Sao Paulo - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
It's a mix. Everything from teleworking, to employment at Consulate, to local jobs (mostly teaching), and also just not accompanying spouse to Sao Paulo. In general, local salaries will likely be lower in Brazil compared to the US. - Jun 2024
Teaching at one of the international schools, at the consulate (most are consular positions), or self-employed. - May 2021
Most spouses work within our diplomatic mission. Positions on local economy seem sparse as the economy is somewhat depressed. Average local salary for educated professionals probably around 4,000 Reais. - Apr 2021
Hard to get employment on the local economy. Some EFMs work at post. - Aug 2019
There were not a lot of locally based jobs available to expatriate spouses when we were there. The American Society of Sao Paulo had some part-time openings that occasionally opened up, but most were volunteer only. The consulate had some jobs but required at least a level 1 knowledge in Portuguese. Salaries are extremely low in comparison to the US (especially if you are paid locally with the bad conversion rates). - Nov 2017
There are a few EFM jobs at the consulate, but many require some level of Portuguese. Similarly, you will want to speak Portuguese to be competitive on the local economy. - Apr 2017
Some work at Consulate, some consult and some are unemployed. - Jan 2017
There are numerous employment opportunities within the consulate and local market (usually involving teaching). Spouses can work in Brazil but it is important to manage your expectations (low salaries). - Jan 2017
Yes. - Aug 2013
A good working knowledge of Portuguese is almost always essential to employment in the local economy. You have to have a work permit to work in the local economy, which can take at least a month to obtain. You can get a work permit without a job prospect if you are affiliated with the US Consulate. Most local-economy jobs are for teaching of some sort. But if you are willing to work pro-bono, there are opportunities out there. I have been volunteering on a public health research project in my field. I know others who teach/tutor English classes and get paid in cash and don't have a work permit. - Dec 2012
Yes, if you speak Portuguese. - Jan 2012
yes - Jan 2012
You have to know Portuguese. - Jan 2012
Absolutely. - Oct 2008
Don't think so, not sure. - Aug 2008
