UK Guide to Remote US Social Media Jobs (2025)

The US remote job market offers something incredibly compelling for UK-based social media professionals: significantly higher salaries, a vast number of opportunities, and access to innovative companies at the forefront of digital marketing. With the US market being roughly five times larger than the UK’s, the sheer volume of remote social media jobs UK professionals can access has exploded since the pandemic normalized truly location-independent work.

A mid-level social media manager in London might earn £35,000-£45,000, while the same role at a US company typically pays $60,000-$80,000 (£47,000-£63,000). For senior positions, the gap widens even further. When you add the benefit of working with cutting-edge brands and gaining international experience, the appeal becomes undeniable.

However, landing US remote jobs for UK citizens isn’t as simple as clicking “apply.” You’ll navigate unfamiliar employment structures, handle currency conversions, manage time zone differences, and understand international tax implications. The good news? None of these challenges are insurmountable, and thousands of UK professionals are successfully working for US companies remotely.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know: the legal frameworks, financial considerations, application strategies, and specific platforms where US companies actively hire international talent. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to access this lucrative market.

The Big Question: Contractor vs. Employee?

Before you start applying, you need to understand how US companies typically structure international hires. This fundamentally shapes your compensation, tax obligations, and work arrangement.

Understanding the “Independent Contractor” Role

The vast majority of US companies hiring UK-based talent will classify you as an independent contractor (freelancer) rather than a traditional employee. This isn’t a reflection of job security or commitment—it’s simply the easiest legal path for companies to hire internationally without establishing a UK entity or navigating complex international employment law.

What This Means in Practice:

You’re Self-Employed: In the UK, you’ll register as a sole trader or potentially set up a limited company. You’re running your own business and providing services to a US client.

No Employment Benefits: You won’t receive health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, or other employee benefits that US-based staff receive. However, your contract rate should be higher to compensate for this.

Invoice-Based Payment: You’ll submit invoices (usually monthly or bi-weekly) for your services. You’re responsible for tracking your hours/deliverables and billing appropriately.

Flexible but Autonomous: While you’ll have clear deliverables and expectations, you have more autonomy in how and when you work. You’re judged on results rather than hours logged.

Tax Responsibility: You’re responsible for paying your own UK taxes, National Insurance contributions, and handling your accounting. The US company doesn’t withhold taxes from your payments.

Less Common: Employee via EOR (Employer of Record):

Some larger US companies use services like Remote.com, Deel, or Oyster to officially employ international workers. These “Employer of Record” platforms handle all legal compliance, payroll, benefits, and taxes in your home country, making you a proper employee rather than a contractor.

The benefit? You receive employment protections, benefits, and the stability of traditional employment. The downside? These arrangements are more expensive for companies, so they’re typically reserved for senior roles or companies with significant international hiring.

If a US job posting mentions they use an EOR or states they hire in the UK, apply confidently knowing the legal complexity is handled for you.

The Key Legal Form: Demystifying the W-8BEN

When you start working with a US company as a UK contractor, you’ll almost certainly encounter the W-8BEN form. Don’t let the official-sounding name intimidate you—it’s straightforward and critical to ensuring you’re not taxed twice.

What Is the W-8BEN?

The W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting) is an IRS form that certifies you’re not a US citizen or resident. It tells the US company that they don’t need to withhold US taxes from your payments because you’re a foreign contractor subject to UK taxation.

Why You Need It:

Without a completed W-8BEN, US companies are legally required to withhold 30% of your payment for US taxes—even though you’re not a US taxpayer. With a properly completed W-8BEN on file, you receive your full payment and handle taxes with HMRC in the UK.

The UK-US Tax Treaty:

The UK and US have a tax treaty preventing double taxation. This means:

• The US company doesn’t withhold US taxes (thanks to your W-8BEN)
• You pay UK income tax and National Insurance on your earnings
• You don’t owe US taxes on this income (with rare exceptions for very high earners)

How to Complete It:

The W-8BEN is a simple one-page form available on the IRS website. You’ll provide:

• Your name and UK address
• Your UK tax identification number (your National Insurance number)
• Certification that you’re a UK tax resident
• Your signature and date

Your US client will provide you with the form or direct you to where to submit it. It’s valid for three years, after which you’ll need to complete a new one.

