Understanding how average salaries compare across major global markets is crucial for internationally mobile professionals and retirees planning their next move. While salary alone never tells the full story—taxation, living costs and lifestyle all matter—the numbers provide an important baseline for evaluating financial expectations abroad.
This report focuses on six core markets: the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, the US and Dubai.
All salary figures below reference the International Labour Organization (ILO) ILOSTAT Database, specifically the Average Monthly Earnings of Employees (PPP-adjusted where available), 2024–2025 releases.
1. United States — Highest Earnings Among Core Markets
According to the ILO’s Average Monthly Earnings (PPP-adjusted) 2024 dataset, the United States consistently reports some of the highest wages globally.
ILO data indicates average monthly earnings in the US at approximately $5,900 PPP, placing it at the top of the ranking.
High earners continue to be concentrated in technology, finance, healthcare and engineering roles, although cost-of-living variations across states are significant.
2. United Kingdom — Competitive Salaries, Broad Sector Diversity
The UK continues to sit near the top of European salary benchmarks.
ILO’s 2024 figures place average monthly earnings in the UK at roughly $4,500 PPP.
London and the South East significantly elevate this average, supported by strong financial services, legal, pharmaceutical and technology sectors.
3. France — Strong Salaries Supported by High-Skill Industries
France maintains relatively strong earnings levels within the EU.
ILO data shows France’s average monthly wage at approximately $4,200 PPP.
Key drivers include aerospace, engineering, technology and luxury industries. Take-home pay is moderated by higher social contributions, which fund France’s extensive healthcare and welfare systems.
4. Spain — Moderate Salaries, Higher Purchasing Power in Key Regions
Spain sits mid-ranking among our core markets.
The ILO reports average monthly earnings in Spain at around $3,100 PPP.
Although nominal salaries are lower than in France and the UK, Spain’s cost of living—especially outside Madrid and Barcelona—raises effective purchasing power.
5. Portugal — Lower Wages, Strong Value for Remote Workers and Retirees
Portugal reports lower nominal earnings across the workforce.
ILO’s 2024 dataset shows average monthly earnings of approximately $2,300 PPP.
Despite lower salaries for local employment, affordability, climate, and high quality of life continue to attract remote workers and internationally mobile retirees.
6. Dubai (UAE) — High Salary Ranges, Non-ILO Market
Dubai is not covered by ILO earnings data, as the ILO’s wage datasets rely on member-state reporting.
For Dubai, salary benchmarks are instead sourced from leading regional compensation guides.
According to the Hays GCC Salary Guide 2024, typical annual salaries range between AED 180,000–260,000, with high earners significantly exceeding this.
Dubai remains a high-income market largely due to its tax-free structure.
Summary: Average Earnings Based on ILO PPP-Adjusted Data (2024–2025)
Highest to lowest among ILO-reported markets:
1️⃣ United States – ~$5,900 PPP/month
2️⃣ United Kingdom – ~$4,500 PPP/month
3️⃣ France – ~$4,200 PPP/month
4️⃣ Spain – ~$3,100 PPP/month
5️⃣ Portugal – ~$2,300 PPP/month
(Non-ILO) Dubai salary ranges: AED 180,000–260,000 (~£38k–£55k equivalent)
Why These Rankings Matter for Globally Mobile Individuals
Salary benchmarks are only one piece of the equation. Real financial outcomes depend on:
- Local tax systems
- Housing and rental costs
- Public vs private healthcare needs
- Energy, transport and food prices
- Lifestyle expectations
- Education or childcare costs
- Long-term retirement and estate planning
- Currency fluctuations and inflation
For example:
- Spain and Portugal offer lower nominal salaries but significantly stronger value for retirees and remote workers.
- The US and UK deliver high earning potential but also higher living costs.
- France balances good salaries with robust social benefits.
- Dubai offers strong tax-free salaries but higher variability in personal expenditure.
Sources (for publication)
All ILO data quoted is from:
International Labour Organization (ILO). “ILOSTAT: Average Monthly Earnings of Employees.” 2024/2025 Edition.
https://ilostat.ilo.org
Dubai salary ranges sourced from:
Hays GCC Salary Guide 2024
https://www.hays.ae
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This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.
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