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If you want fast hiring and minimal formal training, employers in retail, warehousing, hospitality, landscaping, and agriculture hire entry-level workers across the USA. Typical pay for many unskilled roles ranges from $12–$25 per hour depending on employer, location, shift, and benefits. For foreign nationals, some seasonal and temporary programs (H-2A / H-2B / EB-3 other worker) exist but require employer sponsorship and strict rules.

Top Unskilled Jobs (Salary • Eligibility • Apply)

1. Warehouse / Fulfillment Associate (Amazon, Walmart, Third-party DCs)

Typical pay: Often $15–$24 / hour (higher in certain cities and with night shifts). Amazon has raised frontline wages and offers hourly pay improvements and hiring portals.

What you do: Picking, packing, loading, scanning, and basic material handling.

Eligibility: High school or equivalent usually fine; must pass basic background check and drug screen (varies by employer). Good physical fitness for standing and lifting.

Why it's good: Fast hiring, many locations, reliable schedule, benefits for full-time roles.

2. Retail Sales Associate / Cashier (Walmart, Target, Grocery Chains)

Typical pay: $12–$20 / hour depending on store & location.

What you do: Customer service, cashier, stocking shelves, price checks.

Eligibility: Minimal education; employers require legal right to work. Weekend/holiday shifts common.

Apply: Visit chain careers page for local openings.

3. Food Service / Fast Food Crew (McDonald's, Starbucks, Local Restaurants)

Typical pay: $11–$18 / hour; some chains offer signing bonuses and benefits.

What you do: Food prep, cashier, dishwashing, serving.

Eligibility: Minimal; flexible scheduling for students and shift workers.

Apply:

4. Janitor / Building Cleaner / Housekeeping (Hotels, Offices)

Typical pay: $12–$20 / hour depending on city and hotel level.

What you do: Cleaning rooms, common areas, basic maintenance.

Eligibility: No degree required; background checks common for hotels.

Apply: Large hotel groups hire via their careers sites.

5. Landscaping / Groundskeeper

Typical pay: $12–$22 / hour seasonally; overtime in busy months.

What you do: Lawn mowing, planting, property clean-up, equipment operation.

Eligibility: Physical work; some positions require driver's license for equipment transport.

Where to apply: Local landscaping firms, national chains, seasonal staffing agencies.

6. Agricultural / Farm Worker (Seasonal)

Typical pay: Varies widely — hourly or piece-rate; many seasonal roles through H-2A program for foreign workers. Check official rules before applying.

What you do: Harvesting, packing, greenhouse work, animal care.

Eligibility: For U.S. citizens/permanent residents: apply directly to farms or packing sheds. For foreign nationals: H-2A temporary agricultural visas (employer petitions) apply — see government guidance.

7. Construction Laborer (Basic/Entry)

Typical pay: $15–$25 / hour depending on site and union status.

What you do: Loading/unloading, site cleanup, basic helping tasks.

Eligibility: Physical ability; some employers require basic certifications (e.g., OSHA 10) later, but entry-level often available.

8. Delivery & Courier (Local delivery, some require driver's license)

Typical pay: $13–$25+ / hour (depending on company & tip structure).

What you do: Last-mile delivery, loading/unloading, route work.

Eligibility: Driver's license & safe driving record for vehicle delivery; bike or walking roles sometimes accept no license.

Pay data & averages: Many unskilled labor roles report average hourly pay around $12–$20; a market summary for "unskilled laborer" averages near $17/hr (varies by source and region). Always verify local pay on the employer's posting.

How to Apply — Quick Checklist

  • Check the employer careers page (links above) and filter by city/state.
  • Prepare a short resume — highlight reliability, physical fitness, and shift availability.
  • Have ID & proof of right-to-work ready (SSN for US workers or valid visa documentation).
  • Expect background and drug screen for many employers — be honest.
  • For foreign nationals, research H-2A/H-2B or EB-3 "other worker" program rules before applying.

Visa & Sponsorship — Important Facts

Foreign nationals seeking temporary unskilled work in the U.S. typically rely on programs such as:

  • H-2A — temporary agricultural workers (employer petition required).
  • H-2B — temporary non-agricultural workers for seasonal/peak needs (employer petition & DOL certification required).
  • EB-3 (Other Worker) — immigrant visa for unskilled workers (longer processing and limited visa numbers). Check EB-3 processing & quotas.

Visa programs require the U.S. employer to petition and meet strict conditions. Never pay fees to middlemen for guarantees — always verify employer credentials and consult official U.S. government pages.

FAQ — Fast Answers

Q: Can I move to the USA with an unskilled job?

A: Some temporary visas allow foreign workers (H-2A/H-2B); permanent pathways (EB-3) exist but are limited and take time. Employer sponsorship is required.

Q: Which employers hire quickest for entry-level roles?

A: Large retail chains (Walmart, Target), Amazon warehouses, restaurants, hotels, and local staffing agencies typically hire fast — check their direct careers pages for immediate openings.

Q: What salary should I expect?

A: Expect anywhere from minimum wage up to $25/hr in some metro areas or hazard/night differentials. The unskilled laborer average market rate is often cited around $17/hr (varies by source and city).

Ready to Apply?
Pick the job card above that fits you, click the employer link, and apply today — many roles hire within days.

Sources: Employer career pages (Amazon, Walmart), U.S. government guidance on temporary worker visas (USCIS, DOL), and market salary summaries (PayScale, job boards). Links to official pages are included above.