How Much Would I Earn If I Move to the US?

A screenshot of the first page of the new payscope.ai landing page

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about swapping your morning commute for a drive-thru coffee in the land of the freedom? Or maybe you’ve wondered, “How much would I earn if I move to the US?” - right before googling if peanut butter really is a food group over there. Well, buckle up, global explorer, because we’re about to take a joyride through the wild world of American salaries, cost of living, and all the juicy details that could make your move stateside the best decision since you upgraded to fiber internet.

The Big Question: What’s My Paycheck Going to Look Like?

Let’s cut to the chase, nobody moves to the US just for the weather (unless you’re headed to California, in which case, we get it). The real question is: How much would you earn if you move to the US? The answer, as with most things in life, is: it depends. But don’t worry, we’re not here to leave you hanging like a forgotten Zoom call.

The Numbers: Average Salaries in the US (2025 Edition)

  • National average salary: $62,000–$68,000 per year (before taxes)
  • Median weekly earnings: $1,194 (that’s about $62,000/year)
  • Net income after federal taxes: Around $51,146/year (but this can swing wildly depending on your state)
  • Salary range for most jobs: $32,916 to $112,268 per year

So, whether you’re a coding wizard, a marketing maven, or the next HR superstar, there’s a spot for you on the US salary spectrum. But let’s get a bit more specific, shall we?

Salary by Industry: Where Do You Fit In?

Average Annual Salary by Job Title

Job Title Average Salary
Software Engineer $94,254
IT Manager $93,933
Marketing Manager $73,369
UX Designer $79,860
Data Analyst $68,000
HR Generalist $60,731
Senior Recruiter $81,609
Customer Support Specialist $52,612

Source: Payscale, Relocate.me

Source: Payscale, Relocate.me

If you’re in tech or management, you’re likely to be sitting pretty. But even if you’re not, the US job market is vast and varied, think of it as an all-you-can-eat buffet, but with more LinkedIn connections.

The Fine Print: Cost of Living, Taxes, and Other “Fun” Stuff

Alright, so you’ve got your potential salary in mind. But before you start planning your cross-country road trip, let’s talk about what’s going to nibble away at that paycheck.

Cost of Living: The Great American Divide

  • Big cities = Big bills. New York, San Francisco, Boston, these places are legendary for their sky-high rents and artisanal avocado toast. But move to a mid-sized city or the suburbs, and suddenly your money stretches further than a yoga instructor at sunrise.
  • Remote work revolution: Thanks to the rise of remote jobs, you can now earn a Silicon Valley salary while living somewhere your rent doesn’t taste like a yesterday's french fries.
  • Healthcare and taxes: The US healthcare system is... let’s call it “unique.” Employer-provided insurance is common, but out-of-pocket costs can surprise even the savviest expat. And don’t forget state taxes - some states (hello, Texas and Florida!) have no income tax, while others (looking at you, California and New York) make up for it with gusto.

Want to compare living costs by city? Check out Numbeo.

Taxes: Uncle Sam Wants YOU (to Pay Up)

  • Federal income tax: Ranges from 10% to 37%, depending on your income bracket.
  • State and local taxes: Wildly different across the US. Some states are tax havens, others… not so much.
  • Social Security and Medicare: These are deducted from your paycheck, funding everything from retirement to, well, more taxes.

Curious about your take-home pay? The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a handy tool.

The Paperwork: Visas, Work Permits, and the American Dream

Let’s be real, nobody dreams of paperwork, but if you want to earn in the US, you’ll need the right visa.

  • Most common work visas: H-1B (for skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transfers), O-1 (for the “extraordinary” - yes, really).
  • Employer sponsorship: Usually required. So, start brushing up that resume!
  • Green Card: The golden ticket, but it takes time and, often, employer support.

For the nitty-gritty, the USCIS website is your go-to source.

Trends & Insights: What’s Hot in the US Job Market?

  • Wage growth: Good news! Wages have been outpacing inflation recently, meaning your dollars go further.
  • Remote work: Not just a pandemic fad, remote jobs are here to stay, and they’re shaking up salary norms across the country.
  • Diversity and inclusion: More companies are focusing on closing wage gaps, but disparities by gender, race, and geography still exist.

For up-to-date stats, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics and USAFacts.

Pro Tips from the Pros

“If you want to maximize your earning potential in the current job market, investing in further education, acquiring in-demand skills, and considering relocation to higher-wage states or cities are among the best moves you can make.”

And here’s a little secret: Understanding your position relative to national and local averages can help you negotiate a salary more confidently and make better long-term career choices.

How PayScope.ai Makes It Ridiculously Easy

Now, if you’re thinking, “This is all great, but how do I know what I would earn if I move to the US?”, we’ve got you covered. At PayScope.ai, we take the guesswork out of salary research. Just upload your resume (no sign-up required!), and our AI-powered tool will instantly deliver a real-time, personalized salary estimate based on your experience, skills, and target location.

  • Instant salary estimation from your resume
  • Real-time market data powered by millions of job listings
  • Personalized insights: median salary, top 10%, and bottom 25% benchmarks
  • No sign-up required - fast, private, and easy to use

Whether you’re a job seeker, a negotiation ninja, or just globally curious, PayScope.ai is your secret weapon for smarter career and compensation decisions.

FAQ: How Much Would I Earn If I Move to the US?

Q: What’s the average salary in the US? A: The national average is about $62,000–$68,000 per year before taxes, but this varies by industry, experience, and location.

Q: How much will taxes take out of my paycheck?   A: Federal taxes range from 10% to 37%. State and local taxes vary, some states have none, others can be hefty.

Q: Is cost of living really that different across the US?   A: Absolutely. Major cities are pricey, but mid-sized cities and rural areas can be much more affordable.

Q: What visa do I need to work in the US?   A: Most expats need an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visa, usually with employer sponsorship. Check the USCIS site for details.

Q: How can I find out my personalized salary estimate?   A: Use PayScope.ai for a fast, private, and data-driven salary estimate tailored to your resume and target location.

Ready to Scope Out Your US Salary?

Moving to the US is a big leap, but with the right data, it doesn’t have to feel like a leap in the dark. Whether you’re chasing the American Dream or just a bigger paycheck, knowing your market value is the first step. And with PayScope.ai, that step is as easy as uploading your resume and letting our AI do the heavy lifting.

So, how much would you earn if you move to the US? Let’s find out, because your next adventure (and paycheck) is just a click away.

References & Further Reading:

Read more Articles

Let’s get started today! Create your account for free, no card needed.

Know your worth with real-time, resume-based salary insights. No guessing. No forms. Just fast, personalized results, completely free.