Top In-Demand Occupations in the USA for UK Professionals

The U.S. job market is full of chances in fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and education. Because the economy is strong and skilled workers are needed, the U.S. is still a good place for people from other countries, such as the UK, to work. Individuals holding the US Work Visa and employed in these popular fields can expect good pay, stable jobs, and chances to move up in their careers.

  • About 1.2 million new jobs are expected to be created each year in the U.S. by 2026.
  • The healthcare field is getting bigger by 15% because the population is getting older.
  • IT and tech jobs are expected to grow by 10% each year.
  • Engineering jobs will increase by 7% because of infrastructure projects.
  • There is a high need for finance and accounting jobs, with salaries between $50,000 and $150,000.

Top In-Demand Occupations in the USA for UK Professionals

*Want guidance to apply for US Work Visa? Y-Axis is here to offer support with the process.

 

Why Work in the USA?

Working in the U.S. gives professionals access to fresh industries, better pay, and many chances to move up in their careers. The country's diverse workforce, top-notch research centers, and good benefits make it a popular place for people from all over the world to come work. The U.S. also provides access to its top tech and finance centers, plus growing fields like renewable energy and biotech.

  • Competitive salaries in fields like IT, engineering, and finance.
  • Job openings in global companies and new industries.
  • A mix of cultures and chances to grow in your job.
  • Access to good healthcare and social programs.
  • Streamlined pathways to get a Green Card.

 

Top In-Demand Occupations in the USA

In 2025, the U.S. job market will likely see high demand for tech, health, and business roles. Software developers, data scientists, nurses, and other health workers will be needed. Also, expect strong demand for financial, marketing, and project managers.

*Need guidance to apply for jobs in USA? Y-Axis here to guide you with the process.

 

Healthcare Sector

The US job market relies heavily on healthcare. With an aging population and changes in healthcare, there's a great need for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. It's expected that the number of jobs in healthcare will increase a lot in the near future.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Specialist Doctor

$150,000 – $350,000

General Practitioner

$120,000 – $250,000

Registered Nurse

$65,000 – $100,000

Pharmacist

$100,000 – $150,000

Medical Laboratory Technician

$55,000 – $75,000

Radiologist

$200,000 – $350,000

Physical Therapist

$75,000 – $100,000

Aged Care Worker

$25,000 – $40,000

Healthcare Manager

$80,000 – $150,000

Clinical Psychologist

$70,000 – $120,000

 

Information Technology (IT)

The tech industry is still creating many jobs in the U.S., especially in AI, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity. The need for people in these jobs is increasing a lot.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Software Developer

$85,000 – $130,000

Data Scientist

$100,000 – $150,000

Cloud Engineer

$90,000 – $140,000

Cybersecurity Analyst

$85,000 – $125,000

Systems Architect

$110,000 – $160,000

IT Project Manager

$95,000 – $130,000

DevOps Engineer

$90,000 – $130,000

Network Administrator

$65,000 – $100,000

AI Engineer

$100,000 – $150,000

IT Consultant

$75,000 – $120,000

 

Engineering

In the USA, the need for engineers—especially in civil, mechanical, and renewable energy—is rising fast because we're building more infrastructure and focusing on being sustainable.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Civil Engineer

$65,000 – $100,000

Mechanical Engineer

$70,000 – $110,000

Electrical Engineer

$75,000 – $120,000

Renewable Energy Engineer

$80,000 – $130,000

Structural Engineer

$75,000 – $115,000

Project Manager (Engineering)

$90,000 – $150,000

Chemical Engineer

$80,000 – $120,000

Environmental Engineer

$70,000 – $110,000

Engineering Manager

$110,000 – $160,000

Petroleum Engineer

$95,000 – $160,000

 

 

Finance and Accounting

The US financial sector is doing well, so finance, accounting, and investment banking professionals are still in high demand.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Financial Analyst

$65,000 – $100,000

Chartered Accountant

$70,000 – $120,000

Investment Banker

$100,000 – $200,000

Tax Consultant

$75,000 – $115,000

Auditor

$55,000 – $85,000

Risk Manager

$90,000 – $140,000

CFO (Chief Financial Officer)

$150,000 – $300,000

Financial Planner

$70,000 – $100,000

Credit Analyst

$60,000 – $90,000

Treasury Manager

$85,000 – $130,000

 

 

Education and Teaching

In the UK, schools and universities have a rising need for teachers, especially in STEM, special education, and higher education.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Primary School Teacher

$45,000 – $75,000

Secondary School Teacher

$50,000 – $85,000

ESL Teacher

$40,000 – $65,000

Special Education Teacher

$50,000 – $75,000

University Lecturer

$60,000 – $120,000

Academic Advisor

$55,000 – $85,000

School Administrator

$70,000 – $120,000

Curriculum Designer

$60,000 – $95,000

Vocational Trainer

$55,000 – $80,000

Teaching Assistant

$25,000 – $40,000

 

US Work Visa Options for UK Professionals

There are multiple US work visa options for UK professionals. Some of the popular US work visas are given below.

