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If you are a Ghanaian professional considering international relocation, a diaspora investor evaluating opportunities back home, or simply curious about how your earning potential stacks up across borders, you have likely encountered a frustrating problem: salary data that is outdated, contradictory, or simply impossible to compare cleanly.
A quick Google search might tell you that software engineers in Ghana earn USD 94 per month (implausibly low) or that surgeons in the UK earn GBP 72,000 (true for an NHS consultant, but not the full story). Without context–without understanding public versus private sectors, entry-level versus senior roles, or the difference between a national average and a Tier-1 city premium–these numbers can mislead more than they inform.
This guide exists to fix that.
What This Guide Does
We have built the most comprehensive, transparent, and verifiable salary comparison available for five countries critical to the Ghanaian diaspora and global professional audience:
- GH Ghana – Your home base, with detailed breakdowns of public sector pay (Single Spine Salary Structure), private sector premiums, and the critical role of allowances.
- US United States – The world’s largest economy, with official BLS medians and market ranges for high-demand professions.
- UK United Kingdom – A top destination for Ghanaian professionals, using ONS ASHE occupation-level data and NHS pay scales.
- CA Canada – A rapidly growing destination for skilled workers, with Statistics Canada and provincial labor data.
- CN China – An economic powerhouse with increasing African engagement, using urban platform ranges and official state enterprise data.
We cover 17 professions spanning technology, healthcare, finance, law, engineering, and retail–with a deliberate focus on high-relocation-interest careers that matter most to our audience.
How We Built This (And Why You Can Trust It)
Salary data is notoriously slippery. Comparisons across currencies, tax systems, and labor markets are even harder. To earn your trust, we have been obsessive about four principles:
1. Primary Sources First
Every figure in this guide is anchored to an authoritative, named source. You will see citations for:
- Ghana: Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (official minimum wage circulars), Ghana Statistical Service Labour Statistics Report 2025, Ministry of Health Budget Estimates 2025
- US: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024 data)
- UK: Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE 2025)
- Canada: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, Job Bank wage data by occupation (NOC), CIHI physician compensation reports
- China: National Bureau of Statistics, Zhaopin.com, 51job industry surveys
2. Ranges, Not Single Numbers
No professional earns a single, fixed salary. Experience matters. Sector matters. Location matters. We present entry-level to senior ranges and, where relevant, separate public sector baselines from private sector market rates.
3. Transparent Currency Conversions
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. All USD conversions in this guide are based on Bank of Ghana daily interbank mid-rates (for GHS pairs) and OANDA historical data (for cross-currency pairs) as of February 24, 2026. We show our math, so you can update it if needed.
4. Honest Caveats
Where data is thin–such as emerging tech roles in Ghana or elite hospital pay in China–we say so. We label market estimates as estimates. We distinguish between national averages and Tier-1 city premiums. We do not pretend to know what we cannot verify.
What This Guide Does Not Do
- It does not replace personalized financial advice. Your actual salary will depend on your specific qualifications, employer, negotiation, and timing.
- It does not account for taxes, which vary dramatically between countries and can significantly affect take-home pay.
- It does not model purchasing power parity (PPP) in detail, though we provide cost-of-living anchors where helpful.
- It does not claim that every professional in a given role earns within these ranges–only that these ranges reflect authoritative benchmarks and credible market data.
Global Salary Comparison Table 2026
Official Baselines + Market Overlays (Fully Sourced)
| Profession | GH Ghana (Annual GHS / ~USD) | US United States (Annual USD) | UK United Kingdom (Annual GBP / ~USD) | CA Canada (Annual CAD / ~USD) | CN China (Annual CNY / ~USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Official (Public): GHS 50,400-93,600 (~USD 4,580-8,510) Market (Private/Multinational): GHS 120,000-216,000+ (~USD 10,910-19,640+) Sources: GSS Labour Statistics 2025; private sector premium (industry estimate) |
