Between 2021 and 2025, the proportion of U.S.-based employees who left their jobs to work abroad more than doubled, rising from 2.7% to 6%, according to a study by workforce intelligence firm Revelio. This increase encompasses both U.S.-born and foreign-born workers, including those employed by foreign companies and those working remotely for American firms.
Technology Sector Leads Migration
Technology professionals are at the forefront of this trend. By the end of 2025, nearly 16% of individuals who switched jobs in IT consulting started new positions outside the U.S., Revelio data shows. This shift coincides with increased European investment in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and other high-tech industries, creating more competitive, high-quality job opportunities abroad.
Since early 2025, the number of U.S. tech workers moving to Europe has surpassed the number of European tech workers relocating to the U.S., reversing prior patterns of migration.
Factors Driving the Move Overseas
Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 U.S.-based workers left for jobs abroad each month in 2025, favoring destinations such as France and the United Kingdom. Foreign-born workers account for much of this migration, with 30% of foreign-born job switchers leaving the U.S., compared to less than 1% of U.S.-born switchers.
A key motivation is the increase in remote work opportunities, which have made location less restrictive. Many American companies have imposed return-to-office mandates post-pandemic, pushing employees to consider employers abroad that offer hybrid schedules, better working hours, or comparable roles.
Financial considerations also play a role. With over half of Americans reporting worsening personal finances in a recent Gallup poll—the highest since 2001—many seek countries offering a better overall package, including stronger public services, healthcare, transportation, childcare, and improved work-life balance, even if nominal salaries are lower.
Why it matters
This growing trend marks a significant shift in the global labor market, reflecting broader changes in how work is structured and where talent is sourced. U.S. employers face increasing competition from abroad, especially in the technology sector, where retaining skilled workers may require more than just high salaries. The migration also highlights evolving worker priorities around flexibility and quality of life.
Sources
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