Important: The W-8BEN is for individual contractors. If you operate through a UK limited company, you’ll use the W-8BEN-E (for entities) instead. Consider consulting an accountant when setting up your business structure.

The Money: Getting Paid in USD and Managing Finances

One of the most attractive aspects of working for US companies is receiving payment in US dollars—but this comes with financial considerations you need to understand.

How to Set Your Rates: Converting GBP to USD

When a US company asks for your rate, they’re thinking in dollars. You need a strategy for converting your expected UK salary into a competitive USD hourly or project rate.

The Basic Conversion:

Start with your target annual income in GBP, convert to USD at current exchange rates, then account for the contractor premium (the extra you charge to cover benefits you’re not receiving).

Example Calculation:

Let’s say you want to earn the equivalent of a £45,000 salaried position:

1. Convert to USD: £45,000 × 1.27 (approximate exchange rate) = $57,150
2. Add Contractor Premium (25-35%): $57,150 × 1.30 = $74,295
3. Calculate Hourly Rate: $74,295 ÷ 2,080 hours = approximately $36/hour
4. Round for Market: Charge $35-40/hour depending on experience

Why the Contractor Premium?

As a contractor, you don’t receive:

• Health insurance (which you’d get from a UK employer or need to purchase privately)
• Paid holidays (20-28 days annually in the UK)
• Pension contributions (typically 3-5% employer contribution)
• Sick pay, parental leave, or other employment protections
• Professional development budgets
• Equipment allowances

The 25-35% premium compensates for these missing benefits and the irregular income nature of contracting.

Rate-Setting Tip: Research what US social media managers earn using sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Indeed. A mid-level social media manager in the US typically earns $50,000-$70,000 annually. As a contractor, your equivalent hourly rate would be $30-45/hour. Don’t undervalue yourself—UK contractors often successfully charge rates closer to US standards.

The social media manager salary UK vs US reality:

US companies generally pay 20-40% more than UK companies for equivalent roles. This is partly due to a larger market, higher cost of living in major US cities, and different compensation structures. As a UK-based contractor, you can often command rates closer to US standards while benefiting from lower UK living costs (especially outside London).

Essential Tools for International Payments

Getting paid reliably and cost-effectively across borders requires the right tools. Avoid traditional banks, which charge excessive fees and offer poor exchange rates.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Highly Recommended:

Wise is the gold standard for international contractors. You receive a US bank account number that your US client can pay into as if you were a domestic contractor, avoiding international wire fees. Wise converts your USD to GBP at the real exchange rate (much better than banks) and deposits into your UK account, charging only 0.4-0.7% in fees.

Additional Benefits:

• Hold money in multiple currencies
• Pay US-based expenses (like software subscriptions) directly in USD
• Multi-currency debit card
• Transparent, low fees

PayPal:

Many US companies use PayPal, especially for smaller contracts or freelance work. It’s convenient but charges higher fees (around 3-4% for currency conversion plus transaction fees). Best for occasional payments rather than primary income.

Payoneer:

Similar to Wise, Payoneer provides virtual US bank accounts. It’s popular with freelancers and integrates well with platforms like Upwork. Fees are slightly higher than Wise but still reasonable.

Direct Bank Transfers (SWIFT/Wire):

If a US company insists on direct international wire transfers, expect to lose 3-5% in fees and poor exchange rates. Try to negotiate using Wise or another modern solution instead.

Invoicing Considerations:

• Invoice in USD: Bill your US clients in dollars to avoid confusion
• Use Professional Invoicing Software: FreshBooks, Wave, or QuickBooks help track payments and make tax time easier
• Include Your Payment Details: Provide your Wise account details clearly on invoices
• Set Clear Payment Terms: Net 15 or Net 30 days is standard; specify late payment policies

UK Tax Responsibilities for US Income

This is where many UK contractors get anxious, but it’s more straightforward than you might think.

