Many foreigners planning to work in the United States wonder which cities offer the best opportunities for low-skill or entry-level jobs. With thousands of unfilled roles across hospitality, cleaning, construction, caregiving, retail, warehouses, and factories, some U.S. cities are far more welcoming, affordable, and immigrant-friendly than others. In 2026, labor shortages remain high in certain regions, making them ideal for newcomers who want to earn good money, settle comfortably, and start building a long-term career. This guide breaks down the top U.S. cities for immigrants searching for low-skill jobs, the types of work available, and why each city is an excellent option for foreign workers.
What Makes a City Good for Immigrants?
The best cities for immigrant workers have several advantages. They offer plenty of job opportunities, affordable housing, reliable public transportation, safe neighborhoods, and strong immigrant communities. They also provide easier access to employers who regularly sponsor foreign workers. Living costs, salaries, and job security vary widely across U.S. cities, so choosing the right place can significantly affect your success.
1. Houston, Texas
Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and a top destination for immigrant workers. The city has thousands of jobs in hospitality, construction, warehouses, factories, and cleaning. Salaries are stable, and the cost of living is lower compared to other big cities. Housing is affordable, and immigrants can find large communities from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Many employers in Houston recruit foreign workers through H-2B and EB-3 visa programs.
2. Dallas, Texas
Dallas offers plenty of opportunities for entry-level workers. The region has strong job growth in restaurants, hotels, retail, construction, and logistics. Many warehouses and distribution centers hire packers, cleaners, and forklift assistants. Dallas is known for affordable housing, low taxes, and good weather. The city is friendly to newcomers, and many staffing agencies hire international workers.
3. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the world’s biggest tourism destinations, home to theme parks, resorts, hotels, and entertainment industries. These businesses hire thousands of cleaners, housekeepers, restaurant staff, ride attendants, and seasonal workers. Orlando employers heavily rely on H-2B workers for seasonal periods. The city is diverse, affordable, and perfect for workers who want steady hospitality jobs.
4. Miami, Florida
Miami is famous for its tourism industry and has endless opportunities in hotels, restaurants, cleaning services, and construction projects. Many immigrants find work quickly because of the city’s large international population. Although the cost of living is slightly higher, wages in hospitality and cleaning are also higher. Miami is ideal for those who enjoy warm weather and multicultural environments.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has grown into a major hub for warehouse and logistics jobs. Companies like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and major grocery distributors operate huge centers in the region. Entry-level workers can find roles in packing, sorting, cleaning, and machine assistance. The cost of living is moderate and the city has a strong immigrant community. Atlanta also offers many opportunities in hotels and construction.
6. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is expanding rapidly, increasing demand for construction laborers, cleaners, hotel staff, and warehouse workers. The weather is warm year-round, and housing is more affordable than many coastal cities. Immigrants benefit from stable work and strong job security, especially in outdoor and hospitality sectors. Employers often hire through H-2B visas.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is built on hospitality and tourism. Hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues hire thousands of low-skill workers every year. Jobs include housekeeping, cleaning, food service, restaurant assistance, and resort maintenance. Wages are competitive, and workers often receive tips. Las Vegas is one of the easiest places for newcomers to find work quickly.
8. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is a growing city with endless opportunities in construction, warehouses, cleaning, and hospitality. The cost of living is affordable, and employers often seek long-term, reliable workers. Many factories and distribution centers operate in the region, offering stable income and overtime opportunities. The city also has strong family-friendly neighborhoods perfect for long-term settlement.
9. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis offers a wide range of factory, warehouse, production, and cleaning jobs. It is one of the cheapest major cities in the U.S., making it ideal for immigrants who want to save money. Many employers hire foreign workers for roles in manufacturing and logistics. The city is also safe, simple to navigate, and good for raising a family.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has a high demand for labor in construction, hospitality, cleaning, and manufacturing. The city is known for being clean, safe, and very welcoming to immigrants. Salaries are competitive, and many employers provide training for new workers. The cost of living is moderate, and the job market grows consistently each year.
11. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago remains one of the top cities for hotel, restaurant, and cleaning jobs. Large companies hire workers for warehouses, transportation, and factory roles. While the city can be more expensive, wages are also higher, especially in hospitality and labor-intensive positions. The city is diverse and home to strong African, Asian, and Hispanic communities.
12. Denver, Colorado
Denver offers many opportunities for landscaping workers, construction assistants, cleaners, and hospitality staff. The city is beautiful, modern, and safe. Seasonal companies hire many workers through the H-2B visa during spring and summer. Although housing can be slightly costly, wages often match the living expenses.
13. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is affordable and offers plenty of warehouse, factory, hotel, and cleaning jobs. Many employers provide stable work hours and overtime. The city has a calm environment and is suitable for families. Foreign workers appreciate the low cost of living and friendly community.
14. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati has a strong industrial and food processing sector. Many factories, cleaning companies, and nursing homes offer entry-level jobs. Housing is cheap, transportation is easy, and crime rates are moderate. New immigrants find the city peaceful and predictable with reliable job opportunities.
What to Consider Before Choosing a City
The best city for you depends on factors such as job availability, expected wages, cost of housing, public transportation, weather, and community support. Cities with large immigrant populations make adjusting easier. You should also consider opportunities for overtime and long-term growth.
Final Conclusion
Choosing the right U.S. city can significantly improve your chances of finding a good job quickly and settling comfortably. Cities like Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Phoenix offer some of the best entry-level opportunities for immigrants in 2026. These locations combine high job availability, affordable living costs, and strong immigrant communities. Whether you plan to work in cleaning, hospitality, construction, caregiving, or warehouses, the right city can help you succeed faster and build a better future in the United States.