10 Best Countries for Nurses – Highest Paying Countries

With the growing population and environmental changes, healthcare services have become increasingly crucial all over the world. 

Many countries are experiencing significant shortages of nurse practitioners, among other professions. As a result, the number of vacancies for overseas nurse jobs has increased sharply over the past few years. As you may already know, the nurse job is considered highly prestigious for the dedication and selfless care provided by professionals. Due to increased demand and low supply, nurse jobs have become financially rewarding.

If you are a nurse and want to explore high-paying job opportunities abroad, this post is for you. After sifting through the internet, we have listed the top high-paying countries for nurses in the world. 

Do you know?

• According to NLM, with 5.2 million, there are four times more registered nurses than doctors or physicians in the US.[1]
• As per the BLS, nurse practitioner jobs are estimated to grow approximately 38% from 2022 through 2032.[2]

Overview: Top 10 highest paying countries for nurses abroad

Salary: Talent, SalaryExplorer Cost of Living: Livingcost.org, as of 19/04/2024, IST 18:00 hrs

10 Highest paying countries for nurses

1. Switzerland 

Switzerland can be the best country for nurses in terms of job prospects and higher salaries. Not only are the nurse practitioners highly respected and valued in the country, but Switzerland is also facing an acute shortage of these medical professionals. 

However, there are certain strict requirements you must meet to become a registered nurse in Switzerland. First, you must get your credentials evaluated by the Swiss Red Cross and prove language proficiency in French, Italian, or German. Additionally, nurse applicants may be required to take additional training courses to get a license. 

The average salary of registered nurses in Switzerland

• Entry-level: In Switzerland, most entry-level nurse positions start at a salary of around CHF 64,575 per year. 
• Experienced: The experienced nurses in Switzerland can easily earn over CHF 100,000 per year. 

2. Virgin Islands

Although the Virgin Islands is a US territory, it has its governing bodies and employment regulations. To work as a registered nurse at this exotic location, you must undergo the application process with the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL). This process involves applying, verifying your licence, and other necessary formalities. 

The average salary of registered nurses in the Virgin Islands

• Entry-level: Most entry-level nurse job opportunities in the Virgin Islands offer a base salary of at least $60,000 per year. 
• Experienced: Experienced nurses can earn as much as $100,000 in the Virgin Islands. 

3. USA

The USA is home to over 385,000 registered nurse practitioners, which indicates the growing job prospects for this profession in the country. There are several reasons why the USA is often termed the best country for nurses in 2024. Apart from higher salaries in other countries, working as a nurse in the States offers benefits like excellent quality of life, a respected profession, social benefits, and, most importantly, a chance to work in a thriving environment. 

Average salary of nurses in the USA

• Entry-level: The minimum salary for beginner-level nurses in the USA is around $54,000 per year. 
• Experienced: After a few years of experience and expertise, nurses can earn over $110,000+ per annum. 

Also read: Cost of living in the USA.

4. Denmark

With excellent working conditions, competitive salaries, and a premium quality of life, Denmark has consistently been ranked as one of the highest-paying countries for nurses. 

Working as a registered nurse in Denmark comes with a plethora of benefits, such as free health insurance, plenty of paid leaves, excellent retirement planning, and so on. Above all, the Danish healthcare system is renowned for its top-notch patient care it provides. The best part is that there are multiple pathways in which you can pursue a nursing career in Denmark as a non-EU citizen. 

The average salary of registered nurses in Denmark

• Entry-level: In Denmark, most entry-level nursing positions come with a starting salary of around DKK 3,00,000 per year. 
• Experienced: The salary range for experienced nurse practitioners in Denmark can go up to DKk 464,000 per year. 

5. Canada 

Nurses form the foundation of Canada’s robust healthcare system. All the major provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, are dealing with a shortage of nurse practitioners. This directly hints at increased job opportunities for nurses in the country. 