Your Tax Obligations:

As a UK tax resident earning income from US clients, you’ll report and pay taxes on this income in the UK. The US income is treated exactly like income from UK clients—there’s no special category or complication beyond currency conversion.

As a Sole Trader:

• Register with HMRC as self-employed
• File a Self Assessment tax return annually
• Pay Income Tax on profits (after expenses)
• Pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions
• Keep records of all income and business expenses

As a Limited Company:

• Set up a UK limited company (many contractors do this for tax efficiency above £50,000 income)
• Pay yourself a combination of salary and dividends
• File Company Tax returns and personal Self Assessment
• Consider hiring an accountant (strongly recommended)

Deductible Expenses:

Working from home for US clients, you can deduct:

• Home office expenses (portion of rent/mortgage, utilities, internet)
• Computer equipment and software
• Professional development (courses, books, conferences)
• Accountant and legal fees
• Business insurance
• Marketing and website costs

Critical: Hire an Accountant:

Accountant Tip: If you’re earning significant income from US clients, invest in a qualified UK accountant who understands international contracting. Expect to pay £500-£1,500 annually—it’s the single best investment you can make for your financial peace of mind. They’ll ensure you’re maximizing deductions, paying the right amount, and staying compliant.

An accountant will save you far more than they cost through proper tax planning, legitimate deductions you might miss, and peace of mind that you’re doing everything correctly.

What About VAT?

If your UK business turnover exceeds £90,000 (as of 2025), you must register for VAT. However, services provided to US businesses are typically “outside the scope” of UK VAT, meaning you don’t charge VAT to US clients but still register if you exceed the threshold.

Adapting Your Application for the US Market

Your skills translate across the Atlantic, but your application materials need localization. US hiring managers have different expectations than UK employers.

Resume vs. CV: Crafting a US-Style Resume

In the UK, you submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae). In the US, you submit a resume. While they seem similar, there are critical differences.

Key Differences:

How to Americanize Your Resume:

1. Trim to 1-2 pages: Focus only on the most recent and relevant experience
2. Remove personal details: No photo, birth date, nationality, or references to “right to work”
3. Use American spelling: Change all British spellings throughout
4. Add a Professional Summary: 2-3 lines at the top highlighting your expertise and value proposition
5. Quantify Everything: Add metrics, percentages, and numbers to every achievement possible
6. Emphasize Remote Experience: Highlight any previous remote work, distributed team collaboration, or self-management skills
7. Use USD for Budgets: If mentioning budgets managed, convert to dollars

Address Section:

Pro Tip: Don’t hide that you’re in the UK—be upfront on your resume. Use: “London, UK | Open to Remote US Opportunities”. This signals confidence and clarity rather than trying to obscure your location.

This approach shows you’re intentionally targeting US roles and have thought through the logistics, rather than appearing to hide your location until later in the process.

How to Address the Time Zone Difference in Your Cover Letter

The time zone question is the elephant in the room. Address it proactively and positively rather than hoping hiring managers won’t notice.

The Reality:

UK to US East Coast = 5 hours
UK to US West Coast = 8 hours

This means when it’s 9am in New York, it’s 2pm in London. When it’s 9am in San Francisco, it’s 5pm in London.

How to Position It Positively:

In Your Cover Letter:

“I’m based in the UK and experienced working with US teams. I’m comfortable working hours that overlap with [Eastern/Pacific] time (typically 2pm-8pm GMT) and have successfully managed asynchronous communication through clear documentation and proactive updates.”

Highlight Your Advantages:

1. Coverage: You can monitor social media and respond to morning engagement before US team members are even awake
2. Extended Hours: Your presence effectively extends the company’s working day
3. Experience: If you’ve worked with US teams before, emphasize this heavily
4. Flexibility: Stress your willingness to attend key meetings during US business hours
5. Async Skills: Emphasize your strong written communication and ability to work independently

Address Specific Overlap:

“I’m available for real-time collaboration from 2pm-7pm GMT (9am-2pm EST), which covers core working hours. For urgent matters outside this window, I’m reachable via Slack/email and can accommodate occasional early/late meetings.”

