The 12 Best Jobs for People Who Don’t Speak English

Sure, you’ve got some reading and writing under your belt, but the truth is that spoken English is still giving you trouble. That can be difficult when you’re trying to find a job in the United States, where most roles require some level of English fluency.

Maybe you feel nervous about even going in for an interview, fearing that the hiring manager might judge your speaking skills. Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

Luckily, you can take comfort in knowing that there are several jobs you can work without knowing much English. In fact, many of these jobs offer benefits, flexible scheduling, and other great perks. In many ways, knowing a foreign language can be a huge perk for some employers.

So, let’s dive in and discover the top twelve best jobs for people who don’t speak English.

Key Takeaways:

• There are many job opportunities for people who don’t speak English, ranging from truck driver to kitchen staff.

• These types of jobs require a comfort with working independently.

• Don’t be afraid to learn and practice English at your job. This will open up more professional opportunities.

The 12 Best Jobs for People Who Don’t Speak English

1. YouTube Partner

   Average Salary: $71,209 per year
   Jobs Available: 41,006
   Job Growth Rate: 8%

   Though this job can be hit or miss, as it requires you to gain a following on the platform, becoming a YouTube partner can be a great job choice for any non-English speaker.

   Typically, this job entails creating and editing content posted on the site. This content can be in any language, and you can easily add subtitles to reach other communities.

   Therefore, if you have an idea for interesting content and you’re determined to upload consistently, this kind of work can really pay off. For example, the site’s biggest content creator, PewDiePie, has an estimated worth of around $40 million.

   Find YouTube Partner jobs near me

2. Commercial Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $62,520 per year
   Jobs Available: 288,962
   Job Growth Rate: 5%

   If you’re looking for a more practical line of work, look no further. Commercial truck drivers make an average of $30.06 per hour simply shipping cargo from point A to B. While these drivers do need a CDL to start working, many states offer the test in several languages other than English.

   One great benefit of this job is, well, benefits. These can include valuable things like medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

   Overall though, once you start working, you’ll find you can complete nearly all of your work independently. Most of the time, you’ll be on the road driving alone, which means you won’t have to be speaking English.

   Find Commercial Truck Driver jobs near me

3. Children’s Author

   Average Salary: $58,650 per year
   Jobs Available: 103
   Job Growth Rate: 9%

   Creating a children’s book requires only basic grammar and a creative concept, whether in English or another language. Any child speaking any language can benefit from reading, which means there will always be a demand.

   This simple form of writing allows you to compete with other writers, even native speakers if you write in that English.

   Plus, speaking a different language or being a minority in the U.S. will allow you to reach children that may not be the market’s general focus. Just think, your native language is essentially another view of the world that you can use to your advantage.

   Of course, similar to any other entrepreneurial career, being successful in this line of work requires connections, skill, innovation, and a bit of luck. However, it is possible to get started as a children’s author without needing an editor, as many sites like Amazon will allow you to sell self-published books.

4. Blogger

   Average Salary: $41,048 per year
   Jobs Available: 205
   Job Growth Rate: 3%

   Similar to becoming an author, bloggers are online writers who can make a decent amount of money freelancing or creating their own websites. What’s more, you can write in any language you want working from any country.

   Truly, the possibilities are endless with this line of work, as you can write about anything from food to travel to current events.

   Overall, freelance blogging is a great choice for many reasons. For instance, these jobs often have flexible scheduling and require minimal social interaction. Plus, many freelancers are regularly able to work from home. All that for a respectable average of $20 per hour.

   Find Blogger jobs near me

5. Locksmith

   Average Salary: $39,203 per year
   Jobs Available: 760
   Job Growth Rate: 4%

   If you’re a skilled craftsman who struggles with speaking English, look no further than a career as a locksmith. These professionals install, replace, and maintain locks and provide keys and other security services. For many, these services are essential, which is why your average locksmith makes a respectable $18.85 per hour.

   Plus, most locksmiths don’t need anything more than a GED to start working. That means becoming qualified is more than possible, even if you have poor English, as many states also offer GED tests in Spanish or French.

   Find Locksmith jobs near me

6. Tour Guide

   Average Salary: $29,507 per year
   Jobs Available: 594
   Job Growth Rate: 10.5%

   If you think you’re overwhelmed in a majority English-speaking country like the United States, imagine how some tourists feel! Luckily, you can do them the courtesy of showing them around in a language they understand. It takes knowledge of local history, customer service skills, and a vested interest in safety.

   While finding the right location for this work can be tricky, it can also be very rewarding. Look for heavily touristy locations, and try to advertise to others who come from the same country as you, or at least speak the same language.

   The average tour guide can easily make over $15 per hour when successful.

   Find Tour Guide jobs near me

7. Uber/Taxi Cab Driver

   Average Salary: $27,093 per year
   Jobs Available: 14,099
   Job Growth Rate: 20%

   While becoming an Uber/taxi driver can be hit or miss depending on your location, it’s a great option for anyone living in urban areas. All you need is a friendly demeanor, GPS, and a basic grasp of the local area to be successful.

   Of course, Uber and taxi drivers operate differently. Operating through a third-party app, Uber drivers generally have more flexibility and opportunity but a less reliable income.

   On the other hand, becoming a taxi driver gives you the benefit (or downside) of having a formal employer.

