Top most highest paying Countries for nurses to work and live in 2024
Best 10 highest paying Countries for nurses to work and live in 2024.
Introduction
Nurses provide care to the sick one throughout the day and night time, in the hospitals, clinics, care centers, humanitarian aid organizations and even primary health care centers, and every country have their own system of health care delivery depending on the time a nurse spent on duty the amount of salary a nurse can earn. Learn about top highest paying countries for nurses.
Some countries system of health care allow three shifts per day, which means there are nurses that will work on morning duty, afternoon duty and night duty. Other countries spent only day and night duty that is two shifts in a day. However there are countries that paid nurse every hour they spent on duty, therefore a nurse can have his salary of the hours he works.
So knowing about which country gives highest salary for nurses need understanding of the health care delivery system of the country.
All is what we have explained for you in this article, by reading it carefully to the end you can understand the best countries for you to work and live as a nurse, and these countries give you the highest salary.
You can also understand which method of payments is best for you as a nurse. Whether it is salary as pay per hour, or your salary as a nurse per month or even week.
I know some nurses need salary per year, to cover all in this article we have made it simple for you.
Read also: Types of nurses and salaries top 10 in the world
Considering specialty in nursing
Another factors that is considered by most countries with highest salary for nurses is post basic nursing or in the other word area of specialization, for example The average salary for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is $221252 per year in United States while The base salary for Nurse Practitioner ranges from $114,294 to $133,811 with the average base salary of $123,172.
Although, in the US travel nursing is one of the lucrative trends because of it’s different opportunities including flexibility, and abilities to travel in different countries in the world. The average salary for a Travel Nurse is $2,195 per week.
Now, in view of the above let us see what is salary of a registered nurse.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered nurses earn an average median annual salary of $81,220. But some some regions paid nurses most than others like in California – $133,340, Hawaii – $113,220 and Oregon – $106,610 nurses are getting higher salary than in Massachusetts – $104,150 and Alaska – $103,310.
To simplify it all, this article contain the obvious explanation of the top 10 highest paying countries for nurses, the idea is whether you are from America, Asia, Europe, Africa or any other region in the world you can easily visit the country you likes to work and live and helps you decide which country’s payments can satisfy your needs.
Furthermore, we have selected the United State Dollar (USD) to explain the salary a nurse earn in these top 10 countries.
Read also: The MSF Clinical Guidelines PDF: Last update: October 2023
The list of 10 highest paying countries for nurses
Let’s start by listing the top 10 highest paying countries for nurses in the world.
1. Switzerland – $99,839.48 (USD)
2. Luxembourg – $94,923.53 (USD)
3. Denmark – $83,888.84 (USD)
4. Virgin Islands – $80,916 (USD)
5. Australia – $71,566.52 (USD)
6. Dubai – $71,383.88 (USD)
7. Canada – $70,482.40 (USD)
8. Norway – $69,754.12 (USD)
9 Ireland – $60,890.13 (USD)
10. Italy – $53,035.58 (USD)
Wow! you see the above, are the list of the top 10 countries paying nurses the most in the world. Highest payments that will allow a nurse to take a home amount of money that will take care of himself and the family.
Let us explain them one after the other for more clarification.
Switzerland – $99,839.48 (USD).
#1. Switzerland: is the number one the first in the list of to 10 countries with highest salary for nurses. The highest payment ($99,839.48) of this country to the nurses is because of the shortage of nurses in the country.
Switzerland still need more nurses to come and live, that is why they placee a better salary for every nurses working in the country to attract more.
How to work as a nurse in Switzerland?
Nurses are always welcomed in this country, as you landed in to work as nurse your salary will start reading.
To apply as a nurse in Switzerland you need to fluently speak one of these national languages (Italian, French, and/or German).
Because you are going to interact with patients and other healthcare professionals in the country, speaking their language is among the must requirements for you as nurse.
Registration process
The Swiss Red Cross responsible the registration and validation of all credentials for foreign nurses.
Requirements
- You need to present your professional certificate of Nursing.
- Valid registered license
- References
Language Proficiency
Furthermore, all applicants must pass an examination in one of the three languages mentioned above depending on the part of Switzerland for employment.
Registration payment
The last process is payment, after you submitted all the requirements you need to make registration payment to the Swiss Red Cross for evaluation.
The cost for evaluation of credentials in hopes of gaining certification is roughly $620 USD (as of 2019) and can take several months for the process to complete.
Contact for information
For any questions or need clarification here are the contacts that you can forward your complaints to the Swiss Red Cross.
Adress: Swiss Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Suisse), CH-3001 Berne
Telephone: +41 58 400 41 11
Email: info@redcross.ch
Feel free to seek clarification this authority.
Luxembourg – $94,923.53 (USD)
#2. Luxembourg: Luxembourg is the second among the top highest paying countries for nurses.