Show You’ve Done This Before:

If you’ve previously worked with US clients or teams, provide a specific example:

“In my previous role, I managed social media for a San Francisco-based startup while based in Manchester. I attended their weekly Monday morning meeting at 5pm GMT and maintained strong communication through Loom videos and detailed Notion documentation.”

“Translating” Your Experience: Using US-Centric Language and Examples

US hiring managers think in US contexts. Small adjustments to how you describe your experience can significantly impact how relatable and impressive you seem.

Terminology Differences:

Language Tip: Small terminology shifts make a big difference. Using “vacation days” instead of “holiday” or “cell phone” instead of “mobile” shows cultural fluency and makes your application feel more natural to US hiring managers.

Metrics in US Terms:

• Convert followers, engagement, and reach to numbers that feel substantial to US marketers
• Use dollar signs ($) when discussing budgets or revenue impact
• Reference US platforms and trends when possible

Cultural References:

• Mention US social media trends you’ve leveraged (even if you adapted them for UK audiences)
• Reference US brands you admire or have studied
• Demonstrate knowledge of the US market: “Having followed the success of US DTC brands like Glossier and Warby Parker…”

Educational Qualifications:

US employers often don’t understand UK educational qualifications. Simplify:

• Don’t list GCSEs or A-levels in detail
• “University degree” or “BA in Marketing” is clearer than explaining UK degree classifications
• Emphasize professional certifications (HubSpot, Google, Meta) which are universal

Where to Find UK-Friendly US Remote Jobs

Not all US remote job postings welcome international applicants, but many do. Here’s where to find US clients from UK and which platforms explicitly support international hiring.

Remote-First Job Boards (Best Bet):

We Work Remotely – One of the largest remote job boards. Filter for “Anywhere” or “Worldwide” positions. Many US companies posting here specifically welcome international applicants.

Remote.co – Curates remote jobs and clearly labels whether positions are US-only or international. Look for “Anywhere” location tags.

AngelList – Excellent for startup roles. Many early-stage US companies are open to international contractors. Use filters for “Remote” and browse marketing roles.

Arc.dev – Originally focused on developers, now includes marketing roles. Companies on Arc explicitly hire internationally.

LinkedIn (with Smart Filtering):

Use advanced search: “social media manager” + “remote” + “worldwide OR international OR UK OR Europe”

Follow US companies known for international hiring: Buffer, Automattic, GitLab, Zapier, Toptal

Set your location to “Open to remote opportunities” and ensure your headline mentions you’re UK-based but open to US roles

Freelance Platforms (Contract Work):

Upwork – Massive marketplace where US clients actively hire UK freelancers. Start with smaller projects to build reviews, then pursue larger retainer clients.

Fiverr – Create gigs specifically marketing yourself to US social media clients.

Contra – Portfolio-based freelance platform popular with US creatives and marketers.

Direct Company Websites:

Many innovative US companies are “remote-first” and hire internationally by default:

• Buffer (social media management tool – practices what they preach)
• Zapier (automation platform – fully distributed, hires internationally)
• Automattic (WordPress parent company – remote-first culture)
• GitLab (software company – transparent handbook about international hiring)
• Doist (productivity software – international team)

Check their career pages directly and apply even if location isn’t specified—many welcome international talent.

Communities & Networks:

• Remote OK – Job board with strong international focus
• Remotive – Community and job board for remote workers
• Remote Work Hub – Facebook group where opportunities are shared
• #RemoteWork #SocialMediaJobs – Twitter hashtags where jobs are posted

Red Flags (US-Only Positions):

Avoid wasting time on positions that explicitly state:

• “Must be based in the US”
• “US work authorization required”
• “Must be eligible to work in the United States”
• State-specific requirements (e.g., “Must be based in California”)

These companies aren’t set up for international contractors and won’t make exceptions.

Pro Tip: Lead with Value in Applications:

Application Strategy: When applying to US positions that don’t explicitly mention international hiring, lead your cover letter with value and address location toward the end. Make them excited about what you offer before they consider the logistics of hiring you internationally. Many companies that haven’t hired internationally before will do so for the right candidate.

