Nursing is one of the most important professions in the healthcare industry and by far, one of the best-paying too. To get the most out of this profession, you should know the highest paying countries in need of nurses.
The role of nurses in the healthcare industry cuts across all aspects of life. From providing healthcare for individuals, and families, to contributing to the well being of the world.
Despite the global shortage of nurses, they still make up the largest group of professionals in most healthcare environments receiving the best paycheck in some countries of the world.
Are you a nurse in search of the highest paying countries in need of nurses? Well, you are in the right place. In this article, you will find the list of the 15 highest-paying countries in need of nurses in 2024, what nurses do and the reason for the global demand for nurses.
What Do Nurses Do?
There is no specific answer to this because the nursing profession comes with a lot of variation in the roles executed.
These roles can range from giving out medical advice, to ensuring accurate diagnosis, and giving prescriptions (depending on the nurse’s level). Sometimes, these roles fall within the scope of your regular physician.
Nurses perform these roles while maintaining their credentials, code of ethics, standards, and continuation of their education. This makes nursing one of the highest paying jobs in the world and we’ll help you find the highest paying countries in need of nurses too.
However, it is important to note that, In the United States, some of these roles can be quantified and divided into three, namely: Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and Licensed Practical Nurse. We’ll discuss that shortly.
1. Registered Nurse:
A registered nurse coordinates care in tandem with other healthcare professionals, issues medications and other personal forms of intervention. They also perform physical examinations of patients’ health histories to help make vital decisions regarding the patient.
2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN):
For a nurse to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, He or She must possess a Master’s degree with the regular nursing training and licensing certificate.
APRN provides primary and preventative health care to the public, treat and diagnose illnesses, manage chronic diseases while continuing their education in a bid to find improved methods and new technology in the medical field. APRN’s can also practice specialist roles like Certified Midwives.
3. Licensed Practical Nurse:
Also called Licensed Vocational Nurses, a Nurse with this title provides support to core healthcare teams and works under the management of a Registered Nurse, APRN, or even a Medical Doctor.
Their roles include Checking for the patient’s vital signs to ascertain any improvement or deterioration in health conditions, providing primary nursing roles like changing of bandages, and also ensuring the patient’s comfort.
Global Demand for Nurses
We did mention that there is a global shortage of nurses, particularly in a lot of first-world countries and war-torn countries as well. The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the mass shortage of nurses in many countries. with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) predicting a “mass exodus” in the profession which might dither should there arise another pandemic.
However, contrary to this declaration, the global demand for nurses has been increasing over the years after the pandemic and experts predict that the demand will continue to soar in the coming years.
According to the report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029, adding approximately 221,900 new jobs.
This increase is due to several factors, such as aging populations, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and technological. Therefore global demand presents an opportunity. Nurses in countries where shortage of nurses is minimal or non-existent can relocate to other countries with shortages and their options are not limited.
If you are one of these, here are 15 countries in need of nurses that pay the highest salaries.
15 Highest Paying Countries In Need Of Nurses
In this section, we shall discuss the countries that pays competitive salaries for nurses. So without much delay, the following are the 15 highest paying countries in need of nurses.
1. Canada
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $76,031 per year or $38.99 per hour.
Canada boasts a single-payer healthcare system, funded by taxes and providing basic coverage to all residents. This ensures everyone has access to necessary medical care, regardless of their ability to pay. However, despite its single-payer nature, Canada ranks among the best healthcare systems globally, offering high-quality care with shorter wait times compared to some other developed countries.
More so, with the increase in population of the elderly, there is an increased demand for nurses in Canada. Also, due to migration and an inceasing aged population, there us a shortage of nurses which creates a competitive job market for nurses in canada, driving up salaries to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Consequetly, Canada is an ideal place for English-speaking nurses and nurses in general. The average salary is one of the highest in the world making it extra attractive.
Although international applicants for the nursing license in Canada may go through some background checks like interview questions, and an examination. The process costs $340. However, this may vary with individuals. The registration process can last between 3 – 18 months.
Average Salaries: Registered Nurses (RNs) in Canada earn an average of $92,000 CAD per year, with Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) averaging $68,000 CAD. However, Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization.
