What would you earn doing the same job in America or Australia? Same skills. Same hours. Different country. Different pay.
UK salaries: ONS ASHE 2025, cross-referenced with Glassdoor and Reed. Median full-time gross annual pay.
US salaries: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2024, cross-referenced with Glassdoor.
Australian salaries: SEEK, PayScale, and ABS data 2024-25. Median full-time gross annual pay.
Tax: Simplified single-person, no dependents. UK: income tax + NI. US: federal + 5% average state + FICA. Australia: income tax + 2% Medicare levy. Does not include student loan repayments, pension contributions, or local taxes.
Currency: Converted to GBP at approximate March 2026 rates (£1 = $1.27 USD = A$1.95). Exchange rates fluctuate.
What this doesn't show: Cost of living varies enormously within each country. US healthcare costs can consume a significant portion of the salary advantage. Australian salaries include compulsory 11.5% superannuation on top. These are broad comparisons, not individual financial advice.