  • H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
  • L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
  • O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
  • EB-2 and EB-3 Green Cards (Employment-Based Immigration)

US Work Visa Options for UK Professionals

H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

The H-1B visa lets companies in the U.S. hire foreign workers for specific jobs that need specialized knowledge. These jobs usually require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Here are some main things to know about the H-1B visa:

  • Specialized Jobs: These are jobs that need a high level of expertise and a bachelor's degree. Some examples are jobs in IT, engineering, accounting, law, and healthcare.
  • Specific Employer and Job: The H-1B visa is only for a certain employer and job. It's not a general visa that lets you work for anyone.
  • Temporary Work: The H-1B visa is for temporary work in the U.S., but it can be extended if needed.
  • Visa Cap: There's a limit on how many H-1B visas are given out each year. There are extra slots for people with a master's degree or higher from a U.S. university.

 

L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

The L-1 visa lets companies in the United States move workers from their offices abroad to the U.S. To qualify, the employee needs to be moving to a related part of the business, like a parent company, branch, or subsidiary. There are two types of L-1 visas: the L-1A, for managers and executives, and the L-1B, for workers with special knowledge.

 

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

The O-1 visa is for people with exceptional talent who want to work in the U.S. It's for those who are well-known as leaders in their field. This visa covers people in science, education, business, sports, arts, or film and television.

To get an O-1 visa, you need to show that you have outstanding skills. Usually, this means proving you're recognized nationally or globally as an expert in what you do. You can do this with awards, articles you've written, a high income, or other proof of your achievements. You can keep renewing the O-1 visa if you still meet the requirements.

 

EB-2 and EB-3 Green Cards (Employment-Based Immigration)

Detailed information about the EB-2 and EB-3 visa is given below.

Category

EB-2

EB-3

Who can apply?

People with a master's degree or higher (or a bachelor's degree plus five years of related experience). It's also for those with exceptional talent.

Skilled workers (with at least two years of training or experience), professionals with a bachelor's degree, and other workers (with less than two years of training or experience).

National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Some EB-2 applicants can skip the job offer and labor certification if their work benefits the U.S.

EB-3 does not have the NIW option.

What do you need?

Advanced degree, proof of exceptional ability, or an NIW.

Job offer from a U.S. employer, bachelor's degree, skilled work experience, or other qualifying experience depending on the job.

Education and Skills

Requires more schooling or proof of exceptional ability in your field.

Requires less education compared to EB-2, often just a bachelor's degree or skilled work experience.

Processing Time

EB-2 applications are often handled faster than EB-3, but both may take some time.

EB-3 applications tend to take longer than EB-2.

 

Eligibility Criteria for US Work Visas

The eligibility criteria for US work visas are given below.

  • Job offer from a licensed US employer.
  • Educational qualifications or relevant certifications.
  • English proficiency for most visas.
  • Experience in the relevant field.
  • Sponsorship by an employer (for certain visa types).

Eligibility Criteria for US Work Visas

Required Documents for US Work Visa

The documents required for US Work Visa are given below.

  • A valid passport is needed.
  • Provide a job offer letter from a U.S. company.
  • Provide degree certificates and proof of qualifications.
  • English language test results are required.
  • If needed, please provide financial proof.

 

US Work Visa Application Process

The process to apply for a US work visa is given below.

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a company in the US.

Step 2: Make sure you meet all the requirements for a visa.

Step 3: Get your documents ready, like your diploma, job agreement, and proof of English ability.

Step 4: Submit your application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Step 5: Receive your US Work Visa, and fly to the USA for work.

US Work Visa Application Process

US Work Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the US work visa processing time is given below.

Visa Type

Estimated Processing Time

H-1B Visa

3 to 6 months

L-1 Visa

2 to 3 months

O-1 Visa

1 to 2 months

EB-2 and EB-3 Green Cards

12 to 24 months

 

Cost of US Work Visa

Detailed information about the application cost of US Work Visa is given below.

Visa Type

Estimated Application Fee (USD)

H-1B Visa

$460 – $2,460

L-1 Visa

$460 – $1,200

O-1 Visa

$190 – $460

EB-2/EB-3 Green Card

$700 – $1,200

 

Benefits of Working in the USA

The benefits of working in the USA are given below.

  • Competitive pay and opportunities for career growth.
  • Exposure to leading fields such as AI, tech, and finance.
  • Health coverage and retirement savings options included.
  • Paths for promotion and the chance to become a permanent resident.

 

Tips for UK-Based Applicants to Work in the USA

  • Start your visa applications and gather documents in advance.
  • Examine salary ranges and living costs across US states.
  • Adjust your CV to fit US job market standards.
  • Speak with a visa expert for help with the process.

