U.S. Ranks Among the Top Countries Where Residents Have the Greatest Earning Potential

Access to top-notch education and citizenship rights make the United States one of the best nations for lifelong economic opportunity, but when it comes to earning potential, America is at the top.

That's according to the annual Opportunity Index from London-based finance firm Henley & Partners. The United States shares fourth place with the United Kingdom with an overall score of 79. Henley's report said the score reflects "unmatched concentration of leading universities, global financial centers, and innovation-driven economies."

The U.S. scored a perfect 100 for earning potential, and 81 for "top tier employment prospects." But, it sits at 73 for career advancement, 72 for economic mobility, and 71 for high livability. Those metrics are low relative to the others atop the list.

Switzerland topped the list, with Henley noting "a stable economic framework, world-class education, and exceptional career prospects." Singapore and Australia were second and third, respectively.

“For globally mobile families, securing residence or citizenship rights in the world’s leading economies may be one of the most powerful investments you can make in your children’s future," said Dominic Volek, group head of private clients at Henley & Partners.

Economic strength ties strongly to the U.S. housing market. The last few months have seen the country maintain a strong economic position, but it's also facing volatility with geopolitical uncertainty, political infighting, and tariffs.

Opportunity zone

Henley & Partners' study collected data on labor force, employment prospects, and access to major employers from the World Bank and other international organizations. It also pulled salary projections from Glassdoor, Paylab, and others across 199 countries.

This is the third year of the metric; the U.S. ranked third in 2025 and second in 2024. Switzerland was at the top both years. Still, Henley noted the United States' high concentration of top-tier employment prospects. Henley predicts it will have a sustained demand for skilled professionals.

"Capital can be spent or lost, but access to the right jurisdictions—much like a world-class education—compounds across generations," Volek said. "In today’s volatile world, the ability to move freely between the world’s leading opportunity hubs may be the greatest advantage a family can secure.”