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Top 5 Jobs for Americans in Mexico

The top 5 most common jobs for Americans in Mexico include working with other tourists and expats in a tourist or hospitality role or as a real estate agent, with locals teaching English, or with business corporations as a finance specialist or IT/Tech professional.

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Are you an American looking to find a job in Mexico? Do you have experience in business, finance, technology creation, English, or hospitality?

This article will introduce you to the best 5 career choices for Americans moving to Mexico, either long-term or short-term. Not only will we introduce each position, but we’ll also describe their necessary qualifications and average income salaries.

We’ve also included bonus sections about how to get a work visa in Mexico, whether or not you need health insurance while in Mexico, and who are the companies that offer the best medical insurance for foreigners living in Mexico.

If you have any questions, reach out to our insurance experts, and they’ll offer you impartial advice that is catered to the insurance industry in Mexico.

5 Common Careers in Mexico for Expats from the U.S.

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The 5 top jobs for Americans working and living in Mexico are English Teacher, Tourism and Hospitality Professional, Business and Finance Specialist, IT and Tech Professional, and Real Estate Agent. Expats seeking work in Mexico may want to consider these or similar positions.

These job opportunities leverage skills that Americans often possess and cater to the needs of both the local market and the expatriate community in Mexico.

English Teacher

Teaching English as a second language is one of the most popular jobs for Americans in Mexico. Many language schools, private institutions, and universities seek native English speakers to teach English to students of all ages. Expats who like teaching may want to consider this job.

This is health insurance that is available uniquely for foreign teachers.

  • Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification are typically required.
  • Average Monthly Income: 16,900 – 64,300 MXN ($1,000 – $3,850 USD)
  • Average Annual Income: 418,000 MXN ($25,000 USD)

Tourism and Hospitality Professional

Mexico offers numerous job opportunities for expats in hotels, resorts, travel agencies, and tour companies due to its vibrant tourism industry. Americans can find roles as tour guides, hotel managers, customer service representatives, and in marketing or event planning.

  • Qualifications: Job requirements often include relevant experience in tourism or hospitality, bilingual skills (Spanish and English), and strong customer service skills are beneficial, though you can learn these jobs on the go without prior experience in tourism.
  • Average Monthly Income: 8,410 – 61,800 MXN ($502 – $3,700 USD)
  • Average Annual Income: 275,000 MXN ($16,500 USD)

Business and Finance Specialist

Many multinational companies operate in Mexico, and they often seek American expatriates for roles in management, finance, marketing, and human resources. These positions are commonly found in major cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

  • Qualifications: A degree in business, finance, or a related field, along with relevant work experience, is usually needed. Bilingual skills are great but not always mandatory.
  • Average Monthly Income: 13,800 – 68,700 MXN ($825 – $4,100 USD)
  • Average Annual Income: 414,000 MXN ($24,800 USD)

IT and Tech Professional

Mexico’s growing tech industry offers opportunities for software developers, IT managers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts. American tech professionals are in demand due to their expertise and experience, so many IT expats are moving to Mexico.

  • Qualifications: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, along with relevant technical certifications and work experience, is required. Bilingual skills can be beneficial but are not always necessary.
  • Average Monthly Income: 17,300 – 54,400 MXN ($1,000 – $3,300 USD)
  • Average Annual Income: 411,000 MXN ($24,500 USD)

Real Estate Agent

The real estate market, especially in popular expat destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta, offers opportunities for Americans to work as real estate agents. These roles involve helping other expats and foreigners buy, sell, or rent properties.

  • Qualifications: A background in real estate, sales experience, and strong interpersonal skills are necessary. Knowledge of the local property market and bilingual abilities are important.
  • Average Monthly Income: 13,800 – 64,300 MXN ($825 – $3,850 USD)
  • Average Annual Income: 439,000 MXN ($26,200 USD)

How American Can Get a Work Visa in Mexico

Americans who need to get a work visa to work in Mexico will first need to apply for either a temporary (most likely) or permanent residency permit. When you have a job offer, your employer will begin an application on your behalf for temporary residency with work permissions.

You will then need to go to a Mexican Consulate locally to pay the $36 US visa fee and get a temporary resident stamp on your visa; when you get to Mexico, they will swap this out for a residency card. Make sure to submit the necessary documentation for Mexican visas with your application.

If your stay in Mexico is under 180 days, you will not need a visa. You will need a valid passport.