BLS Median: USD 133,080 Market Range: USD 90,000-148,000 Sources: BLS OOH May 2024; Blue Signal 2026 Salary Guide |
ASHE Median (2025): GBP 45,300-62,700 Market Range: GBP 35,000-55,000 Source: ONS ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 73,000-124,000+ (~USD 52,500-89,200) Sources: Industry surveys; Statistics Canada LFS |
Urban Range: CNY 200,000-350,000 (~USD 27,500-48,100) Source: Zhaopin/51job platform data |
| AI Engineer | Emerging Role (Market): GHS 72,000-120,000 (~USD 6,550-10,910) Source: Ghana tech sector estimates; GSS tech grade benchmarks |
Market Range: USD 124,000-210,000+ Sources: Doximity 2025; Blue Signal 2026; industry surveys |
Market Range: GBP 55,000-80,000 (~USD 69,300-100,800) Source: Tech sector surveys |
Market Range: CAD 90,000-130,000 (~USD 64,800-93,600) Source: Tech sector data |
Urban Range: CNY 300,000-600,000 (~USD 41,300-82,500) Source: 51job AI specialist data |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | Mid-Level (Public/Market): GHS 60,000-102,000 (~USD 5,460-9,270) Source: GSS IT grades; private sector premium |
Market Range: USD 108,000-172,000 Source: Blue Signal 2026 |
Market Range: GBP 50,000-75,000 (~USD 63,000-94,500) Source: Industry surveys |
Market Range: CAD 80,000-120,000 (~USD 57,600-86,400) Source: Industry data |
Urban Range: CNY 250,000-450,000 (~USD 34,400-61,900) Source: Tech platform data |
| Cloud Architect | Senior Role (Market): GHS 96,000-180,000 (~USD 8,730-16,360) Source: Multinational tech sector estimates |
Market Range: USD 118,000-184,000 Source: Blue Signal 2026 |
Market Range: GBP 60,000-85,000 (~USD 75,600-107,100) Source: Tech sector surveys |
Market Range: CAD 100,000-140,000 (~USD 72,000-100,800) Source: Tech sector data |
Urban Range: CNY 350,000-600,000 (~USD 48,100-82,500) Source: 51job |
| Petroleum Engineer | Specialized (Market): GHS 120,000-240,000+ (~USD 10,910-21,820+) Source: Oil/gas sector estimates |
BLS Median: USD 135,690 Market Range: USD 100,000-180,000+ Sources: BLS OOH; industry surveys |
Market Range: GBP 50,000-80,000 (~USD 63,000-100,800) Source: Energy sector data |
Market Range: CAD 90,000-150,000 (~USD 64,800-108,000) Source: Oil and gas data |
Urban Range: CNY 200,000-400,000 (~USD 27,500-55,000) Source: Industry estimates |
| Surgeon | Public: GHS 96,000-180,000 (~USD 8,730-16,360) Private: GHS 240,000-420,000+ (~USD 21,820-38,190+) Sources: Ministry of Health Budget 2025; private sector premium |
BLS Floor: ≥USD 239,200 Specialty Medians: USD 523K (Anesthesiology) – USD 749K (Neurosurgery) Sources: BLS; Doximity 2025 |
NHS Consultant: GBP 72,280 With Private Practice: GBP 90,000-120,000+ Sources: NHS pay scales; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 90,826-435,240 Source: CIHI 2025; physician surveys |
Urban Range (Top Hospitals): CNY 300,000-800,000 (~USD 41,300-110,000) Source: Hospital platform data |
| Dentist | Public: GHS 84,000-144,000 (~USD 7,640-13,090) Private: GHS 180,000-360,000+ (~USD 16,360-32,730+) Sources: GHS dental grades; private practice estimates |
Market Range: USD 150,000-220,000 Source: ADA surveys |
Market Range: GBP 55,000-100,000 Source: BDA data; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 100,000-180,000 (~USD 72,000-129,600) Source: CDA data |
Urban Range: CNY 250,000-600,000 (~USD 34,400-82,500) Source: Industry data |
| Immigration Lawyer | Entry: GHS 60,000-96,000 (~USD 5,460-8,730) Senior: GHS 120,000-240,000+ (~USD 10,910-21,820+) Source: Legal sector estimates; private firm data |
Market Range: USD 75,000-150,000 Source: Legal industry surveys |
Market Range: GBP 40,000-90,000 (~USD 50,400-113,400) Source: Legal sector data; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 60,000-120,000 (~USD 43,200-86,400) Source: Legal profession data |
Urban Range: CNY 200,000-500,000 (~USD 27,500-68,800) Source: Legal sector data |
| Corporate Lawyer | Senior (Top Firms): GHS 120,000-300,000+ (~USD 10,910-27,270+) Source: Top-tier firm estimates |
Market Range: USD 100,000-200,000+ Source: Industry surveys |
Market Range: GBP 50,000-120,000+ (~USD 63,000-151,200+) Source: Magic Circle data; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 80,000-180,000+ (~USD 57,600-129,600+) Source: Seven Sisters data |
Urban Range: CNY 300,000-800,000+ (~USD 41,300-110,000+) Source: International firm data |
| Tax Consultant | Mid-Level (Big 4 Affiliates): GHS 72,000-120,000 (~USD 6,550-10,910) Source: Professional services estimates |
Market Range: USD 65,000-120,000 Source: Industry surveys |
Market Range: GBP 35,000-70,000 (~USD 44,100-88,200) Source: Professional services; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 55,000-100,000 (~USD 39,600-72,000) Source: Industry data |
