UK vs US treasury salaries: Whose grass is greener?

Let’s talk about something that confuses a lot of treasury professionals…

Why does a Treasury Analyst in the UK earn ￡40k while their US counterpart earns $100k?

The simple answer: It’s not the same market.

Yet, every time I speak at a conference, someone inevitably asks,

"Why don’t UK treasurers get paid like they do in the US?”

Well, let me take you on a little journey.

The ￡4.50 coffee vs. the $12.50 coffee.

Before my last trip to New York, I decided to check something. I looked up the price of a large Starbucks coffee.

• UK price? ￡4.50 (already costly, if we're being honest. let’s be honest).
• New York price? $12.50 (including tax and tip, because you tip for everything in the US—even when the service is pouring the coffee).

It’s the same product, same cup, same caffeine hit… totally different cost.

Now, let’s talk about salaries.

A Treasury Analyst in London might earn around ￡40k. But jump on a plane to the US, and that same role is paying anywhere from $80k in the Midwest to $110k+ in New York.

Why?

1. Cost of living – It’s a different economy. Everything is just more expensive in the US, especially in major cities.
2. Market demand – US companies are often more aggressive in their hiring strategies (and salaries reflect that).
3. Taxes and healthcare – In the UK, you don’t have to worry about whether your employer is covering your medical bills. In the US, benefits like healthcare massively impact salary structures.

So next time you’re comparing UK vs. US salaries, remember: it’s not apples to apples- it’s London lattes to New York cold brews.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re a UK treasurer eyeing up a US job, yes, the salary will be bigger but so will the bills.

And if you’re in the US wondering why your UK counterpart earns less, remember they didn’t just pay $12 for their morning latte.

And I need to add I get approached at least twice a week by UK candidates wanting to move to the US and US candidates wanting to do the same in reverse.

Unfortunately, unless you already have a green card, a US passport, or are married to a US citizen (or vice versa), the reality is you can’t.

You might secure sponsorship if you work for a large corporation, but outside of that, it’s incredibly difficult to get a work visa. As a UK citizen, I can’t just hop on a plane and start working in the US, I’d need sponsorship, and the same applies to you.

And I am sorry, but we can’t assist with US visa sponsorship. However;

• if you’re a UK candidate looking for a role in the UK, I can help
• if you’re in the US and want a role there, I can help with that too!

I hope that clears things up!

Best regards,

Mike

P.S. Curious where your salary sits in the market? Our Treasury Salary Survey has the data to back it up. Take part to get your FREE set of results: https://treasuryrecruitment.com/candidates/resources/salary-survey/

?? This Week on Treasury Career Corner: A Special Episode with the Aguayo Brothers!

Ever wondered how treasury works in higher education finance compared to corporate treasury? This week, I’m joined by twin brothers Arturo and Fidel Aguayo, who share their journeys through public finance, university treasury, and the unique challenges they manage in their roles.

But here’s the kicker – this special re-release includes an exclusive extra segment recorded LIVE at AFP 2024 in Nashville! After our original conversation, I caught up with Arturo and Fidel in person to discuss key treasury trends, industry challenges, and their takeaways from the conference.

?? Tune in to hear:

?? How treasury functions in higher education differ from corporate roles.

?? The latest insights on technology, economic conditions, and talent in treasury.

?? Key AFP 2024 themes – cybersecurity, short-term investments, AI in treasury, and more.

?? Why treasury challenges are often the same across sectors – and how to tackle them.

It was one of my funniest Friday afternoon recordings – and meeting Arturo and Fidel at AFP made it even better!

?? Catch the episode here: https://treasuryrecruitment.com/podcast/from-public-finance-to-higher-ed-how-the-aguayo-brothers-manage-treasury-risks-and-challenges/

??If you’re enjoying the podcast please rate and review us on whatever podcast app you listen to us on, for Apple Podcasts?click here!

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