Here’s a list of the documents needed for your residency permit with work permissions:

  1. Application Form L1.
  2. Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
  3. Signed letter of authorization from the Mexican Immigration Office with the NUT (Número Único de Trámite) number.
  4. A signed letter of job offer from a company in Mexico.
  5. A signed letter of registration of the company or employer (Constancia de Inscripción de Empleador).
  6. Letter of Notification of Authorization of Visa received by the Mexican Company.
  7. Airline ticket itinerary.
  8. One color passport-size photograph (minimum size 3.2 cm x 26.0 cm; maximum size 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm; white background, no eyeglasses).
  9. One photocopy of the following documents: main page of Passport, National ID, any former Mexican visa, valid visa from any other country, and any original document you want to keep.
  10. Proof of permanent or temporary legal residence, or legal entry, will be necessary if you are not a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, or Suriname.
  11. Visa fee: US$36 payable in TTD.

Do Americans Need Health Insurance When Working in Mexico?

It is highly recommended for foreigners and expats to have health insurance when working in Mexico, even for a short term. Having medical coverage grants you access to quality healthcare, coverage for medical emergencies, and employer-provided insurance in many cases, and it may be legally required.

  • Access to Quality Healthcare

Having international health insurance ensures you can access high-quality healthcare services without facing out-of-pocket costs that you may not be able to afford. Private healthcare in Mexico is generally excellent, but it can be expensive without insurance.

  • Coverage for Medical Emergencies

Health insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, which can occur at any time. Without insurance, you might have to pay significant amounts upfront for emergency care or hospitalization, and you may incur extensive bills over time.

  • Employer-Provided Insurance

Many employers in Mexico offer health insurance as part of their employment package. It is important to understand the extent of the coverage provided by your employer and consider additional private insurance if necessary.

  • Legal Requirements

Some visa types or employer contracts might mandate for a foreign worker to have Mexican healthcare coverage. This may not be legally required for all foreign workers. It is crucial to check the specific requirements related to your employment and visa status.

  • Public vs. Private Healthcare

Mexico has a public healthcare system that is available to residents, including foreign workers, through institutions like IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute). However, the public system can have long wait times and limited resources. Private health insurance allows you to access private healthcare facilities, which often provide faster and more comprehensive care.

  • Health and Safety

Working in a new country comes with different health risks and challenges. Having health insurance ensures that you can receive preventive care, vaccinations, and routine check-ups, maintaining your overall well-being while living abroad.

While it might not be a legal requirement for every foreign worker, having health insurance is essential for ensuring access to quality healthcare, managing medical costs, and safeguarding your health while working in Mexico.

Benefits of Using a Broker Instead of an Insurer Directly

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While insurers offer products and services that are tied to their business, brokers are in a position to offer dozens, if not hundreds, of plan comparisons from different insurance partners. This doesn’t only save you time, but you get all sorts of benefits.

These benefits include:

  • Impartial advice
  • Plan and claims management
  • Access to an insurance expert’s market knowledge and experience
  • A liaison between you and the insurer
  • Broker services for free
  • And more!

Nowadays, there are dozens of reputable insurers to choose from for your needs and budget, which means you can get better deals. However, approaching each one every time or comparing even two can be tedious and arduous.

Even then, the insurance terminology and the process can be quite perplexing and mind-boggling to many. This is where insurance brokers or intermediaries like Pacific Prime come in, and we don’t charge you a dime! We instead earn commission through our insurance partners.

The Bottom Line About Brokers

While the immediate reaction is to go straight to a popular insurer, it may be in your best interest to contact a reputable insurance broker instead. You could save money and get honest and transparent advice throughout your insurance journey.

Pacific Prime is your one-stop broker for all your individual, school, and corporate needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work visa to work in Mexico as an American?

Americans need a valid work visa to be legally employed in Mexico. The typical process involves securing a job offer from a Mexican employer, who will then provide the necessary documentation to apply for a work visa. The most common work visa is the Temporary Resident Visa with permission to work.

What is the average salary for jobs in Mexico for Americans?

The average monthly salary for jobs in Mexico performed by Americans is 31,878 MXN ($2,000 USD) if you have a doctorate degree, 24,051 MXN ($1,500 USD) if you have a Master’s degree, 16,974 MXN ($1,000 USD) if you have a Bachelor’s degree, and 11,603 MXN ($700 USD) if you have a high school diploma.

Conclusion

This article has introduced you to the top 5 jobs for Americans working in Mexico. We’ve also introduced you to how to get a Mexican work visa, and why it is essential for you to get health insurance while working in Mexico.

You’ll also want to read our posts titled Expat’s Guide to Schools in Mexico and Driver’s License Requirements in Mexico for Americans.

If you’re ready to begin exploring insurance quotes online, check out our health insurance quotes generator. There you can compare hundreds of plans side to side from the most reputable insurers that cover foreigners living in Mexico. You can also talk to our team today!

Head of Content at Pacific Prime
Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
Serena Fung
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