The average salary for a nurse in Luxembourg is $94,923.53, this lucrative earning is as result of small size of the country. People who are successful in finding nursing jobs in Luxembourg are lucky enough to enjoy this high salary.
It is also important to note that international nurses interested in working in Luxembourg must have the necessary linguistic skills, including proficiency in either French, German, and/or Luxembourgish. The nurse’s language proficiency in one of the three languages may be tested at the request of the Minister of Health.
How to work as a nurse in Luxembourg?
To work as nurse in Luxembourg you need to apply through their ministry of health
Requirements
With professional certificates, Valid registered license and any documents required.
Language proficiency
You need to understand at least one of the three administrative languages of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish, French, or German) minimum B2 level.
Contact Information
Address: 1, rue Charles Darwin L-1433 Luxembourg
Telephone +352 247 85500
Email: professions.sante@ms.etat.lu
Denmark – $83,888.84 (USD)
#3. Denmark: The third of the top 10 highest paying countries for nurses is Denmark with a salary for nurses up to $83,888.84 a year.
The Danish Patient Safety Authority oversees all non-EU citizens’ applications for nursing licensure. However, the application consists of 3 different pathway they include.
1. Pathways for individuals from Nordic countries,
2 EU member states, and
3. The all others.
You can make your application through the regional public health medical office, who is going to takes into consideration the applicant’s state of health, professional competencies, and attachment to the labor market.
Read also: How to become human resource manager in Nigeria
How to work as a nurse in Denmark?
You can apply to practice as a nurse in Denmark and start earning lucrative salary.Follow the steps below:
Application
Interested candidate should first submit all of their needed education documentation and qualifications.
If approved, individuals are given three years to fulfill the remaining of the qualifications for permanent authority to practice in Denmark.
Documents to submit includes professional certificate, valid registered license for evaluation.
Language proficiency
The language examination is held twice a year in May/June and November/December in Denmark. This examination is equal to a native speaker exam. Individuals who speak the language fluently can appeal and submit to a different exam.
When applicant is successful with the Denmark language examination, then they must pass the employment application for adaptation and training purposes.
Employment for adaptation and training purposes
This illustrates clinical skills and communication skills with patients, providers, and families. Once all these process are passed to the satisfaction of the board, a permanent license can be obtained.
Contact Information:
For all non-EU members, a work visa must be secured prior to arrival in Denmark.
Address: Danish Patient Safety Authority, Islands Brygge 67, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
Telephone: +45 72 28 66 00
Email: stps@stps.dk
Virgin Islands – $80,916 (USD)
#4. Virgin Islands: The fourth among the highest Paying countries for nurses is the Virgin Islands with average salary for nurses of $80,916 with a lucrative and tourists purposes apart from this high salary.
The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL) is the regulatory body that monitor all nurse applicants.
How to work as a nurse in Virgin Island?
Apply by submitting along all the required documents including nursing school certificates, verification of license form, copies of all nursing school transcripts and course syllabuses, $125 fee, and letters of recommendation.
Pass the Examination
Furthermore, nurses are required to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Exam. Application verification takes a minimum up to 90 business days for processing.
Contact Information:
Address: Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure, No. 5051 Kongens Gade, Suite #1, St. Thomas, VA 00802
Telephone: 340-249-0684 or 340-690-9326
Email: vinurseinfo@bnl.vi.gov
Australia – $71,566.52 (USD)
#5. Australia: The country is among the top highest paying countries for nurses, in Australia nurse earn about $72,566.52 annual salary.
Australia is a beautiful country for everyone who want to visit and live, especially more important for those that want to work, another important benefit of applying for nursing jobs in Australia is because the primary language of the country is English.
Numerous international agencies that work with hospitals in Australia. The largest recruiting agency for international nurses in Australia is Healthcare Australia (HCA).
How to work as a nurse in Australia?
In order to work in Australia, foreigners are required to apply for a visa with full working rights as well as valid registration with AHPRA (Australia’s Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). On average, this takes approximately 4 to 5 months to process and be assessed.
Most international nurses work with a nursing agency that is familiar with the laws of international travel. It is rare to apply for a job and take on the needed paperwork by oneself. Remember, obtaining a visa must go through the proper channels and can take weeks to months. Becoming an international nurse requires more planning than traveling within the United States.
Contact Information:
Address: 100 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
Telephone: +61 1300 422 247
Email: QLD-Recruitment@healthcareaustralia.com.au
Dubai – $71,383.88 (USD)
#6. Dubai: Dubai is among the richest county in the world also among the highest paying countries for nurses.
In Dubai nurse earn around $71,383.88 a year. However in some hospital nurse are recieving compensation similar to the United States, but that must be negotiated prior to job acceptance.
In general, Americans earn the highest wages for nurses in Dubai. Income is tax-free, and healthcare is provided to everyone, which means the entire paycheck is taken home. For this reason, individuals have the opportunity to make more than they would at home.
