There is a reason why the United States is seen as the place of unlimited opportunities. Not only is it the largest economy in the world with a GDP of 23 trillion, but the US has also been home to a vibrant labor market thanks to its very large number of private businesses (around 6.000.000 as of 2022).

The U.S. ranks 3rd in the world in terms of investor attractiveness. It has had unemployment averaging at only 5.76% from 1948 to 2022. The average monthly salary is $3,612 after taxes.

This allows immigrants and newcomers to pick up work soon after arriving in the United States and, over time, gradually increase their skills and earnings. This economic opportunities alone are one of the most compelling reasons why so many people choose to immigrate to the US.

While US work visas are temporary and therefore not suitable for permanent residence in the US, holding a Green Card gives you unlimited permission to live and work in the States. In addition, with a Green Card, you are free to choose both your employer and the US state to live and work. Thus, as a Green Card holder, you are neither dependent on a specific company nor visa extensions and arbitrary decisions by the authorities.

In the United States, different visa categories allow you to take up work: E-visa - trade or investments in the USA by foreign companies L-visa - employee assignment to a US branch office H-1B-visa - academics with job offers in high-demand professions Green Card - unlimited work authorization in all industries, occupations, and US states Other United States work visas include C-1/D visas for crew members, I visas for journalists, O visas for persons of exceptional ability in science, arts, education, business, sports, or media, and TN visas for Canadian or Mexican nationals.

The weekly median earnings for full-time wage or salary workers in the United States in the second quarter of 2021 amounted to $990. This translates to a yearly income of approximately $51,480.

The real median household income for the United States in 2019 was $68,703. This was an increase of 6.8% compared to the data of 2018, when it was $64,324.

The median wage per hour in 2019 was $19.33

The 45-54 years age group was the highest income age group in 2021

In 2019, Maryland had the highest median household income in the US, with $95,572. New Jersey and Massachusetts had the income of $87,726 and $87,707, respectively.

The current federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour. However, many states and cities have their own minimum wage laws that are higher.

Some states and cities have taken action to increase their minimum wage, with some aiming to raise it to as high as $15 per hour.

Many newcomers struggle to begin their new life in the United States due to their credit score. The US credit score is a three-digit number that represents a person's creditworthiness. A good credit score makes it cheaper to borrow money and means you will have an easier time renting an apartment, getting better rates on car and homeowners insurance and it will help you save money in the long run.

It is important to start building your credit history as soon as you arrive in the US. The easiest way to build your credit history is to apply for a credit card.

The cost of making ends meet in the U.S. can vary a lot between states. When searching for the ideal place to live in the United States, we recommend to take a look at the current Cost of Living Index.

Mississippi has the lowest cost of living at 16.1% savings over the national average while Hawaii has the highest cost of living that is 88.29% above the national average. States like California or New York have a much higher cost of living than states like Utah or Idaho. However, the cost of living also varies depending on which region within a state you live in. Rural areas usually have a lower cost of living than suburban and urban areas.

So, don’t write off an entire state if it has an overall high cost of living. It is worth digging deeper into the specific numbers and regions to get a better overview.

There are several US states with particularly high costs of living. One of the most expensive is California, where housing, transportation, and food costs are all above the national average. New York and Hawaii are also notoriously pricey, largely due to their high housing costs. Other states with high costs of living include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska, where energy and housing expenses can be steep. Despite these high costs, these states are also known for their strong job markets, cultural amenities, and high quality of life.

There are several US states with particularly high costs of living. One of the most expensive is California, where housing, transportation, and food costs are all above the national average. New York and Hawaii are also notoriously pricey, largely due to their high housing costs. Other states with high costs of living include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska, where energy and housing expenses can be steep. Despite these high costs, these states are also known for their strong job markets, cultural amenities, and high quality of life.

The United States has relatively weak employment protections compared to many European countries. While there are some federal laws in place to protect workers, such as anti-discrimination laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act, many workers are at-will employees, meaning they can be fired for any reason or no reason at all.

Some states have their own laws that offer additional protections, such as anti-retaliation laws and family leave policies, but the level of protection can vary widely depending on the state and the industry.

The notion of having weak employment protection might sound unappealing to some, but remember that companies are always interested in retaining qualified workers because keeping skilled employees is crucial for a business's success and growth.

In the USA, the number of vacation days varies by employer and industry. The average number of vacation days offered by employers in the private sector is around 10 days per year, with some offering more or less depending on the position and length of employment. Some employers also offer additional paid time off for holidays or personal days. Public sector employees, such as government workers, often receive more vacation time, averaging at 15-20 days per year.

The American Federal Holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, honor those who served in the military, while others such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day focus on family gatherings and traditions. Independence Day is celebrated with parades and fireworks to honor the country's freedom, while Martin Luther King Jr. Day highlights the achievements of civil rights activists.

Click here to learn more about American holidays.

In the U.S., the standard workweek is 40 hours and anything beyond that is considered overtime. Overtime pay is usually 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate.

US employment contracts provide a clear understanding of employee rights, responsibilities, and expectations, helping to establish a productive and positive working relationship between employers and employees. They can often include benefits such as:

Additionally, employment contracts can help reduce the risk of disputes by outlining provisions for termination, holidays, and sick leave.