This American guy is in total shock after finding out what a ‘good’ UK salary is

An American has just found out what a “good” salary is in the UK and he is in complete disbelief – but it’s started a massive debate online.

The topic has blown up on TikTok this week after an American man called Limmy shared a random graph that shows how to budget and live on a full-time salary in England, which it lists at £30,000.

“This is a good salary in the UK? £30,000” he asked in total shock. “£30,000 is $40,000. $40,000 is a good salary in the UK? You tell anybody you make $40,000 in the US they’ll go ‘That’s not so bad’ and in their head they’re thinking ‘Damn you’re broke as’.”

Now, the weird diagram is a little outdated because as of 2025, the average salary in the UK is actually £37,500, Forbes reveals. However, that does include London. Not including the Capital, the average will be a little lower.

In comparison, the average salary in the US is $67,920 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which equates to a whopping £50,000. So, the average pay in the US is considerably higher. No wonder he was so shocked!

@limmy0705

Thats poverty level in the US #bostonteaparty

♬ Succession (Main Title Theme) – Orchestral Intro Version – Nicholas Britell

The clip has had more than 800,000 views, but it’s riling Brits up in the comments because what’s considered a “good” salary is subjective. What one person might consider good, another person might think is rubbish.

“30k a year in the UK is amazing,” one person said while another agreed: “30k is very comfortable living anywhere that isn’t London.”

However, someone else argued: “30k isn’t a good salary, it’s a mid-salary. Starter salary is 25k a good salary is like 60k.”

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“People saying £30k isn’t a good wage is crazy. It’s not AMAZING but it is INCREDIBLY liveable and what most people strive for,” another one said.

Either way, the average salary in the US is still a LOT higher, but you do have to factor in the cost of living too. At least we have free healthcare.

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