Working in the USA
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy. Last updated April 2026.
Average Salary
The average gross annual salary in the United States is approximately $60,000 - $65,000, equating to around $5,000 - $5,400 per month before tax. Salaries vary significantly by state, industry, and city, with higher averages in states such as California, New York, and Massachusetts.
In specialist and technical sectors such as engineering, energy, IT, and life sciences, average salaries are considerably higher. Professionals in these fields typically earn $85,000 - $120,000 per year (approximately $7,000 - $10,000 per month), with senior engineers, energy sector professionals, and technical leads often exceeding $130,000 annually.
General information
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Official language
English is the de facto national language
Conversational languages
Spanish Chinese Tagalog Vietnamese Arabic French
Time zone
The U.S. spans multiple time zones: Eastern Time (ET): UTC -05:00 Central Time (CT): UTC -06:00 Mountain Time (MT): UTC -07:00 Pacific Time (PT): UTC-08:00 Alaska Time (AKT): UTC -09:00 Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HAT): UTC-10:00
Common types of Employment or Contracting
The U.S. labour market offers flexible employment and contracting structures, with employment terms often governed by federal and state law
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in the USA
The United States offers highly varied lifestyles depending on location. For example, California offers coastal living, tech hubs, and higher living costs. Texas combines lower taxes with strong energy and technology sectors. New York provides fast-paced urban living and global finance, and Colorado is known for outdoor lifestyle and access to the Rocky Mountains. The U.S. is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world, shaped by immigration from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Major cities are particularly multicultural.
Cost of living varies widely. States such as California, New York, and Massachusetts are among the most expensive, while states such as Texas, Ohio, and Tennessee tend to be more affordable.
- Country-wide, the average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is $150 - $220
- Average monthly rent for a 2 – 3-bedroom property is roughly $2,000 - $2,800 per month (more expensive in NYC, San Francisco, LA, less expensive in rural areas and smaller towns)
- Monthly childcare costs roughly $1,200 - $1,800 per month in many cities
- Petrol costs approximately $0.85 - $1.05 per litre, whilst diesel costs $0.95 - $1.15 per litre
- These costs represent country-wide averages and may vary across different states.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road and driving licence rules vary by state. Most expats can use a foreign licence for a limited period (often 30 – 90 days) before obtaining a state driver’s licence through the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), typically requiring a written and practical test.
Weather in the USA
The United States has a highly varied climate due to its size and geography.
- The Northeast and Midwest experience cold winters (often -10°C to 5°C) and warm summers (20°C - 30°C)
- The South experiences mild winters (5°C - 15°C) and hot, humid summers (25°C - 35°C)
- The West Coast has a mild, Mediterranean-style climate in Southern California, and a wetter climate in the Pacific Northwest
- The Mountain States experience cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers
Summer highs in many regions reach 30 - 35°C, while winter lows in northern states can fall below -15°C.
Language and integration support
Integration support varies by state and city. Many community colleges and local organisations provide English language classes. Non-profit organisations assist newcomers with employment services, legal advice, and cultural orientation.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in the USA
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
