According to data from Mexico's Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico (SEDECO), San Luis Potosí has positioned itself as a national leader in attracting foreign investment. The state captured $3,649.4 million USD in Foreign Direct Investment during 2024, placing it among the top 10 states nationwide for FDI attraction.

The investment landscape shows impressive momentum. In the period covering Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, the state added $894.5 million USD in new investments. Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona announced that with major investments like Volex's $2 billion commitment, San Luis Potosí has already accumulated $2,642 million USD—surpassing the total recorded in 2024.

Recent announcements highlight the diversity of incoming investment. Five new international companies—KBY México, Lubricantes Fuchs, Unitekno, Kingfa Sci & Tech, and San Luis Dasung—have established operations, creating 2,003 direct jobs with positive ripple effects across construction, commerce, and services sectors.

The state's industrial infrastructure is supported by 19 industrial parks, mostly located in the capital area, offering strategic locations, efficient logistics services, and standards that meet international investor expectations. According to the Unión de Usuarios de la Zona Industrial (UUZI), approximately 520 companies operate across 3,800 hectares, including the Villa de Reyes conurbation, generating around 120,000 direct jobs.

BMW Group deserves special mention as one of the largest employers of international talent. The San Luis Potosí plant, which opened in 2019, features innovative digitalization technologies and a robust infrastructure. According to Hermann Bohrer, President and CEO of the SLP plant, the company has received overwhelming interest from candidates, including people from other states and even the United States.

The global shift toward nearshoring—relocating production closer to end markets—has positioned San Luis Potosí as a prime destination for companies restructuring their supply chains. The state offers a favorable environment thanks to its geographic, cultural, and economic advantages, along with streamlined administrative processes.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Coahuila and San Luis Potosí together represent 8% ($2.474 billion) of total investment announcements in H1 2024, emerging as leaders in expected job creation with 15,124 new positions—24% of the 62,940 projected nationally.

"San Luis Potosí possesses a privileged condition in the country that must be leveraged. Its logistics connection with Nuevo León, Jalisco, and the Bajío region makes it an ideal platform for nearshoring operations."

Notable nearshoring investments include Shanghai Unison's $400 million commitment generating 3,000 jobs, and Chinese investments from Himile ($800 million pesos) and Asiaway Automotive Components ($750 million pesos) creating specialized manufacturing facilities for the automotive sector.

Industrial Space Absorption

• SLP accounts for 8% of industrial space absorption
• 61% from new companies entering the market
• 39% from existing company expansions
• 2+ million m² absorbed nationwide in 2024
• 5% annual growth in industrial real estate

The influx of foreign investment has created significant demand for skilled professionals, particularly those with international experience and language capabilities. While Mexican labor law generally prioritizes local hiring, multinational companies actively seek foreign talent for specialized roles, leadership positions, and technical expertise.

According to job market data, the most in-demand fields in San Luis Potosí include Industrial Engineering (13,600 professionals), Business Administration (7,990), and Law (7,050). For foreign professionals, the sweet spot lies in positions requiring a combination of technical expertise, international experience, and bilingual capabilities.

Working legally in Mexico requires a specific visa, and it's crucial to understand that you cannot initiate the process independently—the visa for work purposes can only be obtained through a formal job offer from a Mexican employer.

Salary levels in San Luis Potosí are competitive within Mexico's industrial landscape, though generally lower than Mexico City. However, when combined with the significantly lower cost of living, professionals often find their purchasing power is actually higher.

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an Industrial Engineer in San Luis Potosí is $22,042 MXN per month, with a base salary averaging $17,000 MXN. Top performers can earn up to $39,167 MXN monthly. Nationally, engineering ranks as the fifth highest-paying career field, with an average monthly salary of $16,000 MXN.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider San Luis Potosí is its favorable cost of living. According to Expatistan, living in Mexico City costs 26% more than in San Luis Potosí. To maintain the same lifestyle that costs $38,000 MXN monthly in SLP, you would need approximately $47,777 MXN in Mexico City.

For a more budget-conscious lifestyle, nearby municipalities like Cerritos, Rioverde, and Xilitla offer significantly lower costs while still providing access to SLP's job market. These areas feature lower housing costs, rural charm, and a more relaxed pace of life—perfect for those who don't mind a commute.

Breaking into the SLP job market requires a strategic approach. Here are actionable recommendations based on current market conditions and employer feedback.