How to Find a Job in the USA Without Knowing English

Working without English in the USA is possible – in some cities, entire industries are staffed by the Polish community. This guide shows where and how to look for jobs.

Cities with a Strong Polish Market

• Chicago, IL – Jackowo, Avondale, Niles, Park Ridge – the largest Polish community in the USA
• New York City and Greenpoint (Brooklyn) – concentration of Polish businesses and agencies
• New Jersey – Wallington, Garfield, Linden, Clifton
• Detroit, MI / Hamtramck – historic Polish community
• Boston, MA – South Boston and Salem
• Los Angeles – smaller but active Polish environment

Industries Available Without English

Construction and Renovation

The most popular entry-level job for men. Polish construction companies hire Polish workers: carpenters, painters, tilers, electricians, plumbers. Starting rates in 2026: $18–30/hour cash or $22–40 on checks.

Cleaning and Housekeeping

Jobs for both women and men. Polish cleaning agencies (cleaning ladies) in private homes: $25–40/hour. Office cleaning at night: $17–22/hour.

Senior Care (Caregiver)

For women with caregiving experience – work with Polish families or in Polish agencies. Rates $200–350 per day for live-in care.

Hospitality

Polish restaurants, bakeries, delis. Positions: cook, waiter, baker, dishwasher. Rates: $15–22/hour + tips.

Transport and Logistics

Work in Polish courier and transport companies. Requires a USA driver's license (usually CDL for trucks).

Beauty Salons and Cosmetology

Polish hairdressing, manicure, cosmetology – many salons serve only the Polish community. Requires a local state license (e.g., Cosmetology License – several hundred hours of training).

Where to Look for Job Listings

• Informacja.com – Polish job listings
• Polish Pages, Nowy Dziennik, Dziennik Związkowy – Polish newspapers
• Polish Facebook Groups – e.g., “Polska Praca w USA”, “Polacy w Chicago”
• Polish Employment Agencies in Greenpoint and Jackowo
• Polish Stores, Restaurants, Parishes – often have job postings on bulletin boards

What You Need

• SSN – required for work “on checks”
• ITIN – if you work without an SSN, you can obtain a tax number for non-Americans
• State Driver's License – most jobs require a driver's license
• American Phone – employers will not call a Polish number

Working Off the Books vs. On Checks

Many new immigrants start with “cash” jobs (cash, no taxes). This is common but carries risks:

• No insurance in case of an accident
• No right to Social Security in the future
• Problems with immigration applications (Green Card, naturalization)
• Harder to rent an apartment or get a loan without a tax history

After finding stable work, it is advisable to switch to “on checks” (W-2), even if it means a lower net rate.

Learning English in the Meantime

• ESL classes free at public libraries
• Community Colleges – courses in English as a Second Language
• Duolingo, Speak, Cambly – apps
• NGO Programs – Catholic Charities, YMCA, local churches

Realistic Expectations

Without English, it is difficult to advance professionally. After a year or two of work, it is worth investing time in learning – double the rates await those who are communicative in English. The first job is a starting point, not the goal.