Making It Work: Practical Tips for Success

Once you land a US role, these strategies ensure long-term success:

Master Asynchronous Communication:

• Document Everything: Use tools like Notion, Confluence, or Google Docs to create clear records of decisions, strategies, and progress
• Over-Communicate: Send detailed updates via Slack/email so US colleagues know what you’re working on
• Record Video Updates: Use Loom to provide context-rich updates that save time in meetings

Protect Your Work-Life Balance:

Working with US teams can blur boundaries. Set clear expectations:

• Define your “core hours” for real-time availability
• Use Slack status and calendar blocks to signal when you’re offline
• Don’t feel obligated to respond to messages outside agreed hours

Build Relationships Intentionally:

You’ll miss casual office interactions that build rapport:

• Schedule occasional video coffee chats with teammates
• Participate actively in team Slack channels
• If possible, visit the US office once yearly (many companies cover this)

Stay Updated on US Trends:

Follow US social media accounts, marketing publications, and trends so you’re not caught off-guard by references or campaigns your US colleagues take for granted.

Your Path to US Remote Opportunities

The barriers to working for US companies from the UK have never been lower. While there are logistical considerations around contracts, payments, and time zones, none are insurmountable. Thousands of UK professionals are successfully accessing the larger, higher-paying US market while maintaining their UK base.

The key is approaching this strategically: understand the contractor relationship, master the financial logistics, adapt your application materials, and target companies that explicitly value international talent. With demand for skilled social media managers continuing to grow and remote work firmly established, now is an exceptional time to expand your job search across the Atlantic.

Once you know where to look, make sure you’re fully prepared by reading our Complete Guide to Becoming a Remote Social Media Manager. Combined with the UK-specific strategies in this guide, you’ll have everything you need to land your ideal US remote role.

Your next step: Choose three US companies from the lists in this guide, research their social media presence, and craft tailored applications that demonstrate your value. The opportunity is waiting—go claim it.

How to Get a Remote US Social Media Job from the UK

A step-by-step guide for UK-based social media professionals on how to navigate the legal, financial, and application challenges of landing a remote job with a US-based company, including details on contracts, taxes, and payments.

Total Time: 60 days

Understand the Legal and Financial Framework

First, understand that you will likely be hired as an “independent contractor,” not an employee. This means you will be self-employed in the UK. Familiarize yourself with the W-8BEN form, which you will provide to the US company to certify your foreign status and prevent US tax withholding. Research the UK-US tax treaty to understand that you will pay taxes in the UK, not the US.

Set Up Your International Payment System

Open an account with an international payment service like Wise to receive payments in USD without high fees. This will provide you with US bank details that you can give to your client. Choose a professional invoicing software to create and send invoices in USD with clear payment terms.

Adapt Your Application Materials for the US Market

Convert your UK CV into a 1-2 page US-style resume. Remove personal details like photos and date of birth, use American spellings, and focus on quantifiable achievements. In your cover letter, proactively and positively address the time zone difference, highlighting the advantages of extended coverage hours and your experience with asynchronous communication.

Find and Apply to UK-Friendly US Jobs

Use remote-first job boards like We Work Remotely and AngelList, filtering for “Worldwide” or “Anywhere” locations. On LinkedIn, use advanced search queries to find companies that hire internationally. Target remote-first companies like Buffer or Zapier directly. Avoid applying to roles that explicitly require US work authorization.

Master Cross-Border Workflows and Communication

Once hired, focus on mastering asynchronous communication by over-communicating updates and documenting processes. Establish clear working hours to protect your work-life balance despite the time zone differences. Intentionally build relationships with your US colleagues through virtual coffee chats and active participation in team communication channels.

Tools:

• US-formatted resume
• Optimized LinkedIn profile
• International payment service account (e.g., Wise)
• Completed W-8BEN Form
• UK Self-Employment Registration (via HMRC)
• Invoicing software (e.g., Wave, FreshBooks)