With higher salaries, better career opportunities, and other social benefits, Canada has become the prime work destination for nurses from all over the world. 

The average salary of registered nurses in Canada

• Entry-level: The entry-level salary for registered nurses in Canada is around CA$ 68,000 per annum. 
• Experienced: The job opportunities for nurses with some experience come with a salary of up to CA$107,336 per year. 

Also read: How to get a job in Canada.

6. Australia

The next on our list of highest-paying countries for nurses is Australia. With approximately 300,000 registered nurse practitioners, the Oceania country is a highly sought-after work destination for healthcare practitioners. Besides, the growing technological advancements are also expected to boost Australia’s need for more nurses per person, making it an attractive location. 

Apart from a higher average salary, nurses in Australia can also expect benefits like up to 4 weeks of paid leave, work-life balance, training programs, and more during their nursing careers. 

The average salary of registered nurses in Australia

• Entry-level: The registered nurses can expect to earn an entry-level salary of AU$77,000 to AU$80,000 per year. 
• Experienced: The salary range for experienced nurses in Australia is between AU$ 90,000 to AU$ 110,000 per year.

Also read: How to get a job in Australia.

7. Luxembourg

Luxembourg has become a prime location for Indian nurse job opportunities abroad. With an ever-expanding healthcare sector, the country is experiencing an increased demand for healthcare professionals, mainly nurses in geriatric and specialised care. 

Although the demand for nurses in Luxembourg is huge, there are some strict criteria interested candidates should meet to work in the country. These include proficiency in one of the four official languages: Luxembourgish, French, German, and English. In addition, the candidates must adhere to the licence and training requirements. 

The average salary of registered nurses in Luxembourg

• Entry-level: The entry-level nurse jobs in Luxembourg start at approximately €36,000 per year. 
• Experienced: The experienced nurses in Luxembourg can earn up to €1,09,680 per year. 

8. Germany

If you are still wondering which is the best country for nurses from India, Germany can be your best answer. As one of the most powerful and stable European countries, Germany offers plenty of international job opportunities for nurses from all across the world. 

With nearly a million job opportunities for nurses, Germany is planning well to overcome the shortage of nurses in the country. Another reason behind the higher demand for nurses is the growing ageing population that resulted in an increased need for healthcare services. 

The average salary of registered nurses in Germany

• Entry-level: Most entry-level nursing jobs offer a salary of approximately €30,000 per year. 
• Experienced: Experienced nurses in Germany can earn up to €40,000 per year. 

Also read: How to get a job in Germany.

9. Netherlands

Similar to many other countries on this list, the Netherlands is also facing a problem of nurse shortage. As per ABF Research, the Netherlands may face a shortage of up to 135,000 nurses by the end of 2031. 

This is the primary reason why the Netherlands is inviting nurse practitioners from around the world to work and grow their careers in the country.

The average salary of registered nurses in the Netherlands

• Entry-level: The base salary for registered nurses in the Netherlands is around €29,000 per year. 
• Experienced: After gaining some skills and experience, nurses in the Netherlands can earn up to €45,000 per annum, along with bonuses. 

10. UAE

The United Arab Emirates has recently increased the average salaries for foreign nurses, inviting more and more candidates from all over the world. In fact, some of the global hospitals and healthcare centres in the country offer nearly the same compensation to nurses as in the USA. 

However, contract requirements are quite strict in the UAE, mainly in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. These include living in an accommodation provided by the hospital and signing a contract for a minimum of one year. If you are comfortable with these requirements, then the UAE is a great place to amplify your nursing career. 

The average salary of registered nurses in the UAE

• Entry-level: The UAE offers an entry-level salary of around AED 54,000. 
• Experienced: The highest salary for experienced nurses can go up to AED 90,000 per year. 

Nurse jobs abroad: Country-wise salary of nurses around the world

Conversion as of 19 April 2024 at 15:00 HRS IST.