Another important part of it is, when you are working in Dubai, the hospital management will give you an accommodation to live in the hospital premises, when some nurses perceived this opportunity as strict.
How to work as a nurse in Dubai?
To work as a nurse in Dubai as a nurse you must have an employment visa and it can take a minimum of three months for immigration clearance to occur in order to obtain this.
You need to provide your professional certificate, valid license, and other documents needed.
When you successfully get a work contract, there are important things to considered, Dubai is a Muslim country, therefore some Islam rules must be taken in to account especially for female nurses, they are not allowed to dress without covering their body or to go outside with a man who is not their husband or relative.
Contact Information:
Address: Dubai Health Authority, Al Maktoum Bridge Street, Bur Dubai Area 4545, UAE
Email: wasselsotak@dha.gov.ae
Telephone: +971 42198888
Read also: Best 10 highest paid jobs in Canada 2024
Canada – $70,482.40 (USD)
#7. Canada: Do you know Canada is among the fastest growing nation in the world, because Canada are welcoming visitors including workers from different professionals.
The beautiful country is among the top countries with highest salary for nurses, the nurse in Canada earn around $70,482.40.
Furthermore, English as the primary language adds to the ease of transitioning to another country.
In Canada, there are several governing bodies, depending on the province or territory where a nurse will be practicing.
These governing bodies made nursing slightly difficult. But in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, all categories of nurses are regulated by a single college.
However in the rest of all other provinces and territories, each nursing category has its own regulatory body.
How to work as nurse in Canada?
Applicants must provide their professional certificates, valid License to the board for verification.
Examination and registration
However, after applicants is verified they need to sit for examination and interview.
This examination costs a minimum of $340. The price can vary based on individual factors.
The application can be started online with the submission of documentation.
According to the website, the registration process can take anywhere from 3-18 months.
Another requirement is work visa which is needed to work in Canada.
Language proficiency
English language is needed to be spoken by applicants, read and listening skills.
Contact Information:
Address: College of Nurses of Ontario, 101 Davenport Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M5R3P1 Canada
Telephone: 1-800-387-5526
Norway – $69,754.12 (USD)
#8. Norway, a Scandinavian country known as the land of Fjords, has one of the highest standards of living in the world as well as job satisfaction for nurses.
Norway is among the list of top highest paying countries for nurses. Nurse earn about $69,754.12.
How to work as a nurse in Norway?
You need apply for nursing work in Norway,submit your professional documents and license to the board for verification.
Individuals also must pass a Norwegian language examination. Courses are taught online for foreigners. There is also a one-year training program, including an enrollment fee, that most international nurses are required to take prior to obtaining licensure.
The application cost about $350 and for people living outside of EU/EEA can take up to 10 to 11 months before it’s done.
You must apply through The Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAK) and submit the proper documentation.
However Languages proficiency is need to verify, Individuals must also pass a Norwegian language examination.
Contact Information:
Address: The Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAK), Pb. 220 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo
Email: godkjenning@helsedir.no
Telephone: +47 21 52 97 00
Ireland – $60,890.13 (USD)
#9. Ireland: Is among the top highest paying countries for nurses. Nurse can earn around $60,890.13 a year.
How to work as a nurse in Ireland?
In order to qualify, interested applicants must complete an online information packet, background check, fingerprinting, and English proficiency examination.
This is required whether or not you are a native English speaker. Some individuals are required to complete an examination, but that is ultimately determined by the board. In order to work in Ireland, an employment visa is a requirement.
Contact Information:
Address: Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland), 18/20 Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 639 8500
Italy – $53,035.58 (USD)
#10. Italy, like the United States, currently has a nursing shortage. In order to work in a country where English is NOT the primary language like italy, most nursing licensure boards require a language proficiency examination as part of the credentialing process.
Nurses are required to take the Italian Nursing Board, a language proficiency examination, and must be sponsored by an Italian hospital to gain a nursing license. Once this occurs, a visa must be obtained to work in Italy via the Italian Embassy.
While there are many English-speaking hospitals in Rome, Florence, and Milan, such as Rome American Hospital, Hospital of Innocents, and Milan Clinic, it is unclear if nurses working in those hospitals must pass the language portion of the exam.
Contact Information:
Address: Collegio Infermieri La Spezia – Italy, Via XXIV Maggio 343, La Spezia, Italy 19125
Telephone: +0187/575177
Email: segreteria@opi.laspezia.i
Visa Requirements in these countries
All countries mentioned above require a work visas in order to legally be employed in the country. These visas cannot be obtained without the following,
Credentialing from the countries board of nursing
A verifiable employment offer
Sponsorship from the hospital
You can check most Embassies that are located in the following cities, for more information.
- Chicago
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- New York City
In the end, my approach is You can learn serve and make difference.
