Tel Aviv - 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?
Many spouses work at the EBO, although there is less availability than I expected (probably due to the pandemic). Israel is start-up nation, so if you work in tech you can probably find a job. Salaries depend on what industry you are in. Tech seems to be where all the money is, while most other jobs pay less than in the US. Local jobs are required to pay for transportation, so that's nice. - Jan 2022
Good number of jobs available at post for EFMs. Several also work on the local economy, some without any Hebrew. Both full-time and part-time jobs available at the EBO. Local salaries tend to be a bit lower than American standards. - Apr 2021
A nonworking spouse seems to be the most common here. Some spouses are somewhat isolated at home cooking and cleaning given the lack of domestic employee availability, although there are certainly plenty of social/volunteer/exercise opportunities. There are some spouse jobs at the embassy although they tend to be mostly menial. Some spouses do find work on the local economy but it seems more common to telecommute. - Oct 2019
Local salaries are low compared to cost of living. There were EFM jobs at the embassy. - Nov 2018
When spouses are permitted jobs (the hiring freeze is ongoing currently), there are lots to choose from in the Embassy - full or part-time. There’s a good scene for those that choose not to work, particularly if you live in Herziliya. - Aug 2017
EFM jobs are usually available, but timing determines a lot. Typically, qualified EFMs usually find a spot. Some home-based businesses exist. Not many work on the local market because of limited Hebrew combined with the fact that wages are considerably lower. - Oct 2016
Some partners work in the Embassy, but the EFM jobs are not all that great here. Some do telework. - Jul 2016
Without a job permit chances are probably low. - Mar 2016
I don't think so and definitely not without Hebrew. - Nov 2014
There are some jobs but not very high-paying ones. - Apr 2013
No. Wages are low, jobs are difficult to find. Embassy tends to require qualifications for family member jobs that no one can meet. So difficult even there. They also pay very low wages. - Aug 2010
It's very difficult to find a job outside the embassy, and there is a lot of hostility towards "foreign" workers, thanks to the religious right which controls the Interior Ministry and blames them/us for the entry and spread of diseases and the corruption of Jewish Israel, among other things. - Jul 2010
Recently, the government of Israel began enforcing its bilateral work agreement with the U.S., meaning you can now get a work permit as the spouse of an American diplomat (whereas before it took 1 year+). Wages are lower here than they are in the US and the tax rate is much higher. That being said, there are many high tech, medical jobs out there. Many jobs, however, require some knowledge of Hebrew - Feb 2009
Not really. Plus salaries are lower. - Sep 2008
No. - Jul 2008
