Ask HN: Why is pay so much higher in the US? (or is it?)
As an American living in Germany for a few years now, this is something I really struggle with.<p>In short, it&#x27;s because Europeans are content with lower wages.<p>I am in a &quot;high-demand&quot; job as an electrical engineer at a publicly traded medical company, and getting less than €65k. This is absolutely absurd in my opinion, but in discussions with friends&#x2F;colleagues they feel it&#x27;s overall typical.<p>One colleague was in shock when I said I expect to break €100k within the next few years (Sr level)... But was also completely unaware of any basic public company financials (average value of employee is ~$350k), or salaries in our USA office (~$160k).<p>Unfortunately, my value is not related to anything other than my cost of replacement--since my neighbor thinks €65k is acceptable, that&#x27;s what I get.<p>Company performance, employee benefits, healthcare, taxes, etc do play a role.... But it&#x27;s nowhere near the salary gap.<p>Help me spread the word OP. Tell all your friends. Start demanding more. Mercedes recently announced all employees would get raises matching inflation. It&#x27;s a good start but honestly we need to recognize this as the bare minimum, not like they are heroic and progressive.<p>Ps: Hope nobody minds me dropping numbers. I have no insecurities and don&#x27;t care, but believe it can be a good help for the discussion.