Urban Range: CNY 200,000-500,000 (~USD 27,500-68,800) Source: Professional services |
| Financial Advisor | Entry: GHS 48,000-84,000 (~USD 4,360-7,640) Senior: GHS 96,000-180,000+ (~USD 8,730-16,360+) Source: Financial sector estimates |
Market Range: USD 50,000-120,000+ (commission varies) Source: Industry surveys |
Market Range: GBP 30,000-80,000+ (~USD 37,800-100,800+) Source: Financial sector; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range: CAD 45,000-100,000+ (~USD 32,400-72,000+) Source: Financial data |
Urban Range: CNY 150,000-400,000+ (~USD 20,600-55,000+) Source: Financial sector |
| Registered Nurse | Public Entry: GHS 30,000-54,000 (~USD 2,730-4,910) Senior/Specialist: GHS 60,000-96,000 (~USD 5,460-8,730) Sources: Ministry of Health Budget 2025; allowances outlined in MOH circulars |
BLS Median: USD 93,600 CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist): USD 214,200 Sources: BLS OOH May 2024 (Registered Nurses; Nurse Anesthetists) |
NHS Band 5: GBP 28,000-35,000 NHS Band 6: GBP 35,000-45,000 Sources: NHS pay scales; ASHE 2025 |
Market Range (NOC 31301): CAD 75,000-105,000 (~USD 54,000-75,600) Sources: Statistics Canada Job Bank; CIHI 2025 |
Urban Range: CNY 80,000-150,000 (~USD 11,000-20,600) Source: Hospital data |
| Accountant | Entry (Public): GHS 36,000-60,000 (~USD 3,270-5,460) Senior/Chartered: GHS 84,000-150,000+ (~USD 7,640-13,640+) Sources: GSS Labour Statistics 2025; Big 4 premium |
Market Range: USD 55,000-85,000 (Staff) CPA/Manager: USD 90,000-150,000+ Source: Industry surveys |
ASHE Median (2025): GBP 30,000-50,000 (Part-qualified) Qualified: GBP 50,000-80,000+ Source: ONS ASHE 2025 |
Market Range (NOC 11100): CAD 50,000-85,000 (Staff) CPA/Manager: CAD 85,000-130,000+ Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank |
Urban Range: CNY 150,000-400,000 (~USD 20,600-55,000) Source: Zhaopin data |
| Civil Engineer | Public: GHS 50,400-93,600 (~USD 4,580-8,510) Private/Senior: GHS 96,000-180,000+ (~USD 8,730-16,360+) Sources: GSS Labour Statistics 2025; private premium |
BLS Median: USD 95,890 Market Range: USD 70,000-120,000 Sources: BLS OOH; industry surveys |
ASHE Median (2025): GBP 35,000-55,000 Source: ONS ASHE 2025 |
Market Range (NOC 21300): CAD 65,000-110,000 (~USD 46,800-79,200) Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank |
Urban Range: CNY 150,000-350,000 (~USD 20,600-48,100) Source: Industry data |
| Marketing Manager | Public/Entry: GHS 36,000-72,000 (~USD 3,270-6,550) Private/Senior: GHS 84,000-180,000+ (~USD 7,640-16,360+) Sources: GSS admin grades; private premium |
Market Range: USD 75,000-130,000 Source: Industry surveys |
ASHE Median (2025): GBP 40,000-70,000+ Source: ONS ASHE 2025 |
Market Range (NOC 10022): CAD 65,000-125,000 (~USD 46,800-90,000) Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank |
Urban Range: CNY 250,000-600,000 (~USD 34,400-82,500) Source: Zhaopin data |
| Bank Teller | Entry (Banking): GHS 24,000-42,000 (~USD 2,180-3,820) Source: Banking sector estimates |
Market Range: USD 30,000-40,000 Source: Banking data |
ASHE Median (2025): GBP 18,000-22,000 (~USD 22,700-27,700) Source: ONS ASHE 2025 |
Market Range (NOC 14200): CAD 28,000-38,000 (~USD 20,200-27,400) Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank |
Urban Range: CNY 60,000-100,000 (~USD 8,300-13,800) Source: Banking sector |
| Retail Cashier | Statutory Minimum: GHS 21.77/day = ~GHS 5,660/year (~USD 515) Formal Sector: GHS 7,200-14,400+ (~USD 655-1,310+) Sources: Fair Wages Commission Minimum Wage Notice 2026; formal sector premium note |
Market Range: USD 25,000-35,000 Source: Retail data |
ASHE Median (2025): GBP 17,000-20,000 (~USD 21,400-25,200) Source: ONS ASHE 2025 |
Market Range (NOC 65100): CAD 28,000-36,000 (~USD 20,200-26,000) Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank (median hourly CAD 15.50-17.50) |
Urban Range: CNY 50,000-80,000 (~USD 6,900-11,000) Source: Retail sector |
Exchange Rate Methodology (February 24, 2026)
All USD conversions are based on the following rates from authoritative sources:
| Currency Pair | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USDGHS | 10.9985 | Bank of Ghana Daily Interbank Mid-Rate |
| GBPUSD | 1.2615 | OANDA Historical (derived from USDGBP 0.7927) |
| CADUSD | 0.7410 | OANDA Historical (derived from USDCAD 1.3495) |
| CNYUSD | 0.1375 | OANDA Historical (derived from USDCNY 7.2720) |
Calculation Examples:
- GHS to USD: Divide GHS amount by 10.9985
- GBP to USD: Multiply GBP amount by 1.2615
- CAD to USD: Multiply CAD amount by 0.7410
- CNY to USD: Multiply CNY amount by 0.1375
Note: These are interbank rates. Actual rates available to individuals via forex bureaus or international transfers may include spreads of 3-8%.
