Relocating for a new job is an exciting opportunity, but it can also bring challenges—especially when it comes to juggling moving costs and settling into a new place. That's where relocation assistance comes into play.
Many companies offer relocation assistance to help employees transition smoothly, covering expenses and reducing the stress associated with moving for work.
If you’re considering a role that involves moving or are simply curious about relocation assistance, this article will cover everything you need to know—from understanding how it works to a list of jobs that offer relocation assistance.
What is relocation assistance?
Relocation assistance is a type of support provided by employers to help employees move to a new location for a job. It’s a valuable benefit that can significantly influence an employee's decision to accept a job offer in a different city or state.
“Transferable jobs require employees to relocate from one place to another, and under such circumstances, they incur costs for relocation,” says Jeri Donaldson, chief human resources officer (CHRO) of EssayShark. “Job relocation assistance helps make the transition smoother for employees by providing financial assistance, logistical help, and other resources.”
How does relocation assistance work?
Relocation packages vary widely, depending on the company, the position, and the distance of the move. Here are a few relocation package examples and how they work:
Lump-sum payment
Some companies offer a single, predetermined amount to cover relocation expenses. This gives employees flexibility but requires careful budgeting on your part to ensure the funds last through the entire process.
Direct reimbursement
With this typical relocation package, employees pay for moving expenses upfront and submit receipts to be reimbursed by the company. It’s ideal for those who prefer the certainty of covered costs, but it typically requires some out-of-pocket expenses initially.
Third-party relocation services
Companies may partner with relocation firms to manage the move on behalf of the employee. This type of assistance includes coordinating moving services, finding housing, and handling logistics—relieving much of the moving burden from the employee.
Full relocation package
Some companies offer a complete package, covering all expenses from moving costs to temporary housing and even family support services. This is the most extensive type of assistance but may be reserved for executive-level or critical positions.
What does relocation assistance cover?
Though relocation packages vary, most cover some or all of the following components.
- Moving expenses: This includes costs for hiring movers, renting a moving truck, or shipping household items. Many companies cover full or partial moving expenses as a standard part of relocation assistance.
- Travel expenses: Travel-related costs for the employee and their family, such as flights, gas, and lodging during the move, are often covered. This ensures employees have safe and smooth travel to their new location.
- Temporary housing: Does “relocation expenses” include rent? Sometimes, yes. For employees who need time to find permanent housing, relocation packages may include short-term accommodations in a hotel or rented apartment.
- Real estate assistance: Companies may offer support for buying or selling a home, covering realtor fees, closing costs, and potential losses on the sale of a home in the old location.
- Storage costs: If there’s a gap between moving out of the old home and into the new one, storage costs for household goods may be covered as well.
- Spousal or family assistance: Relocation impacts the whole family, so some packages include support for a spouse’s job search, school selection assistance for children, and general community orientation.
- Cost-of-living adjustments: If the move is to a more expensive city, some employers offer financial assistance with relocating or an increased salary to offset the higher expenses.
While the main components of a relocation package focus on moving and settling in, some companies go above and beyond with additional perks, including:
- Language training: For international relocations, some packages include language classes to help employees adjust to a new country.
- Cultural orientation: If you’re moving abroad, a company might provide cultural training sessions to help you better understand and adapt to the local customs. International relocation assistance may also include visa assistance and language support, Donaldson says.
- Health and wellness programs: Some jobs with relocation packages provide access to wellness programs, gym memberships, or mental health support to ease the stress of relocation.
Relocation assistance: Jobs that typically offer this benefit
You might be actively looking for jobs with relocation assistance—roles where the employer offers financial and logistical support to help new or existing employees move to a new location for work. These roles typically fall into categories where specialized skills are needed, or the job is strategically critical for the company.
Here are some of the most common types of careers that often come with job relocation:
- Executive and management positions: Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), and other high-level executives, as well as department heads and senior manager
Companies often provide relocation packages for executives and high-level managers to attract top talent.
- Engineering and technical roles: Software engineers, data scientists, product designers, and other tech specialists, including aerospace engineers and mechanical engineers
Tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Austin commonly attract talent from all over, so relocation assistance can be a major draw.
- Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, and specialists, such as radiologists and anesthesiologists, as well as hospital administrators and healthcare executives
Hospitals and medical facilities may offer relocation assistance to address staff shortages in specific locations, especially in rural or underserved areas.