Canada boasts a single-payer healthcare system, funded by taxes and providing basic coverage to all residents. This ensures everyone has access to necessary medical care, regardless of their ability to pay. However, despite its single-payer nature, Canada ranks among the best healthcare systems globally, offering high-quality care with shorter wait times compared to some other developed countries.2. Switzerland
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $99,839.48 (USD)
Nursing in Switzerland offers competitive salaries and excellent job security, but it also comes with significant challenges. To work as a nurse in Neitherland, you need to be fluent in one of the national languages (Italian, French, and/or German). There is no exception to this rule. Although some institution may indicte that if you are fluent in English you would be accepted for the role, this is not always true because the governing board do not accept such.
However, nurses are well paid in Switerland due to the nature of their jobs and the high demand for qulaified personels. In Switzerland, the salary for nurses here can rise from $85,927 to $251,442. With the recent shortage in Switzerland’s workforce and their stable economy, this happens to be one of the best options for nurses looking to earn higher in this profession.
However, the Swiss have a strict policy with regards to foreigners coming into the country for work purposes, and the process to get licensed is a rather tedious one. Aside from this, Switzerland is one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses.
Average Salaries: According to Glassdoor Salaries, the average salary for a registered nurse (RN) in Switzerland is estimated to be CHF 5,105 per month. This figure represents the meadian salary for nurses and is dependent on the several variables such as location, size of institution and your professional degree as a nurse.
3. Australia
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $82,090
The lack of language barrier for English speakers and the presence of multiple international health and medical agencies and companies make Australia a great place to practice nursing. Currently, there is an increased need for skilled workers in Australia, and nurses makes up a huge percentage of this number.
More so, the shortage of nurses in Australia creates an different opportunities across the country for qualified nurses and specialties. Hence, this demand translates to competitive salaries, with Registered Nurses (RNs) earning an average of $82,000 AUD annually, while Enrolled Nurses (ENs) average $68,000 AUD.
Average Salary: According to Talents.com, “The average registered nurse salary in Australia is $83,092 per year or $42.61 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $77,621 per year, while most experienced”
4. Ireland
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $46,000
Another country with a fairly tedious process to get licensed to practice as a nurse is Ireland. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has a set of tests, exams, and checks they make applicants go through before accepting their application.
Ireland is one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. Due to the series of tests and exams set by the NMBI, only few foreign nurses are accepted into the country this makes the nursing market in Ireland highly competitive,
Hopwever, over the years, there has been a recognized labor shortage in nursing in Ireland, which has contributed to the need for foreign recruitment. Despite efforts to address this shortage through increased training programs and retention strategies, the demand for nurses continues to outstrip the local supply. This shortage has created opportunities for foreign nurses seeking employment in Ireland, particularly those with the necessary qualifications and experience.
Average Salary: According to Talents.com, “The average nurse salary in Ireland is € 46 534 per year or € 23.86 per hour. Entry-level positions start at € 39 237 per year,”
5. United States
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $75,300
According to Statista, in 2020, over four million nurses were practicing in the United states, today, nurses maes up a huge percentage of the healthcare industry in the UK due to the increasing nationwide demand for skilled nurses. Therefore, nurses in the US receive high renumeration due to the importance attached to the job.
However, to woek as a nurse in the U.S as a foreigner, you need to take the professional exam and become a registered nurse to practise. Example of these professional exams are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. LPNs typically require an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Furthermore, you must obtain a license from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) by passing the NCLEX-RN exam and other documents as stated by the nursing govering council in the United states.
Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, “The average salary for a Registered Nurse is ₹94947 per year in United States.” This amount may change depending on your location in the U.S. Various states in the United States have different averages, but the figure above is the general average.
6. Chile
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $47,000
The standards of living in Chile are pretty decent, and this extends to their medical industry. Nursing here is a very profitable profession and it comes with a lot of opportunities.
7. New Zealand
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $60,000
The laidback lifestyle, rugged landscapes, and a private/public mixed healthcare system make New Zealand a great place to work in.
New Zealand is one of the highest paying countries in need of Nurses and you may be lucky to get in if you’re set to try.
8. Germany
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $49,000
Germany is also one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. Their salaries vary with expertise, but the average German nursing salary is enough to cover the basic living expenses if you live in Germany.
