How much do you need to earn to live in the USA: a complete guide to salaries in the United States in 2025

Many Brazilians question how the American salary system works and what the actual salary value is in the United States. Unlike Brazil, where there is a single national minimum wage, the American reality is much more complex — the federal minimum remains at US$ 7.25 per hour since 2009, but states, counties, and cities set their own rates, creating a variation from US$ 7.25 up to US$ 17.50 per hour depending on the geographic location.

The decentralized salary system in the United States

The American salary mechanism operates on three levels: federal, state, and municipal. The federal minimum of US$ 7.25 per hour serves as the national baseline, but many states have established higher minimums — between US$ 11 and US$ 16 per hour. Areas with high living costs, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, have implemented their own standards, often well above the federal norm.

Washington D.C. has the highest salary in the United States, set at US$ 17.50 per hour. In California, the minimum is US$ 16.50 with special rules for overtime (1.5x after 8 hours daily and 2x after 12 hours). Washington maintains US$ 16.50 per hour, reflecting high urban costs. New York offers US$ 15.50 in the state and US$ 16.50 in metropolitan areas. On the other hand, states like Georgia and Wyoming have official rates of US$ 5.15, but the federal minimum generally prevails in most practical situations.

Converting the US salary to your monthly needs

Since the American system works hourly, converting to a monthly amount depends on the working hours. Based on a standard 40-hour workweek:

Federal Calculation:

• Weekly: US$ 7.25 × 40 hours = US$ 290
• Monthly: US$ 290 × 4 weeks = US$ 1,160

This means that the federal version of the US salary results in approximately US$ 1,160 per month — a value that varies significantly depending on the state chosen.

In Washington D.C., the same calculation results in US$ 2,800 per month. In California or Washington, the worker earns between US$ 2,640 and US$ 2,664 per month.

Who actually earns this salary in the US?

The minimum wage applies to:

• Workers aged 14 and older
• Hired for regular hours
• Professionals outside apprenticeships or internships
• Those whose pay does not primarily depend on tips

Common roles include restaurant attendants, cashiers, stock clerks, cleaning aides, and retail workers. An important note: professionals who receive tips (such as waiters) may have lower base salaries, as tips supplement total income.

Comparison: US salary versus Brazil in 2025

Converted to reais (approximate exchange rate US$ 1 = R$ 5.20):

• Federal minimum: US$ 1,160 ≈ R$ 6,032 per month
• Washington D.C.: US$ 2,800 ≈ R$ 14,560 per month

While Brazil has established a national minimum wage of R$ 1,518, a direct comparison can be misleading. The US salary, although numerically higher in reais, faces proportionally high living costs.

Purchasing power analysis reveals important nuances. One dollar in the US buys fewer goods and services compared to one real in Brazil. The Brazilian system uses a single national minimum wage, while the US adopts a hybrid model with significant regional disparities.

The reality of living costs with salary in the US

Living on the federal minimum in the US is challenging. Average expenses in the US include:

• Basic subsistence costs (excluding rent): US$ 1,185 per month
• Average rent: US$ 1,626 per month

Even working 40 hours a week, the federal US$ 1,160 salary (does not cover these basic expenses — the budget doesn’t add up. States with higher minimums offer greater income, but their rents are also among the most expensive in the country, maintaining financial pressure on workers.

Conclusion: understanding the US salary for your decision

The salary system in the US is decentralized and complex. While the federal minimum remains frozen, states and cities approve increases to keep up with inflation and local realities. For Brazilians considering working or moving there, researching not only the state minimum but also the regional cost of living is essential before making any decision.