McAllen Jobs: Overview
Bordering Mexico, at the southern tip of the Rio Grande Valley—all the way south in the state of Texas—you’ll find the scenic city of McAllen. Ripe with palm trees, a subtropical climate, and serpentine canals, the area features choice cultural attractions, such as the Quinta Mazatlan—a historic Spanish Revival hacienda where birdwatching aficionados flock to the World Birding Center—and the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), which is known for its exhibitions showcasing Latin American art. Although McAllen jobs were traditionally centered on agriculture, the NAFTA ratification sprung open work opportunities in international trade, and new sectors began to form as well, including healthcare, education, retail, and tourism.
The local economy remains strong too, with a future job growth rate predicted to be at 36.1% over the next decade—higher than the national average of 33.5%. Young professionals live it up in the downtown entertainment district on weekends with fine-dining, nightlife, and shopping sprees. And, overall, the cost of living in McAllen is 21.4% cheaper than the rest of the U.S. Housing is even 41.7% lower. For extra job openings, scan through Mission, Edinburg, and Weslaco nearby.
Popular Jobs in McAllen
As one of the major economic drivers in South Texas, McAllen and the surrounding region feature a prosperous business and trade landscape that sets in motion both the manufacturing industry—from automotive suppliers to food-and-beverage producers like Frito-Lay—and the transportation sector.
Another big player is the health-services field, which is energized by multiple hospitals, medical centers, research facilities, and private multinationals like the UnitedHealth Group. And the spirit of education is prioritized here too—supported by South Texas College (which has its main campus in McAllen), the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, numerous school districts, and the stately McAllen Public Library.
If you’d like to filter down to some specific options, try these:
Update Your Resume
Time for a resume checkup. But don’t get distressed—we have all the resources you need to prove your worth. Start by examining how you’ve organized your work experience. Then go over our tips on how to write a powerful and highly readable work-history section. Also, careers evolve—and so do resumes, with many items now deemed old-fashioned. From soft skills to company-specific jargon, here’s what not to include on your resume.
Meanwhile, we’d like to gently nudge you toward appreciating the value of a well-composed cover letter. Never underestimate the positive effect of adding a cover letter to your application—it can push your job search into the stratosphere when done correctly. And we can point you in the right direction with our diverse selection of cover letter samples.
Interviewing for McAllen Jobs
Ready for your job interview? Since this part of the application process is very important, a little bit of training before you go in can’t hurt. Besides questions about your knowledge and background, employers will likely ask you to give concrete examples of your past achievements, so make sure to prepare a few solid anecdotes.
The way you deliver your message can be critical too, so here are tips on how to become a smooth talker. And what about after the interview? Just review our advice on how to follow up, as we have articles on different approaches depending on the circumstance.
How Much Do McAllen Jobs Pay?
The median household income in McAllen is $46,804, but let’s get you some additional pay info. Head over to Monster’s Salary Tools site, then key in the job title you’re seeking and you’ll see salary data in McAllen and nearby cities. Plus, you can compare those to the national median and to other jobs in your field, while leafing through articles about everything from how to make smart counteroffers to how to decipher health benefits (and figure out whether a potential employer’s package is actually any good).
Want to Learn More About Companies Near You?
Say you’ve found a job you’re really interested in, but you’re not familiar with the company. Doing a quick audit of the organization you may be joining will help ensure it’s the right fit for you. Factors to consider include the type of work environment, the number of employees, and what matters most to management (e.g., do they reward risk-takers or are there strict protocols to be followed?).
Furthermore, check out our company datasets, where you can view:
- branding and mission statements
- info on headquarters and locations
- insider photos and videos
Become a Monster Member Now to Find Top-Grade McAllen Jobs
South Texas isn’t only known for delish Tex-Mex—work opportunities abound in places like McAllen, and Monster continually gathers the cream of the crop. Just create a profile—which is totally free—and you’ll gain an advantage during your job search, as we guide you toward the best jobs in your industry, provide advice on workplace issues, and send you personalized alerts about openings in your area.