Working in United States
The deepest sponsored market on the board, and the most competitive. Salaries are the highest in the world for senior technical and clinical roles, but the H-1B cap and lottery mean timing your applications around the annual registration window matters as much as the offer itself.
General career-planning information only, not immigration, legal, tax or financial advice. Figures and pathways are indicative and may not apply to you. Confirm current rules and personal eligibility with official authorities or an independent qualified adviser.
Primary visa route
H-1B specialty occupation visa
Potential residence pathway
Potential employer route, often 2-8 years
Typical salary band
USD 110,000 - 185,000
Rent, one bed city centre
GBP 2,300/mo
Effective tax
28-37% combined federal, state and FICA
Healthcare
Employer insurance, check the plan before signing
Job market notes
- Large sponsors file in bulk each March for an October start - target them from December.
- Cap-exempt employers (universities, research hospitals, non-profits) hire year round.
- Salary must meet the prevailing wage for the role and metro area.
Living there
- Monthly living cost, one person
- GBP 2,450
- Rent, one bed city centre
- GBP 2,300
- English at work
- Very high
- Family rights
- H-4 dependants, work rights limited
Main hiring cities
New York · San Francisco · Seattle · Austin · Boston