Which Countries Pay GNM Nurses the Most in 2026?
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The top countries paying GNM nurses the most are the USA and Switzerland, among others, with an average salary starting with USD 61,128. Scroll through and get an in depth guide including eligibility, pay scale, cost of living, and more.
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Completed your GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) course but feeling like your career has hit a pause? It could be your time to think bigger. What if your nursing skills could earn you not just respect, but a significantly higher salary and a better lifestyle abroad?
Countries that pay GNM nurses the most, such as Switzerland and the USA, offer competitive salary packages, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and strong career growth opportunities. If you are planning your next move, here are the high paying countries for GNM nurses with details like salary, cost of living, etc., that will help you choose better.
Top 7 Highest Paying Countries for GNM Nurses
Jobs for GNM nurses are available in most countries, but are they paying well? Well, not all. In many countries, GNM nurses are underpaid, which is why you need to know which are the top countries paying GNM nurses the most:
|
Country |
Key Focus for GNM Nurses |
Average Annual Salary (USD) |
Approx. INR (lakhs) |
|
USA |
NCLEX-RN exam required; academic evaluation/credentialing hurdle for non-degree qualifications. |
USD 69,400 |
|
|
Switzerland |
Swiss Red Cross credential check; 6-month mandatory apprenticeship post-recognition. |
USD 91,000 |
INR 77,42,000 |
|
Luxembourg |
High salaries but strict language barrier (B2 French/German/Luxembourgish required). |
USD 63,000 |
INR 52,78,000 |
|
Australia |
AHPRA registration; Stream B assessment (GNM often Stream C, needs bridging). |
USD 56,000 |
INR 47,60,000 |
|
Canada |
NNAS evaluation for GNM grads before provincial licensing/NCLEX. |
INR 51,46,000-60,14,000 |
|
|
UK |
Band 5 pay post-NMC registration for international recruits. |
USD 38,000-44,000 |
INR 31,80,000-37,10,000 |
|
Germany |
Anerkennung process with adaptation; B1/B2 German required. |
USD 39,000-45,000 |
INR 29,48,000-33,85,200 |
Check Out: Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Nurses in Asia in 2026
Cost of Living vs Gross Salary for GNM Nurses Abroad
If you are planning to begin your nursing career abroad, you need to look for a healthy balance between what you are earning and how much you are spending. To find out, here is a structured layout of the cost of living vs gross salary for GNM nurses abroad:
|
Country |
Avg. Gross Salary (USD) |
Est. Monthly CoL (Single Person, excl. rent) |
Net Savings Potential (Annual USD, post-CoL/tax est.) |
|
USA |
69,400 |
1,200-1,800 |
35,000-45,000 |
|
Switzerland |
91,000 |
1,800-2,500 (high) |
40,000-50,000 |
|
Luxembourg |
63,000 |
1,400-2,000 |
25,000-35,000 |
|
Australia |
56,000 |
1,300-1,900 |
20,000-30,000 |
|
Canada |
60,000-71,000 |
25,000-40,000 |
|
|
UK |
38,000-44,000 |
10,000-20,000 |
|
|
Germany |
39,000-45,000 |
900-1,400 |
15,000-25,000 |
Eligibilty Criteria for GNM Nurses to Work Abroad
To be eligible for the jobs for GNM abroad and work in the highest paying countries for nurses in 2026, you need to fulfill certain criteria, as mentioned below:
- Aged 17-35 years (as of Dec 31 of admission year).
- Passed 10+2 with minimum 40% aggregate marks, including English (from a recognized board).
- Science (PCB) preferred; Arts/Vocational stream candidates eligible.
- 10+2 from State Open School or National Institute of Open School (NIOS) accepted.
- Registered ANM with passing grade.
- Medically fit (some institutions require a fitness test).
- SC/ST candidates: 5% marks relaxation (to 35%).
- Admission via state entrance exams or 12th-grade merit (varies by state).
Does GNM Nurses' Salary Abroad Increase with Experience?
Yes, the salary of GNM nurses increases with experience. In many countries, healthcare systems follow a system where seniority and years of service lead to automatic annual increments. Beyond base pay, experienced GNM nurses often shift into high-demand specializations like the ICU or Operation Theatre (OT). Here is a table indicating GNM nurses' salaries abroad with experience:
|
Country |
Entry-Level Salary (USD) |
Mid-Level (5-10 Years, USD) |
|
USA |
USD 60,000 - USD 69,000 |
USD 93,000 - USD 110,000 |
|
Switzerland |
USD 75,000 - USD 90,000 |
USD 110,000 - USD 125,000 |
|
Luxembourg |
USD 55,000 - USD 62,000 |
USD 85,000 - USD 100,000 |
|
Australia |
USD 48,000 - USD 52,000 |
USD 78,000 - USD 92,000 |
|
Canada |
USD 45,000 - USD 55,000 |
USD 75,000 - USD 88,000 |
|
UK |
USD 32,000 - USD 38,000 |
USD 50,000 - USD 65,000 |
|
Germany |
USD 38,000 - USD 45,000 |
USD 55,000 - USD 65,000 |
Begin Your GNM Nursing Career Abroad with GetGIS Assistance
The best countries for GNM nurses are the USA, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, among others, offering average salaries ranging from USD 3,000 to 91,000. By pursuing GNM Nursing you salary will get hiked. GetGIS provides complete support for Nursing graduates, including credential evaluation, NCLEX/AHPRA/NMC exam preparation, job placement, and visa processing for Canada, Australia, Germany, and others. Find out which country is best for nurses in 2026 for you.
Also Read:
- Nurse Salary in Luxembourg in Indian Rupees
- Nurse Salary Abroad Per Month in 2026
- Nurse Salary in Germany: What to Expect in 2026?
- Highest Paying European Countries for Nurses in 2026
- Switzerland Nurse Salary Per Month in Indian Rupees in 2026
- Highest Salary Countries after BSc Nursing in 2026
- Countries Actively Recruiting Nurses from India in 2026
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