I worked in AU around ten years ago. I don't remember salaries coming anywhere near the UK or US. I'd love to know if things are better now.
I wouldn't say the UK market particularly undervalues talent, in the city at least. Most of my peer group are on a day rate of 800-900 which (assuming you take 5 weeks of holidays) would translate to at least USD 248k gross. Chatting to our traders they are pretty jealous of our 9-5 hours, 2 hour lunch breaks and relaxed dress code.
You have to recognise, surely, that even for London those rates are exceptional?
The vast, vast majority of salaried software guys make far less than that, especially outside of the capital. Hell, I pull in about 75% of that much and consider myself very fortunate as a contractor. And I see ads and 'opportunities' all the time for experienced people in the 40-50k range.
About 8 years ago I moved from London to Western Aus and was immediately earning (as a permanent employee) in the six figure range, when AUD and USD were at parity. In London, doing the same job for the same company, I had been on less than £50k.
I wouldn't say the UK market particularly undervalues talent, in the city at least. Most of my peer group are on a day rate of 800-900 which (assuming you take 5 weeks of holidays) would translate to at least USD 248k gross. Chatting to our traders they are pretty jealous of our 9-5 hours, 2 hour lunch breaks and relaxed dress code.