- Education and academia: University professors, deans, and research specialists, as well as K-12 teachers, particularly in high-demand or rural areas
Relocation packages are often provided for higher education professionals and sometimes even K-12 teachers in high-need subject areas (such as STEM) or in underserved school districts.
- Military and government jobs: Military personnel moving between bases or assignments, as well as federal agency positions like FBI agents, diplomats, and intelligence analysts
Government roles that require relocation are typically eligible for assistance, especially for positions in foreign services, national security, or critical federal projects.
- Sales and business development: Regional sales managers or account executives in specialized industries, as well as business development directors in growing markets
Companies aiming to expand their markets or open new territories may relocate top sales talent to build local networks and drive growth in new locations.
- Skilled trades and specialized labor: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, construction managers, and project foremen
Relocation assistance may be available for skilled trades where specific expertise is required for large-scale projects or in locations experiencing a labor shortage.
- Hospitality and tourism management: Hotel managers, resort directors, and operations managers, as well as executive chefs and restaurant managers in upscale or specialty locations
High-end hotels, resorts, and destination venues may offer relocation assistance for key roles in order to maintain quality service and management standards.
- Financial services and consulting: Investment bankers, financial analysts, and management consultants, along with tax advisors and auditors for specific branches or regions
Financial firms and consulting companies often place top professionals in strategic locations to serve high-value clients.
- Information technology and cybersecurity: Cybersecurity specialists, network engineers, and cloud architects, as well as IT project managers and systems administrators
As cybersecurity and IT infrastructure are critical to many businesses, relocation packages are often offered to top candidates in these fields, particularly in areas with dense corporate offices or tech sectors.
These jobs that will pay you to relocate can range from covering basic moving expenses to comprehensive support packages. The amount of support often depends on the role's level, the distance of the move, and the company’s budget.
How to ask for relocation assistance
Negotiating relocation assistance can be a smart move, especially if the initial package doesn't fully meet your needs. Here are steps to help you negotiate effectively:
1. Negotiate early
Bring up relocation assistance during the job offer process, not after. The negotiation phase is when employers are most open to adjusting packages, so make your requests clear before finalizing the offer.
2. Understand the package
Start by carefully reviewing the relocation package offered, paying attention to what's included, what might be missing, and whether the package aligns with your estimated moving costs. If the company doesn’t have a standard package and invites you to propose one, “research different packages and find the standard one for your industry and role,” Donaldson says. This can be a helpful starting point for negotiations.
3. Research relocation costs
If you’re wondering, “How much relocation assistance should I ask for?” calculate your anticipated relocation expenses, including moving, travel, and housing. By having a clear understanding of these costs, you’ll be able to make a more compelling case for additional support.
4. Ask for specifics
If the offer includes a lump sum, ask for a breakdown of what it’s meant to cover. This can help you determine if the amount is sufficient or if additional assistance is necessary.
5. Highlight mutual benefits
Emphasize how the assistance would support your productivity and focus on the new role. Companies may be more willing to provide additional assistance if they see it as a way to help you settle in quickly and perform well in your new position.
Pro tip: “Once you have negotiated a relocation assistance package, get everything in writing to avoid any misunderstandings later,” Donaldson says.
Make the most of relocation assistance
Once you’ve secured a relocation package, maximize its benefits by planning your move carefully and utilizing the resources provided by your employer. This might mean coordinating with the relocation company, using recommended moving services, and reaching out for any additional support you need along the way.
Also, keep track of expenses if you’re using a reimbursement system, and save all receipts. Some companies have deadlines for submitting reimbursement claims, so staying organized will help you receive the full benefit.
Relocation assistance can make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful move. For many employees, a well-structured relocation package is more than a perk—it’s an essential support system that allows them to settle in and succeed in a new role and location.
FAQs
Is relocation assistance taxable?
In the U.S., relocation assistance is generally considered taxable income. Check with a tax advisor to understand how it applies to your situation and any potential deductions.
Is relocation assistance negotiable?
Yes. If the initial package doesn’t meet your needs, you can negotiate for additional support, especially if you’re moving a long distance or have specific relocation expenses.
Can relocation assistance cover international moves?
Many companies provide international relocation assistance, which may include additional support such as visa assistance, language training, and cultural orientation.
What if my job offer didn’t include relocation assistance?
Even if relocation assistance wasn’t initially offered, you can request it during the negotiation phase. Some employers are open to adding support based on your needs.