Skills + experience + some bullshitting = pay Some very high level positions might "require" a phd for data (I'm guessing Microsoft Research for example), but is that type of work what you want to do? (More research than applied) Otherwise, you'll need to plan things out for America. E.g. Look at the h1b database websites. Which companies hired data guys on h1b, what qualifications needed? Then you'll need to build skills to meet and exceed in order to qualify for the visa. In the meantime, network (here, linkedin), apply when appropriate, and see. Fishing a h1b visa can be tough. You can do a phd anytime as a possible, not guaranteed, way in, but that's a big expense on your part for several years, but isn't the big salary you're after.

But, you need to firmly figure out the lifestyle you Want and determined to achieve even if it will cost time and energy and money, then go for it! Young is easy to chase dreams. Older can be tougher. Ie. If the "Western/American" lifestyle is what you want, you already know what you have to do. It doesn't make America "better" to live in - racism, murders, discrimination, pollution, illegals, drugs, etc. Many "nicer" places to live in worldwide. But as one of the handful of places where one can work up to making $500k+/yr within 10 years and save up a ton for retirement within 15-20, it is one of the easier places to achieve that.