US vs UK: what differs
US and UK tax salaries differently. In US, the payslip deductions are Federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. In UK, they're Income tax and National Insurance. On this salary, US's effective tax rate works out to about 20.8% versus 28.6% in UK — use the calculator to compare any salary or add more countries.
US vs UK at different salaries
| Gross (USD) | Take-home US | Take-home UK | Keeps more |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,355 (15.3%) | $40,470 (19.1%) | US |
| $75,000 | $61,593 (17.9%) | $56,908 (24.1%) | US |
| $100,000 | $79,180 (20.8%) | $71,408 (28.6%) | US |
| $150,000 | $113,791 (24.1%) | $98,108 (34.6%) | US |
| $200,000 | $148,927 (25.5%) | $124,162 (37.9%) | US |
Single-resident estimates. UK is taxed in its own currency, then converted into USD at recent exchange rates; effective tax rate in brackets is currency-independent.
US vs UK — FAQ
Do you pay more tax in US or UK?
On a $100,000-equivalent salary, UK has the higher effective tax rate (28.6% vs 20.8%), so you keep more of your pay in US. The gap shifts with income — try your own salary in the calculator above.
Is take-home pay higher in US or UK?
US — about $79,180 versus $71,408 on a $100,000 salary (both shown in USD).
What is deducted from salary in US and UK?
US: Federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. UK: Income tax and National Insurance.