Jobs in Mexico

There are two things most people think of when they think of Mexico: sunny vacations and immigration. Those can stir up a lot of different opinions and emotions, but both contribute to making Mexico feel fun, challenging, maybe even a little bit sexy, and both offer opportunities for interesting work abroad in Mexico. In Mexico, jobs for foreigners can help you expand your network and build your skills, and in your off time, you can hit the beaches and explore pre-Columbian ruins. And don’t sleep on the chilaquiles!

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A Guide to Jobs Abroad in Mexico

Best Cities for Expats

The best places to work in Mexico are generally either the big cities or the coastal regions—of which there are two—the Caribbean or the Pacific.

Mexico City. The capital, known as the D.F. (for Distrito Federal, pronounced “day eff-ay”), is one of the largest cities in the world. As you can imagine, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it will be an easy place to connect with fellow expats because there are plenty of people from all over who take jobs abroad in Mexico here. It’s a convenient location to launch from for tourism to the rest of the country when you’re not working.

Cancun/Yucatan Peninsula. Home of the Riviera Maya. A year-round tropical destination for fun in the sun, biodiversity, and Mayan history. Mexico jobs for foreigners here understandably center around the tourism and hospitality industry.

Puerto Vallarta. Hop over to the Pacific Coast to find another coastal destination for work abroad in Mexico. The scene here can be a bit more quirky and stylish than what you’ll find in the Yucatan. It’s also known as Mexico’s most LGBT-friendly beach community. Keep this in mind while you’re looking for places to work in Mexico.

Popular Job Types

Being one of the most-visited countries in the world, it’s easy to find jobs abroad in Mexico in the tourism industry. Its globalized economy also puts English in high demand, so education jobs abound. If you’ve got skills in some other profession, don’t fret—there are countless opportunities in other sectors, as well.

Hospitality/Tourism. Hotels, restaurants, tour guides, bartenders, adventure travel. You name it, and you’ll find work in Mexico for it. Jobs like these may be most abundant on the coasts, but are available throughout the country. Being offered under-the-table work in this sector isn’t unheard of, so be sure you know what your legal rights and responsibilities are before you accept any offers.

Education. Maybe the most versatile option for international jobs in Mexico, English teachers can be placed in all kinds of public and private schools, language institutes, and corporate education programs around the country. TEFL certification is a plus, though not always necessary, and some agencies offer programs to get the certification in-country. Even if language instruction isn’t your dream job, there are other ways to capitalize on your status as a foreigner to help Mexico’s youth compete in the global economy some day.

Estimated Salaries

Choosing to work abroad in Mexico in the tourism or education sectors probably won’t make you rich, but with the relatively low cost of living compared with many other places in the world, you should be able to cover your expenses and make your budget work for you while you work abroad in Mexico, especially if you’ve done a little saving before you go. Keep in mind that the biggest cities and popular tourist destinations will probably be a little less affordable than the destinations you haven’t heard so much about.

Accommodations & Visas

Many jobs abroad in Mexico, particularly short-term or seasonal work in the tourism and education sectors, include housing, a housing stipend, or help with housing placement. Mexico jobs for foreigners can be a fun way to get to know the country, but they aren’t necessarily glamorous. Accomodations aren’t luxurious. Dorm- or apartment-style housing may be shared with other expats and seasonal employees. Nanny jobs often include living with the family for whom you work. Some international jobs in Mexico may also provide a travel stipend—either up front or after completion of your contract—to help you fund the cost of your flight.

What kind of visa you’ll need for jobs abroad in Mexico will depend on how long you plan to work in Mexico and where you’re coming from. If visas are required, you’ll need to apply for them with plenty of time to spare in order to receive your visa before you enter the country. Processing can take 30 days or more, so be sure to plan well in advance. Use the GoAbroad embassy directory to get a head start on your research.

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Working abroad may be your long-term plan. Or maybe work abroad in Mexico is just something you want to try for a little. Something different. A change of scenery. No matter your reasons, it will be a worthwhile adventure. You’ll build resiliency, intercultural competence, and language skills while checking some world-class destinations off your bucket list and refining your vision for your personal and professional future. As long as you take the work seriously and plan your budget realistically before you embark on this professional journey, even a “detour” shouldn’t derail your career ambitions.

Being a young professional in Mexico should be fun! Mexicans work hard, but they also know how to enjoy their friends, their families, and their downtime. Take your co-workers up on the invitation to join them for an after-work cerveza. Eat all of the food (and learn how to eat it spicy). Take some time to be a tourist in your new home. There is history and natural beauty to be seen no matter where you end up in Mexico. Make sure you take time to enjoy it!