Top 12 Highest Paying Countries for Nurses 2026: Salaries & Skills

Among the top 12 highest paying countries for nurses in 2026 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 the highest paid countries for nurses in 2026.

List of Top 12 Highest Paying Countries for Nurses in 2026

The top 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 for nurses with salaries is numbered as follows:

1. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the highest paying countries for nurses. Nurses in Switzerland earn 25% more than the average worker in the country, as the average nurse salary in Switzerland is around USD 94,869 annually. 

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: USD 72,905

Experienced Nurse Salary in Switzerland: USD 112,900

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

Nurse Registration Process in Switzerland

• Nursing Professional License: You must have a professional nursing license that certifies your eligibility to practice nursing.
• Verify Credentials: You need to get your credentials as per verification with the Swiss Red Cross.
• Prepare Documents: Gather all the required documents, including a certificate of professional status, a diploma, a professional license, and references. 
• Pay the Applicable Fee: 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: Switzerland Jobs for Indians

2. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is next on the list of the top 10 highest paying countries for nurses, and nurses are also among the highest paying jobs in Luxembourg. The average salary for a nurse in Luxembourg is next on the list of the top 10 highest-paying countries for nurses. Nurses also get the opportunity to earn some of the best salaries in Luxembourg. The current average salary for a nurse in Luxembourg is USD 90,467.

Even though we are aware that the cost of living is high, nurses are among the top Luxembourg jobs in Demand which helps them take home a good salary, which helps balance a comfortable lifestyle in the country. Luxembourg has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, which offers ample job opportunities for nurses. 

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Luxembourg: USD 40,977

Experienced Nurse Salary in Luxembourg: USD 118,751

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

Nurse Registration Process in Luxembourg

• Proof of certification: 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: You would need to submit the application for recognition to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
• Language proficiency: You need to understand at least one of the three administrative languages of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish, French, or German) minimum B2 level.
• Experience: You would need a minimum of one year of experience to be considered for employment.

3. United States

According to a recent study, the United States is the top paying country for nurses. The average salary for a nurse in the US is USD 82,750 per year. However, the salaries of professional nurses in the US Healthcare System 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’ offices or clinics. 

In addition to a competitive salary, nurses in the United States also enjoy great benefits. Most employers offer health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for nurses who want to further their education.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in United States: USD 56,000

Experienced Nurse Salary in United States: USD 118,000

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

Nurse Registration Process in the USA

• Complete a nursing program: You need to complete a nursing program that is recognized by the USA.
• NCLEX-RN exam: 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: 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: Now that you have secured your nursing license, you are eligible to pursue work opportunities in the USA

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 countries for nurses. The average nurse salary in Norway for a registered nurse is around USD 81,138, which is considerably more than that of nurses in many other nations.

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: USD 60,000

Experienced Nurse Salary in Norway: USD 118,000

Top Recruiters: 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 highest paying countries for nurses. With a starting salary of around USD 74,710 per year, nurses in the Virgin Islands can expect to earn a comfortable wage.

In addition to their high salaries, nurses in the Virgin Islands also enjoy several other benefits, including free housing and travel expenses.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Virgin Islands: USD 60,000

Experienced Nurse Salary in Virgin Islands: USD 99,000

Top Recruiters: 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: You would need to fill out an application for registration as a nurse and submit it to the government’s Department of Health.
• Nursing License: Submit a recognized nursing license along with the application.
• Submit Documents: 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 one of the top countries that offers the highest salaries 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.

Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system in Denmark who help delivering high quality medical care across the country. Along with the benefits of competitive pay, Danish nurses also benefit from free health insurance, paid sick leave, vacation days, and retirement benefits.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Denmark: USD 43,072

Experienced Nurse Salary in Denmark: USD 89,112

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

Nurse Registration Process in Denmark

• Application Submission: Foreign nurses will need to submit 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: You must successfully complete the Danish language test "Prøve I Dansk 3" also known as the Danish 3 Exam with a minimum score of 10, 7,7.
• Employment for adaptation and training purposes: Once you have cleared your language test, you need to take up employment to show your medical skills. 

7. Australia

Are you aware 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 to move to Australia, you will be in good company because there is a high demand for nurses throughout the nation

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 best paying countries for nurses.

This means there will be plenty of opportunities for nurses who want to work in Australia, and with such high wages (Nurse Salary in Australia) on offer, it’s an attractive proposition for many. 

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Australia: USD 49,287 (INR 3.41 lakh per month)

Experienced Nurse Salary in Australia: USD 77,469 (INR 5,35,827 per month)

Top Recruiters: St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Nurse Registration Process in Australia

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

Also Read: 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, the Middle East countries is one of the great options you should not miss out. Specifically, Israel is among the top places for nurses who want to earn a good take home salary. 

According to the recent data, the average salary of a nurse in Israel is about USD 53,768 annually. Which is considerably higher than what nurses earn in many other countries. Even if we look into the cost of living in Israel the destination becomes even more appealing, considering the affordability

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Israel: USD 34,149

Experienced Nurse Salary in Israel: USD 67,072

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

9. Canada

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

For one, the country has an aging population, and there is a high demand for nurses. Additionally, the working conditions in Canada are excellent, and nurses receive great benefits.

Entry Level Nurse Salary in Canada: USD 41,445

Experienced Nurse Salary in Canada: USD 63,378

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

Also Read: Canada Immigration for Nurses from India

10. Dubai

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the highest-paying countries 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 based on experience, specialisation, etc.

Why do nurses in Dubai earn higher salaries? 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. 

These factors, when combined with the highest tax free income, allows nurses to keep a larger portions of their earnings than they would if working Western countries. This benefit also stricks 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: USD 26,140

Experienced Nurse Salary in Chile: USD 64,955

Top Recruiters: 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 one of the highest paying countries for nurses. Nurses in Germany earn an average salary of USD 37,562 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. 

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. 

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: USD 26,465

Experienced Nurse Salary in Germany: USD 68,681

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

Nurse Registration Process in Germany

• Education Qualifications: Foreign nurses need to have completed a nursing degree with at least 3 years of study
• Language proficiency: As a foreign nurse in Germany, you need to at least have a German proficiency of level B2
• Nursing Certification: 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. This is again due to the high demand for nurses in Chile and the shortage of 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: USD 17,623

Experienced Nurse Salary in Chile: USD 30,772

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

Nurse Registration Process in Chile

• Education Qualifications: The first step in the registration process in Chile is to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent. 
• Chilean Nursing Board: During the registration process, foreign nurses need to work with the Consejo de Enfermería de Chile (Nursing Council of Chile). 
• Application Process: You can start with the registration process by filling an application form along with all the relevant details.
• Documentation: 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: 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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So, whether you're looking for an exciting new adventure or simply want to earn a good salary, be sure to check out our list of the top 12 highest paying countries for nurses. And if you want to work as the highest paid nurses in the world, then GetGIS could be your assistance partner.

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