: 28 July 2026

UNITED STATES: EMPLOYMENT, SALARIES, COST OF LIVING, AND RELOCATION IN 2026

The United States has the world's largest economy and one of the most competitive labour markets. It attracts skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and investors with high salaries, excellent career prospects and a strong culture of innovation.

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The U.S. economy is driven by information technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, logistics, education, energy and scientific research. Major employment centres include New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Austin, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

This guide provides information about salaries, taxes, employment opportunities, living costs, major cities, immigration pathways and useful resources for people considering moving to the United States.

UNITED STATES AT GLANCE (2026)
Population	342.6 million
Average life expectancy	79 years
Unemployment rate	4.2%
Inflation	3.9%
Area	9,833,517 km²
Form of government	Federal presidential republic
Income tax	10–37% (federal)
Capital	Washington, D.C.
Currency	United States dollar (USD)
Official Language	None at federal level (English)
Doing Business rank	6
Average salary	1,204 dollars per week
Minimum wage	7.25 dollars per hour

Jobs, Salaries, and Business in the United States

The United States has one of the world's largest and most diversified labour markets. Major employment opportunities exist in technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, construction, logistics, education, manufacturing and professional services.

Advantages of Working in the United States

High earning potential
World's largest economy
Excellent career growth opportunities
Global leader in innovation and technology
Large and diverse labour market
Strong entrepreneurial ecosystem
Wide variety of industries and employers

Information about working in the United States

Working in Different Cities in the U.S.

Salary in the United States

Popular Jobs in the United States

Software Developers
Registered Nurses
Data Analysts
Civil Engineers
Construction Workers
Electricians
Financial Analysts
Truck Drivers
Teachers
Healthcare Professionals

United States Compared with Other Countries

Useful Salary Tools

Living in the United States

The cost of living varies considerably across the United States. New York, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. are among the country's most expensive cities, while Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Charlotte and many Midwestern cities offer more affordable housing and everyday expenses.

Pros and Cons of Living in the United States

Advantages

High salaries
Outstanding career opportunities
World-leading universities
Strong economy
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Large and diverse labour market
Wide choice of climates and lifestyles

Disadvantages

High healthcare costs
Expensive housing in major cities
Limited paid vacation compared with Europe
High university tuition fees
Car dependency in many regions
Complex immigration system
Significant cost-of-living differences between states

Information about living in the United States

Useful Cost of Living Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary in the United States?

The average salary in the United States is approximately US$5,200 per month before taxes, although earnings vary significantly by occupation, state, industry and experience.

Is the United States expensive to live in?

Living costs vary greatly depending on location. Cities such as New York, San Francisco and Boston are among the most expensive, while many cities in the South and Midwest are considerably more affordable.

Are taxes high in the United States?

The United States applies progressive federal income tax rates ranging from 10% to 37%. Many states also levy additional state income taxes.

Can foreigners find jobs in the United States?

Yes. Skilled foreign professionals are employed across technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, education, manufacturing and many other industries, although work authorization is generally required.

Which cities offer the best employment opportunities?

New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Austin, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas and Raleigh offer some of the strongest labour markets in the United States, particularly in technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and professional services.

How much money can a person save in the United States?

Savings depend on salary, housing costs and lifestyle. Professionals with above-average incomes living outside the country's most expensive metropolitan areas generally have greater opportunities to save.

Is the United States better than Canada or Australia for work?

The United States generally offers higher salaries and the world's largest labour market, while Canada and Australia are often recognised for their simpler immigration pathways, public healthcare systems and strong work-life balance. The best choice depends on your profession and long-term goals.

Explore Other Countries

Considering the United States? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with popular destinations across Europe and beyond.

Sources

The information presented on this page is compiled from publicly available government publications, labor market reports and international statistical organizations.

U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Federal Reserve System
OECD
World Bank
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
International Labour Organization (ILO)

About the Author

WageCentre is an independent project focused on immigration, employment, wages, taxes, the cost of living, and international comparisons.

Learn more: About us

Learn how salary, tax, cost of living and savings estimates are calculated: Methodology

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