Although living in Germany may be very expensive for average workers, you can find the 10 best cities in Germany to live and work in incase you are planning to relocate.
9. Norway
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $50,000
Norway also makes it to the list of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. Norway, like its Scandinavian neighbors, is a stable country, with a stable economy and high life expectancy. Obvious pointers that their medical system is in very good shape.
10. Netherlands
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $60,000
The Dutch healthcare system is often deemed the best in the world, coupled with its very stable economy and very hospitable citizens.
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11. Virgin Islands
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $72,000
The salary may vary depending on your location on the Island. The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse License oversees all applications for the license to practice as a nurse.
12. Denmark
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $78,000
Denmark is another Scandinavian country and makes it to the list of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. The process of obtaining the license to practice is more rigorous than that of their Norwegian neighbors.
They conduct Language tests that are equivalent to the skills of a native speaker, and training that shows how the nurse can communicate with the patients. They also set measures to evaluate how well the nurse applicant has adapted to the country’s practices.
13. Italy
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $43,000
The biggest issue here is the language barrier with Italian as the country’s major language. Aside from that, there are a lot of opportunities here for Nurses.
14. United Kingdom
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $47,000
The standard of living in the U.K allows nurses to live comfortably with the average yearly salary. Due to the shortage of nurses as well, the U.K is also a hub of nursing opportunities and is one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses.
Recommended: Types Of Nurses and Their Salaries in the US
15. Israel
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $53,768
Israel arguably has the best medical and healthcare facilities amongst its neighbors. And despite the average salaries of jobs in Israel, not being very high, it is not the case with their nurses. They pay the highest to nurses, both foreign and locals.
Average Salary: According to recent data published by Global Immigration Services, “the average salary for a nurse in Israel is around $53,768 per year.”
Websites to Find Nursing Jobs Globally
- Fasthire
- Go Abroad
- Nursing Jobs
- Conex
- Medacs
- Transitions Abroad
- Global Nurse Force
- Health Times
- West Way Staffing
- ServiSource
- Eduployment
Country With the Highest Demand for Nurses?
The country with the highest demand for nurses is Canada. Canada is regarded as having the highest nurse earnings in the world. According to a recent study, Canada is considered to offer the best salary for nurses which can be attributed to seceral reasons. One of the obvious cause is the increase in the number of the aging population. To cater to the needs of these ones, there is an increased demand for professional foreign nurses.
Country With the Highest Paying Nursing jobs in the world
According to recent study, Switzerland has the highest paying nursing jobs in the world.
Other top contenders:
- Switzerland:
- Average Salary: $99,839 USD per year (highly variable)
- Why: High demand, strong economy, and favorable tax structure for foreigners.
- Considerations: Demanding workload, high cost of living, and stringent language requirements.
- Luxembourg:
- Average Salary: $94,923 USD per year
- Why: Small country with high demand and limited workforce, tax advantages.
- Considerations: Competitive landscape, difficulty obtaining positions, high cost of living.
- United States:
- Average Salary: $75,387 USD per year (highly variable)
- Why: Large healthcare system, high demand in specific regions, diverse opportunities.
- Considerations: Wide salary range, high cost of living in some areas, potential student loan debt.
- Denmark:
- Average Salary: $83,888 USD per year
- Why: Strong social safety net, high standard of living, good work-life balance.
- Considerations: Competitive application process, language barrier for non-Danish speakers.
- Australia:
- Average Salary: $79,550 USD per year
- Why: National shortage, attractive lifestyle, diverse work settings.
- Considerations: Remote and rural positions may offer higher salaries but come with unique challenges.
Which Country is better for Nurses Canada or USA
The United States offers far more potential for career advancement than Canada, which is the main factor why the USA is a better country for nurses than Canada. The job stability is excellent, there is a ton of opportunity for growth, and there are many various career pathways available for nurses in the US.
Top European Country in Needs Nurses the most
Switzerland is one European country in need of nurses the most. The other countries are;
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- France
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Norway
Conclusion: Highest Paying Countries in Need of Nurses
If you are a nurse or an aspiring one, we believe that after seeing these highest paying countries in need of nurses, you would realize the number of opportunities that await you and where exactly you can go to make the best use of these opportunities.
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