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Among the听top countries with highest salary for nurses 2026听are Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the United States, which offer an average annual salary ranging from USD 30,000 to USD 95,000. It is anticipated that the global shortage of nurses could reach up to 9 million by 2030, making nurses one of the highest-demand jobs in healthcare worldwide.

In addition to high salaries, nurses enjoy strong job security, a great work-life balance, and easier paths for permanent residency, specifically in countries like Germany, the UK, Australia, and Canada. Join us as we explore the list of countries with the听highest paid nurses in the world.

Top 12 Countries With the Highest Average Nurse Salaries

The highest paying countries for nurses offer competitive opportunities and pay packages, along with the eligibility to be part of some of the best healthcare systems in the world, while enjoying a good quality of life. The list of the top 12 countries with highest paid nurses in the world is numbered as follows:

1. Switzerland

Switzerland is the highest paying country for nurses. Nurses in Switzerland earn 25% more than the average worker in the country, as the average Switzerland nurse salary per month is around USD 94,869 (INR 86,01,459) annually.听

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

One of the major reasons for these high salaries in Switzerland for nurses is due to the living expenses in the country. However, considering the strong demand for nurses and a shortage of qualified nurses, the Swiss government has also implemented polices to attract and retain skilled nurses. For example, the government offers tuition reimbursement for nurses who want to further their education. Nurses in Switzerland are also eligible to receive tax breaks and other benefits.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Switzerland:听USD 72,905 (INR 66,10,055)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Switzerland:听USD 112,900 (INR 1,02,36,270)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Anaesthetist, Surgical / Operating Room Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Nurse Practitioner

Top Recruiters:听Hirslanden Group, University Hospital Zurich, Geneva University Hospitals,

Nurse Registration Process in Switzerland

• Nursing Professional License:听You must have a professional nursing license that certifies your eligibility to practice nursing.
• Verify Credentials:听You need to get your credentials as per verification with the Swiss Red Cross.
• Prepare Documents:听Gather all the required documents, including a certificate of professional status, a diploma, a professional license, and references.听
• Pay the Applicable Fee:听After you have met all the requirements and submitted the application, you will need to pay the registration fee to the Swiss Red Cross.

Also Read:听Switzerland Nurse Salary Per Month in Indian Rupees in 2026

2. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is next on the list of the top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses, and nurses are also among the highest paying jobs in Luxembourg. The current average salary for a nurse in Luxembourg is USD 90,467 (INR 82,02,344).

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

One major reason is the high cost of living. Monthly living expenses in Luxembourg range between EUR 2,000 and 3,000. Rent alone can cost EUR 1,200-2,000 per month, which significantly impacts overall expenses. To balance this, employers offer competitive pay, social security benefits, and strong worker protections.

The country has a well-developed healthcare system, modern hospitals, and a growing elderly population. This means steady job opportunities for qualified nurses. If you have the right certifications and language skills (French or German), you can find good roles here. You also get benefits like paid leave, social security, and healthcare coverage. So even though expenses are high, your income and benefits help you balance things out.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Luxembourg:听USD 40,977 (INR 37,15,249)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Luxembourg:听USD 118,751 (INR 1,07,66,761)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Room (ER) Nurse, Geriatric Nurse, Pediatric Nurse

Top Recruiters:听Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHdN), Hopitaux Robert Schuman

Nurse Registration Process in Luxembourg

• Proof of certification:听You need to provide proof that you are a certified nurse and hold a recognised nursing diploma from a 3-year program.
• Submit the application:听You would need to submit the application for recognition to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
• Language proficiency:听You need to understand at least one of the three administrative languages of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish, French, or German) minimum B2 level.
• Experience:听You would need a minimum of one year of experience to be considered for employment.

Explore:听Nurse Salary in Luxembourg in Indian Rupees in 2026

3. United States

According to a recent study, the United States is another highest paying country for nurses. The average salary for a nurse in the US is USD 82,750 (INR 75,02,670) per year. However, the salaries of professional nurses in the听US Healthcare System听can vary greatly based on experience, location, and employer. For example, nurses in rural areas may earn significantly less than those in urban areas, while nurses working in hospitals earn more than those in doctors鈥� offices or clinics.听

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

One big reason the USA is counted among the countries with the highest paid nurses in the world is because of the strong demand for nurses, especially due to an ageing population and ongoing staff shortages. The cost of living varies by state, but in major cities, it can be quite high, which pushes salaries up. You also get benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, shift allowances, and overtime pay. If you specialize in areas like ICU or surgery, you can earn even more, which makes the USA a popular choice if you鈥檙e aiming for better pay and career growth.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in United States:听USD 56,000 (INR 50,77,335)