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is one of the leading overseas immigration consultancy in the UK with over 25 years of experience. Our services include:

  • We provide help with visa applications for H-1B, O-1, and other work visas.
  • We also offer job search support in fields that are in demand, like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
  • Our services include help with CV writing and interview prep that align with US job market standards.
  • We give post-arrival support for a smoother transition into the US workforce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most in-demand occupations in the USA for UK professionals?

The US job market shows high demand for IT roles like software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. The medical field needs doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. Engineers, especially those in civil, mechanical, and renewable energy, are wanted. Finance, teaching, and skilled trades also have openings, and some companies offer sponsorships for skilled workers.

What is the H-1B visa, and how does it relate to in-demand occupations?

The H-1B is a visa that lets companies in the U.S. employ foreign workers with specialized skills, usually jobs that need at least a bachelor's degree. This often includes positions in tech, engineering, and finance, where there's a high demand. There is a limit each year on the number of these visas given out. To get one, people must meet certain requirements, such as having a job offer from a U.S. company. The H-1B visa can allow someone to stay in the U.S. for up to six years.

What qualifications do I need to work in the IT sector in the USA?

For IT jobs in the US, professionals from the UK require:

  • A computer science degree or similar degree.
  • For roles such as data scientists, software developers, and cybersecurity experts, certifications from AWS, Cisco, or Microsoft are often needed.
  • Experience with programming languages like Java or Python is often helpful.
  • Good English skills are needed for communication and paperwork in most IT jobs.
  • Non-US citizens usually need an H-1B visa or a similar work visa to be employed in the US.
How can UK professionals qualify for a healthcare job in the USA?

To work in healthcare sector in the US, professionals from the United Kingdom must:

  • Meet the licensing standards specific to the United States.
  • Doctors are required to pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) and get a license in the state where they intend to practice.
  • Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • Pharmacists need to finish the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification process.
  • Healthcare workers also have to get a job offer from a US employer to be eligible for a work visa, like the H-1B.
What are the salary expectations for in-demand IT jobs in the USA?

The salary expectations of in-demand jobs in the USA are given below.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Software Developer

$85,000 – $130,000

Data Scientist

$100,000 – $150,000

Cloud Engineer

$90,000 – $140,000

Cybersecurity Analyst

$85,000 – $125,000

Systems Architect

$110,000 – $160,000

IT Project Manager

$95,000 – $130,000

DevOps Engineer

$90,000 – $130,000

Network Administrator

$65,000 – $100,000

AI Engineer

$100,000 – $150,000

IT Consultant

$75,000 – $120,000

How can UK professionals find job opportunities in the USA?

For UK professionals looking for jobs in the US, check out sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Multiple companies also list jobs right on their sites. Networking with people in your industry and going to conferences or career fairs can also really help. In addition, there are agencies that focus on placing people from the UK into US jobs. Keep in mind, you'll need a job offer before you can apply for a work visa, like the H-1B or L-1.

What industries are growing the fastest in the USA?

In the U.S., the tech sector is expanding quickly, with many openings for software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. Because of an aging population and a need for healthcare staff, the health sector is also getting bigger, employing nurses, doctors, and physical therapists. Renewable energy, finance, and engineering are growing, especially in green tech. Construction is also on the rise, thanks to projects and city growth.

What visa options are available for UK professionals working in the USA?

For UK professionals working in the USA, there are several visa options including:

  • The H-1B visa serves people in specialized jobs that need at least a bachelor's degree.
  • The O-1 visa is for people who are very talented in areas like science, the arts, or business.
  • The L-1 visa helps companies move employees from one branch to another.
  • If you own a business, you might want to consider the E-2 visa.
  • For those wanting to live in the country permanently, there are also green cards based on employment, such as the EB-2 and EB-3.

 

What are the typical benefits for in-demand occupations in the USA?

There are several benefits of working in the in demand occupations in the USA. Some of them are given below.

  • Standard benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans like a 401(k).
  • Some companies also offer bonuses, stock options, and flexible schedules.
  • If you're in a high-demand field like IT, finance, or healthcare, you might also see performance incentives, signing bonuses, and the chance to work remotely.
  • Many places provide ways to grow your career and develop professionally.
How can I increase my chances of securing a job in the USA?

To increase your chances of securing a job in the USA, you can follow the tips given below.

  • Customize your resume and cover letter to fit typical U.S. expectations, making sure your related experience and skills stand out.
  • Get U.S. certifications that match your field. For example, IT folks might get AWS, and accountants might get a CPA.
  • Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn and at events.
  • Look into companies that need employees and apply for jobs that fit you.
  • Keep up with the latest trends and chances to make yourself more employable in the U.S. sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering, and apply early to stay ahead in the competitive job market.