
- Healthcare
- Logistics
- Construction
- Education
Average Salary:
$55,000–$75,000
Cost of Living Index:
100
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- No state income tax
- Warm climate and global culture
- Multiple major international airports
- Large immigrant communities
6. Illinois
Why It Stands Out:
Illinois, anchored by Chicago, offers a strong job market, accessible housing, and a multicultural population.
Top Cities:
Chicago, Naperville, Springfield
Industries in Demand:
- Finance
- Logistics and transportation
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Education
Average Salary:
$65,000–$90,000
Cost of Living Index:
95
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- Major hub for H-1B sponsorships
- International schools and consulates
- Strong public transport and healthcare access
- Affordable suburbs with family support services
7. Georgia
Why It Stands Out:
Georgia is growing as a tech and logistics hub in the South, offering low living costs and rapid job creation.
Top Cities:
Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah
Industries in Demand:
- IT services
- Film and media
- Logistics
- Fintech
- Engineering
Average Salary:
$60,000–$85,000
Cost of Living Index:
89
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- Lower housing costs
- Supportive visa employers
- Growing tech startups and innovation scene
- Major airport access (Hartsfield–Jackson)
8. Colorado
Why It Stands Out:
For those looking for a mix of nature and work-life balance, Colorado offers high salaries, especially in tech and aerospace.
Top Cities:
Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs
Industries in Demand:
- Aerospace
- IT
- Clean energy
- Healthcare
- Advanced manufacturing
Average Salary:
$70,000–$100,000
Cost of Living Index:
106
Highlights for Foreign Workers:
- Bilingual job opportunities
- High demand in green tech and defense
- Outdoor lifestyle and healthy living
- Growing immigrant-friendly policies
State Comparison Table: Salaries vs. Cost of Living
| State | Avg. Salary | Cost of Living Index | State Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $60k–$85k | 92 | None |
| Washington | $75k–$120k | 112 | None |
| North Carolina | $60k–$85k | 94 | 5.25% flat rate |
| Massachusetts | $80k–$120k | 128 | 5% |
| Florida | $55k–$75k | 100 | None |
| Illinois | $65k–$90k | 95 | 4.95% |
| Georgia | $60k–$85k | 89 | 5.75% |
| Colorado | $70k–$100k | 106 | 4.4% |
Tips for Choosing the Right U.S. State
- Research local job markets in your specific profession
- Consider climate and lifestyle preferences
- Look for communities with strong immigrant support services
- Analyze salary in relation to housing, transportation, and taxes
- Use visa-sponsoring company databases to check employer locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which U.S. state is best for H-1B visa holders?
Texas and Washington consistently rank among the top states with the most H-1B approvals, especially in IT and engineering sectors.
Are salaries higher in coastal states?
Often yes, but they come with a higher cost of living. States like Massachusetts and Washington offer high salaries, but affordability may be lower compared to states like Texas or North Carolina.
Is there a state with both high pay and low taxes?
Yes. Texas, Florida, and Washington all offer no state income tax with competitive salaries across various sectors.
Do all states offer the same healthcare access for immigrants?
Healthcare access varies by state. States like Massachusetts and Illinois tend to be more inclusive with programs for immigrants.
Can I move between states on a work visa?
Yes, but if your visa is employer-specific (like H-1B), you’ll need a new job offer and possible transfer or re-filing of the visa.
Conclusion: Where You Live Can Shape Your U.S. Journey
Choosing the right state as a foreign worker can significantly influence your career success, financial stability, and overall well-being. While coastal states may be popular, emerging hubs in the South and Midwest offer a better balance of affordability and opportunity for many.
Whether you’re seeking a high-paying job in tech, a stable healthcare position, or your first visa-sponsored role, researching the right state is just as important as finding the right employer. With this guide, you’re now better equipped to take the next step in your American career journey.
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