   Either way, driving people from place to place is a common gig today that can earn you at least $15-$20 per hour.

   Find Taxi Cab Driver jobs near me

8. Housekeeping/Laundry

   Average Salary: $25,100 per year
   Jobs Available: 30,347
   Job Growth Rate: 7%

   If you enjoy cleaning and have an eye for detail, housekeeping/laundry might just be the job for you. In the U.S., many who struggle with English work in this field, as tasks can be performed independently. That means you won’t have to talk to anyone while you’re working.

   Overall, housekeeping work is some of the highest paying in the hospitality industry. All for performing common tasks like cleaning and steaming laundry, ironing and folding clothes, changing bedding, organizing items, and other light cleaning duties.

   And the nature of this work means that you’ll need very little training or education. Most housekeeping workers can even start working without a GED or high school diploma.

   Find Housekeeping/Laundry jobs near me

9. Child Caregiver

   Average Salary: $23,099 per year
   Jobs Available: 29,947
   Job Growth Rate: 2%

   Loving children is a universal language for many and can be a great career choice for those who struggle with English. After all, English-speaking isn’t required to adequately take care of a baby. Plus, many bilingual children out there could use a caretaker.

   Generally speaking, child caregivers provide for children when their parents are away. This includes feeding, bathing, dressing, supervising, and maintaining a safe environment for the child.

   If you have experience with children, many parents will pay top dollar for you to watch their kids. Plus, websites like Care.com make putting yourself out there easier than ever.

   Find Child Caregiver jobs near me

10. Kitchen Staff

    Average Salary: $23,039 per year
    Jobs Available: 105,744
    Job Growth Rate: 8%

    While not always glamorous, kitchen staff work is readily available and part of a growing field. With over 100,000 jobs currently available, anyone who wants to work at a restaurant can easily find a job.

    And because kitchen staff work under the supervision of line cooks to prepare meals, this job can be a great place to advance your cooking career. Even if you know nothing about food or the restaurant business, becoming kitchen staff will allow you to prepare ingredients for meals and learn how to keep the kitchen clean.

    Overall, this valuable experience pays an average of $11.08 per hour and can give you the upward mobility you need to advance your career, even if you go in with little knowledge of English (or cooking).

    Find Kitchen Staff jobs near me

11. Factory Worker

    Average Salary: $20,818 per year
    Jobs Available: 54,560
    Job Growth Rate: -5%

    While factory work has been declining for some decades now (due to automation), there are still plenty of easily accessible factory jobs around the U.S.

    On a regular day, factory workers operate machines at manufacturing sites. While the downside of these tasks is that they tend to be monotonous, the clear upside is that you’ll need little to no education to start working.

    In fact, most factory workers don’t need a GED or to speak English, as they will receive on-the-job training upon being hired. That means you can make at least $10 per hour without spending any money on programs or classes. Plus, many full-time positions in factories come with respectable benefits!

    Find Factory Worker jobs near me

12. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

    Average Salary: $20,714 per year
    Jobs Available: 22,056
    Job Growth Rate: 16%

    If you love animals and have experience with them, being a dog walker or pet sitter could be a great fit for you. After all, animals don’t even speak English.

    Further, dog walking or pet sitting also allows you to have a flexible schedule and stay active. You’ll be able to smell the fresh air and enjoy the scenery every time you work. You can even get paid to simply relax with a small feline in your lap.

    Plus, with a job growth rate of 16%, there’s no shortage of clients who will need your services. Which also gives the perk of picking and choosing who you want to work with.

    Find Dog Walker/Pet Sitter jobs near me

How We Decide Which Jobs Are the Best (and What to Look for Yourself)

It’s important to understand which factors make a job viable for non-English speakers in the U.S.

These factors include:

• Independent work. When you’re working a job that requires little communication, you won’t have to worry about speaking English regularly. That’s why cleaning, driving, and animal care roles are so easy for non-English speakers to get into.

• Using Your Native Language. Every language is valuable, and your native language is no exception. That’s why any job that allows you to speak your language freely is a great option.

• Freelancing. Typically a form of independent contractor work, being a freelancer allows you to pick and choose the jobs that work for you while also maintaining a flexible schedule.

Remember that one of these factors might be more important to you than another, but we will focus mainly on jobs that fit one or more of these criteria for this list. That way, you’ll have several different options across a wide range of industries/fields.

Should I Learn English For My Job?

You can still find a lot of work even if you do not speak English. However, this does limit your career opportunities in the United States. So it all depends on what you want to do and what is realistic for you.

If possible, it is strongly recommended that you learn English. A job that doesn’t require you to speak English is a great place to practice!

For example, consider someone who works in a kitchen but doesn’t speak English. Participating in conversation with other restaurant staff members gives them the chance to work on their English skills and receive real time feedback.

The key is not to be afraid to practice. It takes a lot of courage to speak a new language. Be open to making mistakes and look for ways to improve. There are many online courses that can help you as well.

The Bottom Line

Finding a job in a heavily English-speaking country like the United States can be difficult when you’re not fluent in the language, but it’s more than possible. Any job that allows you to work independently under an employer or freelance is a great start, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

When in doubt, check if your area provides common tests, programs, or licenses you need for some of these jobs in your language. You might be surprised by how bilingual state and government organizations can be.

But regardless, don’t be afraid to get out there in the job market!

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.