[Arze]

Hi guys.

I received an offer to relocate to NYC, I'm an experienced Supervisor and Estimator as a Technical Designer in Building Facades (8 years, some of them in Dubai for very big Real Estate customers).

What is approx. the minimum salary I should ask to live a middle-class life in NYC to be able to save a good amount of money (I'm single with no kids)?
Is it normal to ask benefits from the company other than the salary, like medical insurance?
How much it could cost a medical insurance?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bevdeforges]

There are so many factors involved in setting a salary, especially for a foreigner who will need a visa and "work papers." NYC is an expensive location, but it will also matter the size of the company, their experience with hiring from abroad and other factors.

But you should definitely ask the potential employer about an "expat package." It would certainly include medical insurance (though health insurance in the US does NOT cover nearly as much as you might expect), but also relocation, visa and immigration papers, and some provision for repatriation if, for any reason, your position doesn't work out in the first year or two. You may want to see about tax assistance - for at least the first year or two. The US tax code can be complicated (particularly the first time around) and most of your expat package benefits will be subject to taxation.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[twostep]

My first question is what visa does the employer use to employ you legally in the US? Until you know that everything is speculation.

Medical insurance
It is common practice to provide a future employee with the hand book of the insurance being offered and an opportunity to discuss it with a benefits specialists. Read up on line on co-pay, deductibles, catastrophic cap, in and out of network. Does employer offer medical only or medical, dental, vision?

Expat contract:
The sky is the limit. Will you be working under a US contract? Title, location, PTO paid time off, holidays, start date of medical coverage and 401k if offered, short and long term disability, overtime (as excempt salaried a mute case but Europeans believe in it), termination both ways. Flight to NY and back (one item your visa comes into play), vacation flights, household shipment both ways, temporary housing (corporate or allowance), relocation assistance such as driver's license, social security card, annual income tax.
You will be looking at several months deposit on apartment rental. Do not expect laundry facilities included in comparatively inexpensive rentals.

Medical treatment
Compared to what I have seen in Europe and in the Sand Box a step up.

Savings
No one can tell you what you will be able to squirrel away after the usual expenses of housing, food, clothing, entertainment, education, vacation. It depends on your needs. Your employer has a range for the position on the books so find out what the top is. Rule of thumb - bring someone in in the lower third which leaves room for advancement within budget.

What are work and immigration papers?

 

[Arze]

Thank you guys for your advice!!! In august I will meet the employer and I will discuss all the points.

 

[twostep]

Thank you guys for your advice!!! In august I will meet the employer and I will discuss all the points.

Do your homework! Learn about visa options! USCIS.gov is the official site so is travel.state.gov which may be easier for you to navigate.