It's the same in the USA. The percentages are just different. In the USA, if you are quoted $100k salary, it costs the company about $120k+ (depending on how yo

It's the same in the USA. The percentages are just different. In the USA, if you are quoted $100k salary, it costs the company about $120k+ (depending on how you account/include things). Yes, it complicates things, and makes comparisons a bit more difficult. But it makes sense. In the USA, depending on the company, you will have to add in healthcare as a "cost to company". That's basically included in the Swedish taxes. Plus you have to normalize culture and employee protection/rights. In the USA it's not abnormal to get 2 weeks of vacation per year, less than a week of "paid parental" leave, and be expected to be available to answer emails while you're on your paltry vacation. You can be fired at any time for any reason or no reason (in most cases and states you are an "at will employee") In Sweden, this work:life balance would be preposterous. Employees get 6+ weeks of vacation a year, over _1 year_ of _paid_ parental leave, working healthcare, subsidized childcare, etc. You cannot be fired without cause and notice. In the USA, other than social security (which is another topic), employees get very little back for their taxes. But we have a lot of wars to pay for. You need to look at the big picture when you compare these numbers.