Nurses are at the core of the medical industry, yet their salaries remain some of the lowest among health care providers, according to data from the BLS. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including: 1) Long years of training and education and 2) Some nurses take time off or leave nursing altogether due to stress.
highest salary of nurses in the world
The highest salary of nurses in the world is in the United States, and it’s about $77,000 per year, whereas in Ethiopia, it’s a little over $20.00 per month. To put this into perspective, if you were to move to Bangladesh and become a nurse there, you would be earning enough money to buy a new car every 6 months!
Top Paying Countries for Nurses In the World
1. Luxembourg – $91,000 (USD)
Currently topping the list as the highest-paid country in the world for nurses, this tiny country in Western Europe pays its nurses very well. Because of the tiny size of the country and its tax haven laws, getting a job as a nurse is extremely difficult. While almost impossible, nurses can wait for years for an opening to occur. 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.
In order to become a nurse in Luxembourg, you must first petition the Ministère de la Santé (Ministry of Health) for an application pack. Nurses are either licensed as adult nurses only or under a general system. This is important depending on the specialty of the nursing position. A visa is required to work in Luxembourg.
- Villa Louvigny
- Allée Marconi
- L-2120 Luxembourg
- +352 247 85500
- info@ms.public.lu
- https://guichet.public.lu/en/entreprises/sectoriel/sante/autres-professions-sante-reglementees0/infirmier.html
2. Denmark – $87,436 (USD)
The Danish Patient Safety Authority oversees all non-EU citizens’ applications for nursing licensure. There are three different pathways for application including pathways for individuals from Nordic countries, EU member states, and all others. Interestingly, if you are over the age of 75 you are not allowed to practice as a nurse in Denmark as this is a Danish law.
For those interested in applying for an application, the first step is submitting all need education documentation and qualifications. If approved, individuals are given three years to fulfill the remainder of the qualifications for permanent authority to practice in Denmark. The main component is the language exam.
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. Once the language portion is passed, individuals must pass the employment for adaptation and training purposes. This illustrates clinical skills and communication skills with patients, providers, and families. Once these are all passed to the satisfaction of the board a permanent license can be obtained.
- For all non-EU members, a work visa must be secured prior to arrival in Denmark.
- Danish Patient Safety Authority
- Islands Brygge 67
- 2300 Copenhagen S
- Denmark
- +45 72 28 66 00
- stps@stps.dk
3. Canada – $75,660 per year, $48.50 per hour (USD)
With universal healthcare and proximity to the United States, Canada is a prime location for nurses interested in trying International Nursing but do not want to stray too far from home. Furthermore, English as the primary language adds to the ease of transitioning to another country.
The College of Nurses of Ontario is the governing board for Registered Nurses in Canada. International applicants must secure a license from the board after a series of background checks, interview questions, and an examination. This examination costs a minimum of $340. The price can vary based on individual factors. According to the website, the registration process can take anywhere from 3-18 months. The application can be started online with the submission of documentation.
A visa is required to work in Canada despite being our neighbor to the north and can be secured from your place of employment after credentialing has occurred.
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- 101 Davenport Rd.
- Toronto Ontario
- M5R3P1 Canada
- 1-800-387-5526
- www.cno.org
4. Virgin Islands – $72,000 (USD)
Looking for that laid-back island vibe while still earning a top wage. The Virgin Islands are the perfect escape for those dreading the long winters and longing for sunshine, sand, and crystal blue water. Some islands have a higher average wage such as St. Croix. This wage is dependent on the financial stability of the individual island and the healthcare facilities available.
The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure oversees all applicants. An application packet must be submitted along with the verification of license form, copies of all nursing school transcripts and course syllabuses, a $125 fee, and letters of recommendation. Furthermore, nurses are required to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Exam. Application verification takes a minimum of 90 business days for processing.
- Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure
- No. 5051 Kongens Gade
- Suite #1
- St. Thomas, VA 00802
- 340-776-7397
5. Australia – $69,699 (USD)
Home of the late Steve Irwin, kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef, and koala sanctuaries, Australia has become a key destination for those interested in traveling while working abroad. A large appeal is the national language of Australia is English and there is no language barrier. There are numerous international agencies that work with hospitals in Australia. The largest recruiting agency for international nurses in Australia is Healthcare Australia (HCA).
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.
- Australia Nursing Council, Inc.
- 683 Murray Street
- West Perth, 6005
- WA, Australia
- +61 8 9481 2488
- https://www.australia-migration.info/gsm-visas-overview/
- overseas@anci.org.au
The report presents the findings of the latest survey on the salaries of Nurses worldwide. Average salary figures are provided for over 20 countries. Salary figures are given in US Dollars and local currency. Wherever possible exact figures are given and crucially where only local currency is available, conversions have been made using current exchange rates to enable a like for like comparison to be made.