Country Deep Dives
GH Ghana: Understanding the Public-Private Divide
Ghana’s salary landscape is sharply divided. The Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) sets public sector pay, which increased by 9% for 2026. However, allowances can add significantly to base salaries–typically 25-40% for health workers according to Ministry of Health budget documents–and multinational/tech sector pay can be 2-3x higher than public scales.
US United States: BLS Baselines and Market Premiums
US figures anchor to Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024) data. Software developers median USD 133,080; registered nurses USD 93,600; physicians and surgeons ≥USD 239,200. Market ranges from industry surveys (Blue Signal 2026, Doximity 2025) reflect additional specialization and geographic premiums.
UK United Kingdom: ONS ASHE Occupation-Level Data
UK occupation ranges are sourced from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025, which provides detailed pay data by SOC occupation codes. NHS pay scales supplement healthcare roles. London salaries are typically 15-25% higher but offset by higher living costs.
CA Canada: Statistics Canada and Provincial Data
Canadian wages draw from Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey and Job Bank occupation-specific wage data (NOC codes). CIHI physician compensation reports supplement healthcare roles. Provincial variations exist; figures shown are national medians unless noted.
CN China: Urban Platform Ranges and SOE Baselines
China data distinguishes between urban platform ranges (Tier-1/Tier-2 mix) from Zhaopin and 51job, and state-owned enterprise (SOE) wage data from the National Bureau of Statistics as a national macro indicator. Tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) offer salaries 40-60% higher than national averages but with proportionally higher living costs.
What This Means for Relocators
For Ghanaian professionals considering international opportunities or diaspora investors evaluating return, this data reveals several patterns:
- Tech salaries in Ghana are rising but still lag multinational averages. A senior software engineer at a multinational in Accra can earn GHS 216,000+ (~USD 19,640), competitive with entry-level UK roles but significantly below US medians.
- Healthcare professionals face the widest gaps. A surgeon in Ghana’s public sector earns GHS 96,000-180,000 (~USD 8,730-16,360), while US specialists average USD 523,000+. Private practice in Ghana narrows but does not close this gap.
- Legal and finance professionals in Ghana’s top firms approach international junior levels. Senior corporate lawyers at top Accra firms earn GHS 120,000-300,000+ (~USD 10,910-27,270), comparable to UK entry-level solicitors.
- Retail and service wages remain near statutory minimums. The Fair Wages Commission minimum of GHS 21.77/day (~USD 515/year) anchors the bottom of the market, though formal sector employers often pay above this.
If you are considering relocation and need personalized legal assistance with immigration, citizenship, or work permit matters, consider reaching out to a qualified Ghanaian lawyer. Use the form below to get started:
Sources
- Fair Wages and Salaries Commission: “Government and Labour Unions Agree on 9% Salary Increase for 2026” (November 2025)
- Fair Wages and Salaries Commission: “National Daily Minimum Wage Notice 2026” (January 2026)
- Bank of Ghana: Daily Interbank FX Rates (February 24, 2026)
- Ghana Statistical Service: “Labour Statistics Report 2025” (Section 4: Earnings)
- Ministry of Health: “2025 Budget Estimates” (Allowance structures for health workers)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers” (May 2024)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Registered Nurses” (May 2024)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Physicians and Surgeons” (May 2024)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Petroleum Engineers” (May 2024)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners” (May 2024)
- Office for National Statistics: “Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025”
- Statistics Canada Job Bank: Wage data by occupation (NOC) – accessed February 2026
- Canadian Institute for Health Information: “Health Workforce in Canada” 2025
- Doximity: “Physician Compensation Report 2025”
- OANDA: Historical currency converter (February 2026)
- Zhaopin.com: White-collar salary survey data 2025-2026
- 51job: Industry salary reports 2026
Data note: Salary data is based on the sources cited above but may not reflect individual circumstances. Exchange rates fluctuate; all conversions are approximate snapshots as of February 24, 2026.
Compliance note: All money transfer services must be licensed by the Bank of Ghana.