Note: The above table depicts the average salaries for nurses in the top 10 countries. All the currencies have been converted to USD (for creating graphs). 

Currency conversion source: 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/

Finding nurse jobs overseas: Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

• Research thoroughly. This is a very important step because the healthcare employment landscape is different for each country. So, learn about the required pathways to become a nurse in your target country. This includes learning about the vacancies, exploring certifications and licensing requirements, and so on. 
• Obtain required certifications. Every country has different requirements for registered nurses. It is highly recommended that you enrol in a training program or gain the necessary certifications before applying for suitable jobs abroad. 
• Reach out to the recruiters. To elevate your chances of getting hired as a nurse, consider networking with trusted overseas recruiters and reliable recruitment agencies. 

Don’ts

• Don’t ignore language requirements. The reason is simple: a nurse’s job requires you to interact closely with patients and other medical professionals. Hence, you must meet the required language criteria. 
• Don’t neglect work permit and visa requirements. Instead, learn about the type of visa and work permit you will need in advance to make the immigration process smooth and obstacle-free. 
• Don’t make decisions in a hurry. Take enough time to explore the right job opportunities that align with your career and personal goals. Avoid settling for jobs that you are not interested in. 

Before you go…

Working as a registered nurse abroad presents you with an excellent opportunity to diversify your skills and achieve your career goals. It allows you to gain experience, familiarise yourself with new cultures, and reach a higher earning potential. However, the most important decision is to select the best country to grow your career in. This is where our post on the top 10 highest-paying countries for nurses can help you. 

Additionally, if you need any financial assistance when sending/receiving money across borders, utilize a secure international fund transfer service like Instarem. 

Using Instarem, you can transfer money to more than 60 countries worldwide in fast**, seamless, and cost-effective# ways. With innovative transaction technology, a user-friendly interface, and low exchange rates, Instarem ensures that your funds are transferred to the desired destination safely and promptly. 

FAQ’s

Q. Which country pays the highest for nurses?

Switzerland and Luxembourg are the top-paying countries for registered nurses and related professionals. Besides, Canada, Australia, and the USA also pay competitive salaries to nurses. 

Q. Which country has a demand for nurses?

Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Canada are the countries that are facing an acute shortage of nurse practitioners and are looking to hire more nurses from overseas. 

Q. How secure is the job of a nurse abroad?

The job of a nurse is highly respected and regarded in society. After the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries are facing a shortage of nurses. This means the job is pretty secure, considering the increasing demand and low supply. 

However, job security also depends on a country’s economy and political scenario. Hence, it is advisable to take into account these factors before applying for a nurse job overseas. 

Q. What is a nurse’s salary abroad per month?

The monthly salary of a nurse abroad mainly depends on their level of experience and the country they are working in. For instance, it is around $4,500 to $9,500 per month in the USA and about ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per month in India. 

Q. How to get nurse jobs in foreign countries?

Getting a nurse job abroad requires a focused approach that involves obtaining a relevant degree, completing recognised certifications, gaining a licence, and applying for suitable roles. 

Q. What is the starting salary for entry-level nurse jobs for Indians?

The starting salary of nurses in India ranges from approximately ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per month. 

Q. Is it difficult to get nurse jobs in foreign countries for freshers?

Getting a nurse job abroad with no experience can be challenging due to factors like higher competition, differences in the healthcare systems, language requirements, etc. 

But if you have the right qualifications and willingness to learn, you can get placed through specialised training programs offered to entry-level nurses in various countries. 

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Top 10 Best countries for civil engineering jobs for Indians

10 Best Countries for Chartered Accountant Jobs

10 Best Countries for Software Engineers

10 Best Countries for Mechanical Engineers

Disclaimer:

• This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

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Citations:

[1]120 Healthcare and Nursing Statistics for 2024nu.eduhttps://www.nu.edu › blog › healthcare-nursing-statistics

[2]https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6