The American Dream on European time: How late-night remote workers are cashing in on big U.S. salaries
The New Remote Work Reality: Europeans Tapping Into American Salaries
As the clock strikes 9 p.m. in London, most offices have long since emptied. But for Gita Selli, the workday isn't quite over. She's wrapping up a final Zoom call with her American colleagues, and despite the late hour, she couldn't be more content.
"The compensation from American companies is significantly better," explains Selli, who serves as Senior Manager of Global Talent Acquisition at Loadsmart, a Chicago-based tech firm. "Working for a European company would mean earning just half to two-thirds of my current salary."
The salary gap between the US and Europe is striking. American software engineers typically command $115,000 annually, while their European counterparts average $75,000. Marketing professionals see similar disparities, with US positions averaging $107,000 compared to Europe's $70,000.
## A Pandemic-Driven Transformation
While Europeans working for American companies wasn't uncommon before COVID-19, securing US-based positions with American-level compensation was rare. The remote work revolution changed everything, dismantling geographical barriers and allowing Europeans to compete for roles traditionally reserved for American workers.
## Navigating the Time Zone Challenge
The increased earning potential comes with its own set of challenges, primarily managing time zones. East Coast companies are particularly appealing to European workers, with their more manageable five to six-hour time difference. West Coast positions, with their eight to nine-hour gap, often require more significant schedule adjustments.
For Selli, a mother of two, the trade-offs are worthwhile. "I can take breaks to handle school pickup – something impossible with a traditional UK schedule," she explains. "Yes, I'm tied to my desk in the evenings, but my husband's support makes it work."
However, the schedule isn't suitable for everyone. "Early birds should think twice," Selli cautions. "And if you're looking forward to after-work pub visits, this might not be your ideal setup."
## Making It Work
Many remote workers have mastered the art of splitting their day. They tackle independent tasks during quiet European mornings, reserving afternoons for video conferences with American colleagues. Romanian video editor Otinel Mezin appreciates this flexibility: "I don't need constant desk time – I can stay within reach for urgent requests."
American companies have evolved too. "The pandemic marked a turning point," notes Irish marketing executive Laura Mundow, a remote work veteran of over ten years. "Companies finally began acknowledging and accommodating time zone differences."
Selli's practical tip? "Maintain a visible calendar. When colleagues can see your working hours, they're less likely to schedule 3 a.m. meetings."
## Bridging Cultural Divides
The cultural transition can be significant. American corporate culture often moves at a faster pace, with more direct approaches to sales and greater openness about compensation. Many Europeans have come to embrace this different style.
"Working with Americans is refreshing," Mundow shares. "There's an unmistakable openness, though the intense work focus might not suit everyone."
## The Financial Advantage
European remote workers emphasize the importance of commanding US-market rates, regardless of their location. "I aim for standard US compensation, despite living in Romania," Mezin states. Mundow agrees: "I wouldn't accept European wages from an American employer."
This approach enables what Mundow calls "geographic arbitrage" – earning American salaries while enjoying lower living costs elsewhere. She's leveraged this advantage to work from various locations, particularly in Eastern Europe and Latin America, though Asian time zones remain impractical.
When asked if they miss traditional European work hours, the response is unanimous. As Selli puts it: "Never! The flexibility is unbeatable. There's no going back."