Can I work or take a paid job in the US while on a B-1/B-2 visa?

The B-1/B-2 category is strictly for temporary visits. B-1 covers business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, consultations and negotiating contracts, while B-2 covers tourism, visiting family and medical treatment. None of these include working for or being paid by a US source.

If you want to take a job in the US, you need an appropriate work-authorized status before you begin. Accepting unauthorized employment is a status violation that can lead to removal and future visa problems. If a genuine work opportunity arises, the correct route is to obtain a work visa or change status, not to work on a visitor visa.