Where Immigrants See the Fastest Wage Growth Worldwide

A new OECD study reveals that immigrants experience some of the fastest earnings growth in their first five years after arriving in a new country, with Germany leading the pack at a 48% increase and the United States close behind at 43%.

Sweden and Finland also report impressive growth rates of 44% and 42%, respectively, while countries like Italy, Canada, and Spain see moderate gains.

However, not all nations follow this trend—immigrants in the Netherlands and New Zealand actually earn slightly less after five years.

While immigrants generally start with wages 34% lower than native-born workers, these gaps narrow over time as newcomers gain experience, shift into higher-paying jobs or sectors, increase working hours, and build credentials.

By the fifth year, the earnings gap falls from 34% to 21%, and by year ten, it is more than halved.

These findings highlight the potential for upward mobility among immigrants when countries provide opportunities for integration, career advancement, and skill development.