Pay difference UK to USA

[Henley1989 10]

Hi,

If anyone has experienced this please could you advise.

I just moved from the UK to the US and im beginning my job hunt. One thing I have noticed is that jobs in NY pay a lot higher than in London (in my field with my level of experience)

Im thinking I can finally make a decent jump and get paid a much better salary here. However I have read that potential employees can ask for W-2 or tax returns to prove previous salary. Obviously I dont have these for the US and obviously if I want this salary jump, my previous salary will not be in line with the new salary.

Anyone from UK been asked this? How do you get around? Do they ask for UK pay stub?

Thanks

[mlh 93]

My husband just moved here and accepted a job offer on Monday. During the interview process they asked him how much he made in the UK (which he converted to USD for their reference), and how much he was expecting here, but never did they ask for any proof of what he made at his past job.

Also, one thing to consider, depending on which part of NY, they pay more because it costs A LOT to live in NYC, so make sure you do some checking on cost of living, etc. I travel a lot for work to the UK, so I know the costs in London and in NYC and I would say NYC is even more than London. Just my 2 cents...

[Henley1989 10]

My husband just moved here and accepted a job offer on Monday. During the interview process they asked him how much he made in the UK (which he converted to USD for their reference), and how much he was expecting here, but never did they ask for any proof of what he made at his past job.

Also, one thing to consider, depending on which part of NY, they pay more because it costs A LOT to live in NYC, so make sure you do some checking on cost of living, etc. I travel a lot for work to the UK, so I know the costs in London and in NYC and I would say NYC is even more than London. Just my 2 cents...

Thanks! Well I will living in NJ and commuting.

I mean I have an interview lined up where they have already asked what I earned in London and what I want to earn for the role. Turns out im at the lower end of the scale for the salary for this role, BUT its a significant jump from UK. Getting a bit worried they will ask for proof. Nothing I can do really.

[Henley1989 10]

My husband just moved here and accepted a job offer on Monday. During the interview process they asked him how much he made in the UK (which he converted to USD for their reference), and how much he was expecting here, but never did they ask for any proof of what he made at his past job.

Also, one thing to consider, depending on which part of NY, they pay more because it costs A LOT to live in NYC, so make sure you do some checking on cost of living, etc. I travel a lot for work to the UK, so I know the costs in London and in NYC and I would say NYC is even more than London. Just my 2 cents...

Also I have read a lot of US companies do a background check. How does that work? Did your husband have one?

[mlh 93]

Thanks! Well I will living in NJ and commuting.

I mean I have an interview lined up where they have already asked what I earned in London and what I want to earn for the role. Turns out im at the lower end of the scale for the salary for this role, BUT its a significant jump from UK. Getting a bit worried they will ask for proof. Nothing I can do really.

I would be surprised if they actually asked you to prove what you made. It's been awhile since I've had a new job in the US, but I don't think any of my friends that have changed jobs have ever been asked to show proof of what they made at their previous job.

It would also be hard for them to do a comparison of salaries when it's 2 totally different countries, so not like you're moving from one job to another in the same city. Cost of living and salaries are totally different around the world. Don't stress too much.

Also I have read a lot of US companies do a background check. How does that work? Did your husband have one?

Yes they do background checks. He had to sign an electronic document allowing them to run the check. I think they just use your social security number. That will be happening next week, but they are well aware that he just moved here, so nothing may come back. Not sure what field you're going into, but some companies may also run a credit check (usually only if you're going to be working with money, bank accounts, etc.) which may come back as not found. He only just was able to pull his own credit report because one of my credit cards that I added him as an authorized user finally attached itself to his credit report, so he was able to start out with a pretty good credit rating.

Good luck with your interview! Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

[Damilolly 1]

Hi Henley1989,

I'm moving from London and was wondering what filed you're in and how the transition to NY life is going?