Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Registered Nurses

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Nursing is one of the most significant roles in the healthcare sector. Their roles have always been critical in promoting health, preventing disease, and providing care to the community. To elaborate, they do various duties like tending to patients, assisting doctors, ensuring patients have a safe environment, medicine administration, and more. 

There are approximately 27 million registered nurses globally, accounting for nearly 50% of the overall healthcare workforce in the world. However, despite such high numbers, nurse shortages are still present globally. A result of the continuous increase of the aging population, workforce, and many more factors. And for this reason, nursing is one of the most in-demand jobs in the world today.

Highest Paying Countries for Registered Nurses Annually

Countries worldwide currently require numerous nurses to cater to their healthcare needs. Below are among the highest paying countries around the globe that pay nurses the highest salaries annually. 

United States – $82,000

A major go-to country for nurses who wish to continue their profession overseas, the US employs many nurses worldwide. Registered nurses in the US have an average annual salary of about $82,750. However, how high a registered nurse’s salary is greatly depends on their specialties and experience. 

Working for the US also opens various career perks and career development opportunities. For example, with the current shortage of nurses in the country, nurses are needed in the US more than ever. In addition, it wouldn’t be as hard in a generally English-speaking country to communicate with the entire work environment.

Luxembourg – $81,000

In one of the smallest countries in Western Europe, Luxembourg, getting a job as a nurse in this small country can be difficult. Learning their diverse languages can play a big part in the application process. However, once a nurse secures a nursing job in the country, they will be able to benefit from a fairly large amount of income. Thus, making Luxemburg among the top of the highest paying countries for nurses around the globe. 

A registered nurse’s salary in Luxembourg is 81,857 EUR or $81,933. Depending on their specialty and experience, nurses can earn between 57,055 EUR or $56,841 to 99,620 EUR or $99,247.

Australia – $79,000

Australia is home to several perks for nurses, including the salary a nurse can make there. The average annual wage for registered nurses in the country is $79,997, while entry-level nurses start at around $75,915, and most experienced ones make up to $98,168. Along with the high salary, nurses can benefit from the country’s world-class healthcare system, excellent working conditions, job security, career development, lack of language barrier, and more. 

The location, specializations, qualifications, employer, experience, etc., also influence a nurse’s annual salary. For example, nurses who work and live outside major Australian metropolitan areas are likely paid higher.

Denmark – $75,000

The average pay for registered nurses in Denmark is approximately 560,834 DKK, or $75,743. On the other hand, entry-level nurses earn up to 422,672 DKK or $57,083, while senior-level nurses can earn an average salary of 738,009 DKK or $99,671. Additionally, in Denmark, work-life balance can be very beneficial because medical professionals are given enough time to avoid burn-outs and stress.

However, working as a nurse in Denmark can be a bit more complex as it is a European country. First, the process involves gaining permission to practice the profession, and only The Danish Patient Safety Authority can issue this authorization. Then, one’s nursing education and qualifications are assessed, proficiency in the Danish language, and a temporary registration and trial employment commences. 

Canada – $71,000

Nurses in Canada have an average annual salary of around $71,246, $57,465 for entry-level nurses, and about $81,762 for the most experienced. It is among the highest-paying countries for nurses in the world. Nurses can also likely earn more as there are allowances given by Canada’s Government when designated to remote places in Canada, such as Nunavut. 

In addition to Canada being one of the highest paying countries for nurses, it’s ideal for working here because it is primarily an English-speaking country. Other perks include flexible schedules, health insurance, child care assistance, and excellent working conditions. It is also noteworthy that nurses may be able to apply for permanent residency in Canada once one is eligible to do so.

Switzerland – $70,000

Finding a nursing job can be both easy and difficult in Switzerland, as competition can be tough, but the payoff is good. The average nurse income in Switzerland can go up to 68’400 CHF or $70,858. Typically, nurses in Switzerland’s salary start at 64’350 CHF or $66,775 and can go as high as 91’392 CHF or $94,836. 

However, before one can practice their profession in the country, they should at least be proficient in one of the three main languages. 

Dubai – $67,000

While not a country, Dubai is one of the higher-paying places for nurses in the world. Among the seven emirates, Dubai compensates its registered nurses more than its other emirate counterparts. The average annual salary for registered nurses in Dubai is 249,000 AED or $67,790. However, salary depends on nurse specialization and level. 

Nurse salaries in Dubai range from 156,000 AED or $42,470 as the lowest average to 489,000 AED or $133,130 as the highest average. Despite the stricter country rules and conditions, benefits are very advantageous, and income in Dubai is tax-free.

Netherlands – $46,000

The Netherlands offers various benefits, including a potential annual salary of about 47,000 EUR or $46,853. Salary in the Netherlands can range from 22,100 EUR or $22,031 to 74,800 EUR or $74,068. Like in every other country, a nurse’s experience and specialization can drastically influence one’s salary in the Netherlands. 

New Zealand – $45,000

The country is renowned for being one of the best places to live and work. Income for nurses in New Zealand varies depending on their qualifications, experiences, and responsibilities. Nurses in the country can earn up to 76,800 NZD or $45,264. Entry-level nurses can earn about 63,375 NZD or $37,352, while seniors and the more experienced nurses can earn up to 95,000 NZD or $55,9981 annually.

Overseas nurse applicants from non-English speaking countries who wish to practice their profession in New Zealand must complete an English language proficiency test. Additionally, one of the unique benefits of working in the country is how one can have a good work-life balance. 

United Kingdom – $39,000        

Taking the tenth place on our list of the highest paying countries for nurses around the globe is the United Kingdom. The average annual nurse salary in the United Kingdom is 35,006 GBP or $39,310. Where entry-level nurses earn start at 31,497 GBP or $35,370, and the more experienced can earn up to 48,750 GBP or $54,744. 

Aside from a good sum of salary, working in the UK also provides benefits like flexible work schedules, a good working environment, career development, and many more.

Summing-up

Nurses who wish to practice their professions outside their origin country have a wide variety of options and opportunities. With numerous countries needing qualified nurses, selecting the best place to practice one’s profession can be essential in career progression. But of course, a high salary can be a huge deciding factor for nurses to forgo a country.

We at IPASS have your back! IPASS Processing offers its service to nurses who wish to apply for the NCLEX in the United States. We ensure to provide and deliver you a smooth and hassle-free NCLEX application. For more inquiries, contact us now!