Experienced Nurse Salary in United States:听USD 118,000 (INR 1,06,98,670)

Top Roles:听Nurse Anaesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Nurse Midwife

Top Recruiters:听Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Nurse Registration Process in the USA

• Complete a nursing program:听You need to complete a nursing program that is recognized by the USA.
• NCLEX-RN exam:听Foreign nurses are required to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and proceed to register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
• Get a State License:听Upon the successful completion of the exam and the registration process, foreign nurses are required to apply and secure the nursing license from the respective state where they wish to practice nursing.
• Employment:听Now that you have secured your nursing license, you are eligible to pursue work opportunities in the USA

Also Read:听Which Country is Best for Nurses in 2026?

4. Norway

Norway offers a competitive salary, a high standard of living, and access to excellent healthcare services, which makes it one of the top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses. The average nurse salary in Norway for a registered nurse is around USD 81,138 (INR 73,56,514), which is considerably more than that of nurses in many other nations.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

High salaries for nurses in Norway are a result of many factors, including the country's ageing population and continuous demographic shifts, which are proportionally raising the demand for nurses throughout the country.

Additionally, the average cost of living for nurses in Norway may be considerably higher than the EU average, especially in cities like Oslo and Bergen, where accommodation, taxes, and daily expenses are higher. However, the prospects of strong salaries, extensive social benefits, and the best work-life balance set off the living expenses, making Norway a desired destination for both compensation and quality of life abroad.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Norway:听USD 60,000 (INR 54,40,002)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Norway:听USD 118,000 (INR 1,06,98,670)

Top Roles:听Nurse Practitioner, ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Surgical Nurse

Top Recruiters:听Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge, St.Olavs Hospital, Oslo Kommune Hospitals, Helse Nord Regional Health Authority

Nurse Registration Process in Norway

• Create an Altinn Account by registering at altinn.no using your passport if your Norwegian ID is not available
• Submit application electronically, by applying for authorization as a general nurse (sykepleier) by paying a fee of NOK 1,665 online
• Submit all the other required documents, including language proficiency of Norwegian B2 level (CEFR) test, transcripts, proof of passing licensing exams, etc.

5. Virgin Islands

If you are thinking about which country is best for nursing jobs, the Virgin Islands offers competitive salaries and is featured in the top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses. With a starting salary of around USD 74,710 (INR 67,73,709) per year, nurses in the Virgin Islands can expect to earn a comfortable wage. Monthly expenses here can easily go above USD 2,000-3,000, especially with rent.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

The reason salaries are competitive is mainly because there is a steady demand for healthcare workers and a limited local workforce. Hospitals need skilled professionals, so if you are licensed in the US and ready to relocate, you can find decent pay along with a relaxed island lifestyle.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Virgin Islands:听USD 60,000 (INR 54,40,002)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Virgin Islands:听USD 99,000 (INR 89,76,003)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, General Staff Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Geriatric Nurse

Top Recruiters:听Schneider Regional Medical Center, Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center

Nurse Registration Process in Virgin Islands

• Submit application:听You would need to fill out an application for registration as a nurse and submit it to the government鈥檚 Department of Health.
• Nursing License:听Submit a recognized nursing license along with the application.
• Submit Documents:听Submit all the required documents or any other mentioned documents as provided in the application for nurse licensure.

6. Denmark

In addition to being one of the best places to live and work, Denmark is considered a highest paying country for nurses in the world. Along with exceptional working conditions and a high standard of living, the average annual salary for nurses in Denmark is around USD 58,266 (INR 52,82,785).

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

Denmark pays nurses well mainly because the country invests heavily in its public healthcare system and runs it through strong government funding. Healthcare spending is around 10% of GDP, which means hospitals are well supported and staff are valued. There鈥檚 also a growing elderly population, so you鈥檙e needed more in elder care, hospitals, and community health. Since unions are strong in Denmark, working hours, overtime rules, and benefits are clearly structured, which keeps compensation competitive.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Denmark:听USD 43,072 (INR 39,05,196)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Denmark:听USD 89,112 (INR 80,79,491)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Operating Room Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse, Public Health Nurse

Top Recruiters:听Rigshospitalet, Odense University Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital

Nurse Registration Process in Denmark

• Application Submission:听Foreign nurses will need to submit an online application along with attaching all the required documents. To know more about the application, refer to the application and approval of qualifications.
• Language test:听You must successfully complete the Danish language test "Pr酶ve I Dansk 3" also known as the Danish 3 Exam with a minimum score of 10, 7,7.
• Employment for adaptation and training purposes:听Once you have cleared your language test, you need to take up employment to show your medical skills.听

7. Australia

Are you aware of why nurses are increasingly drawn to immigrate to Australia? It is because the nation offers a high standard of living along with one of the best nursing salaries in the world. So, if you are considering moving to Australia, you will be in good company because there is a high demand for nurses throughout the nation.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

The country has a large ageing population, and with our increasing life expectancy, that number is only going to grow. That is also why it is featured among the highest paying countries for nurses. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for nurses who want to work in Australia. With such high wages (Nurse Salary in Australia in 2026) on offer, it鈥檚 an attractive proposition for many.听

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Australia:听USD 49,287 (INR 44,68,690)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Australia:听USD 77,469 (INR 70,23,858)

Top Roles:听Nurse Practitioner, ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Midwife / Nurse Midwife, Emergency Room Nurse, Surgical Nurse

Top Recruiters:听St Vincent鈥檚 Hospital, Sydney, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women鈥檚 Hospital

Nurse Registration Process in Australia

• Qualification:听Submit the qualification documents for verification.
• Assessment fees:听You need to pay the assessment fee of USD 640 (INR ).
• Orientation:听Attend the 1-hour e-learning course on AHPRA鈥檚 portal.
• Documents:听Submit all the necessary documents AHPRA guidelines.
• NCLEX exam:听You must pass the NCLEX exam. You would need to pay approx USD 505 for the exam.

Also Read:听Features You Should Know about Public Healthcare in Australia

8. Israel

As a nurse, you will have plenty of job options, no matter where in the world you choose to work. But in case you're looking for the highest paying countries for nurses, Israel is one of the great options you should not miss out. According to the recent data, the average salary of a nurse in Israel is about USD 53,768 (INR 48,74,967) annually.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

Israel pays nurses well mainly because there is strong demand in hospitals and community healthcare centers, and not enough local staff to meet growing needs. The cost of living is also high, especially in cities like Tel Aviv, where monthly expenses can easily cross ILS 7,000-10,000 depending on rent and lifestyle. Because expenses are high and the work environment is intense, pay scales are structured to match that level. You also get public healthcare benefits, paid leave, and social security support, which adds to the overall package.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Israel:听USD 34,149 (INR 30,96,177)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Israel:听USD 67,072 (INR 60,81,196)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Room Nurse, Surgical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse

Top Recruiters:听Sheba Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, Rambam Health Care Campus

Nurse Registration Process in Israel

The nurse registration process in Israel usually includes

• Eligibility and Requirements:听Foreign nurses need to meet the Eligibility criteria, which involves finishing an accredited nursing programme and being proficient in Hebrew
• Submit your application:听You would need to send an application to the Ministry of Health along with the required documents.
• Licencing Exam:听Foreign nurses are required to pass a licensing exam and prove their proficiency in the Hebrew language.
• Verification and Fee Payment:听You might need to pay the registration fee, undergo a background check, and attend an interview if required.

9. Canada

According to a recent study, Canada is among the top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses. Along with the benefits of associating with the听Healthcare System in Canada听there are many reasons why Canada is such a great place to work as a nurse.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

Canada pays nurses well mainly because there鈥檚 a real shortage of healthcare workers across many provinces. The population is ageing, hospitals are expanding, and rural areas especially need more staff. Since healthcare is publicly funded and highly regulated, working conditions, overtime rules, and union agreements also push compensation higher. You also get benefits like health coverage, paid leave, and pension plans, which is one reason nurse pay stays competitive.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Canada:听USD 41,445 (INR 37,57,681)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Canada:听USD 63,378 (INR 57,46,274)

Top Roles:听Nurse Practitioner, ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Surgical Nurse, Geriatric Nurse

Top Recruiter:听Montreal General Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital

Nurse Registration Process in Canada

To register as a nurse in Canada, you would need to fulfil the registration requirements as stated by the Canadian government. Below are all the requirements you need to fulfil to work as a nurse in Canada.

• Proof of Nurse Education:听Submit the proof that shows you have completed the nurse education.
• Evidence of Practice:听Show evidence of your recent experience working as a nurse.
• Complete the Registration Exam:听Foreign nurses need to pass the Canada鈥檚 Nursing registration exam
• Jurisprudence Exam:听After clearing Canada Nursing Registration Exam, you would also need to pass the Canadian Jurisprudence exam
• Proof of Language Proficiency:听Foreign nurses are also required to demonstrate their proficiency in French and English languages
• Past Offences:听Mention truthfully whether you have been found guilty of any offences in the past.
• Health and Conduct:听In case you have suffered from any mental or physical disorder or condition.

