Introduction
As the United States continues to face labor shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, cleaning services, and home care, international workers are in demand more than ever. These opportunities extend to menial jobs, which, although considered low-skilled, are vital to the economy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting menial jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, including top jobs, salaries, companies hiring, visa types, application steps, and eligible countries.
What Are Menial Jobs?
Menial jobs are typically:
Low-skilled or unskilled labor roles
Physically demanding
Requiring little formal education
Often entry-level but consistent in demand
These roles include cleaners, farm laborers, kitchen assistants, home care aides, janitors, warehouse workers, dishwashers, and more.
Despite their “menial” classification, they are increasingly important in sectors where domestic labor is limited.
Why Choose Menial Jobs in the USA?
Competitive Salaries: Pay ranges from $15–$25/hour depending on location
Visa Sponsorship: Many employers offer H-2B or H-2A visas
High Demand: Huge demand in agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare
No Formal Education Needed: Perfect for applicants without a college degree
Global Opportunities: Open to many developing countries.
Visa Options for Menial Jobs in the USA
H-2A Visa (Temporary Agricultural Workers)
For seasonal agricultural work
Sponsored by US farm employers
Valid for 3 years max
H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers)
For hospitality, cleaning, landscaping, construction
Limited to 66,000 visas per year (split between two seasons)
Requires employer sponsorship
Key Requirements:
Job offer from a U.S. employer
Proof of return to your home country
No criminal record
Medical clearance (in some cases)
Top 10 Menial Jobs in the USA with High Demand (2025/2026)
1. Farm Workers / Fruit Pickers (H-2A Visa)
Salary: $15–$20/hour
States Hiring: California, Florida, Washington
Work Includes: Planting, harvesting, packing fruits/vegetables
2. Hotel Housekeepers (H-2B Visa)
Salary: $17–$22/hour
States Hiring: New York, Nevada, Florida
Duties: Cleaning guest rooms, laundry, maintaining standards
3. Janitors and Cleaners
Salary: $16–$20/hour
States Hiring: Texas, Illinois, California
Sponsorship: Available under H-2B
4. Landscapers and Groundskeepers
Salary: $18–$23/hour
States Hiring: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan
Role: Mowing lawns, trimming trees, general outdoor maintenance
5. Home Health Aides / Elderly Care
Salary: $20–$25/hour
High Demand in: Aging U.S. population
Visa Options: H-2B or through employer-sponsored green cards
6. Restaurant Kitchen Assistants / Dishwashers
Salary: $15–$18/hour
Work Includes: Cleaning, food prep, stocking
Sponsorship: Available in hospitality-rich states
7. Warehouse Packers and Loaders
Salary: $18–$22/hour
States Hiring: Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania
Employers: Amazon, Walmart, FedEx contractors
8. Construction Laborers
Salary: $20–$30/hour
Visa Route: H-2B
Tasks: Mixing cement, lifting materials, basic site work
9. Car Wash Attendants
Salary: $16–$20/hour
Companies Hiring: Mister Car Wash, Autobell
Seasonal Demand: High in summer and winter seasons
10. Caretakers and Nannies
Salary: $18–$25/hour
Visa: J-1 or H-2B (some through au pair programs)
Duties: Babysitting, elderly support, light housework.
Companies Hiring Menial Workers with Visa Sponsorship
| Company Name | Job Types | Visa Support | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Harvest Inc. | Farm workers | H-2A | California, Georgia |
| Marriott Hotels | Housekeeping | H-2B | Nationwide |
| Amazon Logistics | Warehouse pickers | Seasonal + TN | Nationwide |
| The Grounds Guys | Landscapers | H-2B | Midwest |
| BrightView | Lawn care | H-2B | Florida, Texas |
| Sun Valley Farms | Agricultural workers | H-2A | Idaho, Oregon |
| Sodexo USA | Food service, janitors | H-2B | Nationwide |
| McDonald’s Franchises | Cleaners, cashiers | J-1 or H-2B | Major cities |
| Private Families | Nannies | J-1 Au Pair or H-2B | New York, DC, LA |
Salary Overview for Menial Jobs in the USA (Hourly & Annual)
| Job Role | Hourly Rate ($) | Estimated Annual Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Worker | 15–20 | $28,000–$38,000 |
| Janitor | 16–19 | $30,000–$36,000 |
| Housekeeper | 17–22 | $31,000–$41,000 |
| Warehouse Worker | 18–22 | $33,000–$44,000 |
| Dishwasher | 15–18 | $28,000–$34,000 |
| Caregiver | 20–25 | $36,000–$50,000 |
| Landscaper | 18–23 | $33,000–$45,000 |
| Construction Helper | 20–30 | $38,000–$60,000 |
Eligible Countries for U.S. Menial Job Visas (2025)
According to the USCIS H-2A and H-2B eligibility list, citizens from these countries are eligible:
Nigeria
Ghana
South Africa
India
Philippines
Mexico
Jamaica
Kenya
Honduras
Nepal
Uganda
Bangladesh
Thailand
Zimbabwe
Indonesia
How to Apply for Menial Jobs in the USA
Step-by-Step Process:
Search for US employers offering H-2A or H-2B jobs
Check job description and visa requirements
Apply directly to employer or via approved agent
Attend interview (online or in-person)
Receive job offer letter
Employer files petition with USCIS
Attend visa interview at U.S. embassy
Get visa stamped and travel to the USA
Required Documents for Visa
Valid International Passport
Employment Offer Letter
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Form I-129 (filed by employer)
Proof of funds (if needed)
Visa Fee Receipt
Police Clearance Certificate
Medical Report (optional)
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visa rejections | Ensure complete documents & clear travel history |
| Employer scams | Apply via DOL website or verified recruiters |
| Low wages | Choose states with high minimum wage laws |
| Weather conditions | Be physically prepared for farm or construction work |
| Language barriers | Learn basic English or take language courses |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I move my family with a menial job visa?
No. H-2A and H-2B visas do not allow dependents to accompany the worker.
Can menial jobs lead to permanent residency?
Some can, especially through employer sponsorship or job-based green cards over time.
How long can I stay on an H-2B visa?
Up to 3 years max with extensions. Usually issued for 6–12 months at a time.
Are there fees to pay?
Visa fee (~$190), medicals, and travel cost (sometimes reimbursed by employer).
Final Thoughts
Menial jobs in the USA are not just a means to earn a living they are stepping stones toward something bigger. Many immigrants have started out as janitors, fruit pickers, or housekeepers and eventually become business owners, managers, or even permanent residents.
With visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and thousands of openings, these jobs are a real opportunity for hardworking individuals from eligible countries.
If you’re ready to work hard, follow the process, and dream big? America is hiring.