Also Read:听Canada Immigration for Nurses from India

10. Dubai

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses in 2026, considering the benefits like a tax-free salary structure and its rapidly expanding health care infrastructure. Registered nurses in Dubai can make an average annual salary of USD 67,000 to USD 100,000 (INR 60,74,668 to INR 90,66,670) based on experience, specialisation, etc.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

We are familiar that the UAE has a high demand for healthcare workers due to factors like medical tourism, expanding modern hospital construction, and an increasing number of residents and foreign workers.听

These factors, when combined with the highest tax-free income, allow nurses to keep a larger portion of their earnings than they would if working in Western countries. This benefit also strikes off the otherwise considerably expensive cost of living in Dubai. However, many employers also offer benefits like housing allowances, health insurance, end-of-service gratuity, etc, which significantly enhance the total compensation, which helps nurses maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Dubai.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Chile:听USD 26,140 (INR 23,70,027)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Chile:听USD 64,955 (INR 58,89,255)

Top Roles:听Nurse Practitioner, ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Operating Room Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Pediatric Nurse

Top Recruiters:听American Hospital Dubai, Medcare Hospitals. NMC Healthcare, Rashid Hospital, Mediclinic Middle East

Nurse Registration Process in Dubai

• Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) by submitting documents (including passport, transcripts, license, GSC, etc.) via DataFlow for authentication
• Clear the DHA Prometric CBT exam, which covers all the nursing knowledge
• Create your account at services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan to submit your application under the nurse category and pay the registration fee.

11. Germany

If you are thinking about which country is best for nursing jobs, Germany is the highest paying country for nurses. Nurses in Germany earn an average salary of USD 37,562 (INR 34,05,622) per year. There are ample reasons why Germany offers one of the highest salaries to nurses. One of the main is that the demand for nurses in Germany is particularly high, and there are over 1 million nursing positions to be filled.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

It is projected that the demand for nurses in Germany will continue to grow over the years due to an ageing population, which increases the need for healthcare services, and nurses are an essential part of meeting this healthcare demand.听

Another reason that Germany is offering high salaries is to ensure that the workers in the nation can comfortably meet the German cost of living, which is nealy 20% higher than in the United States.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Germany:听USD 26,465 (INR 23,99,494)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Germany:听USD 68,681 (INR 62,27,080)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Surgical / OR Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Geriatric Nurse

Top Recruiters:听University Hospital Frankfurt, University Hospital Heidelberg, Charite - Universitatsmerdizin Berlin

Nurse Registration Process in Germany

• Education Qualifications:听Foreign nurses need to have completed a nursing degree with at least 3 years of study
• Language proficiency:听As a foreign nurse in Germany, you need to at least have a German proficiency of level B2
• Nursing Certification:听Foreign country nurses must secure a nursing certificate in Germany to practice nursing

Also Read:

• Healthcare System in Germany
• Nurse Salary in Germany

12. Chile

Chile is one of the highest paying countries for nurses. The average salary for a nurse in Chile is USD 27,255 (INR 24,71,120). This is again due to the high demand for nurses in Chile and the shortage of nurses.

Why Salary is High for Nurses?

Nurses in Chile are in high demand due to the growing and ageing population. The Chilean government is working to increase the number of nurses in the country by offering scholarships and loans to nursing students.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Chile:听USD 17,623 (INR 15,97,819)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Chile:听USD 30,772 (INR 27,89,995)

Top Roles:听ICU / Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, General Staff Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Surgical Nurse

Top Recruiters:听Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Clinica Las Condes, Clinica Alemana, Clinica Las Condes

Nurse Registration Process in Chile

• Education Qualifications:听The first step in the registration process in Chile is to have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing or equivalent.听
• Chilean Nursing Board:听During the registration process, foreign nurses need to work with the Consejo de Enfermer铆a de Chile (Nursing Council of Chile).听
• Application Process:听You can start with the registration process by filling an application form along with all the relevant details.
• Documentation:听When submitting the application form, you need to provide supporting documents (notarized and certified) such as your nursing degree certificate, academic transcripts, etc.
• Spanish Language Proficiency:听Spanish is the official language in Chile, so foreign nurses are required to demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language through approved exam scores.

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