Top 10 Countries with Highest Salary for Nurses in 2026 (Global Guide)
Nursing has evolved into one of the most globally respected and financially rewarding healthcare professions. As healthcare systems expand and nurse shortages intensify worldwide, many countries are offering significantly higher salaries, better benefits, and improved working conditions to attract skilled nurses.
For nurses who are considering working abroad—or students planning a long-term international career—knowing the top 10 countries with the highest salary for nurses can be a life-changing insight. Salary alone is not the only factor; cost of living, work-life balance, taxation, immigration policies, and professional growth opportunities all matter.
This in-depth guide explores the highest-paying countries for nurses in 2026, based on average annual salary, hourly wages, benefits, and overall quality of life. The goal is to help you make an informed decision backed by realistic expectations—not exaggerated promises.
How Nurse Salaries Are Compared Globally
Before ranking countries, it’s important to understand how nursing salaries differ internationally. Nurse pay is influenced by several key factors:
-
Demand for healthcare professionals
-
Cost of living and economic strength
-
Government healthcare spending
-
Union presence and labor laws
-
Education and licensing requirements
To ensure fair comparison, this article considers gross annual salary, purchasing power, and standard RN-level roles rather than highly specialized or managerial positions only.
1. United States 🇺🇸
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $85,000 – $130,000
Hourly Wage: $40 – $65
The United States consistently ranks at the top when it comes to nursing salaries. Registered nurses in the U.S. earn some of the highest wages globally, especially in states like California, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts.
Beyond salary, U.S. nurses benefit from strong career mobility, specialization options, overtime pay, and travel nursing opportunities. However, healthcare costs, licensing exams (NCLEX), and visa processes can be challenging for international nurses.
Despite higher living expenses in some states, the earning potential remains unmatched, making the U.S. one of the best-paying countries for nurses worldwide.
2. Switzerland 🇨🇭
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $90,000 – $120,000
Hourly Wage: $45 – $60
Switzerland offers one of the highest nurse salaries in Europe. Nurses enjoy excellent working conditions, modern hospitals, and strong labor protections. The country places a high value on healthcare professionals, which is reflected in compensation and benefits.
Although the cost of living is high, Switzerland balances this with strong purchasing power, safety, and quality of life. Multilingual ability (German, French, or Italian) is often required, which can be a barrier for some foreign nurses.
3. Canada 🇨🇦
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $70,000 – $100,000
Hourly Wage: $35 – $50
Canada remains a top destination for nurses due to its balanced combination of salary, lifestyle, and immigration opportunities. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta offer competitive pay along with universal healthcare benefits.
Canada is actively recruiting international nurses, making it easier to obtain permanent residency compared to many other high-income countries. While salaries are slightly lower than the U.S., work-life balance and social benefits are major advantages.
4. Australia 🇦🇺
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $65,000 – $95,000
Hourly Wage: $32 – $48
Australia has a strong healthcare system and continues to face nursing shortages, particularly in rural areas. Nurses are well-compensated and enjoy flexible schedules, overtime pay, and additional allowances.
The cost of living is moderate to high depending on the city, but nurses generally maintain a comfortable standard of living. Australia also provides relatively clear pathways for skilled migration, making it attractive for foreign-trained nurses.
5. Luxembourg 🇱🇺
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $75,000 – $95,000
Hourly Wage: $38 – $50
Luxembourg may be small, but it offers surprisingly high salaries for nurses. Strong government funding and a high-income economy allow healthcare professionals to earn well above the European average.
Multilingual skills are often required, and competition for nursing positions can be high. Still, Luxembourg remains one of the highest-paying countries for nurses relative to population size.
6. Germany 🇩🇪
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $55,000 – $75,000
Hourly Wage: $28 – $38
Germany has rapidly increased nurse salaries in recent years due to staffing shortages. The country offers stable employment, strong worker protections, and affordable living costs compared to salaries.
Germany is also open to foreign nurses, especially those willing to learn the German language. While salaries are lower than in Switzerland or the U.S., cost-of-living-adjusted income remains attractive.
7. Netherlands 🇳🇱
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $60,000 – $80,000
Hourly Wage: $30 – $40
The Netherlands values healthcare workers highly and provides competitive salaries combined with excellent work-life balance. Nurses benefit from shorter working hours, paid leave, and supportive work environments.
Although taxes are relatively high, social benefits and healthcare coverage offset much of the cost. English-speaking nurses may find limited opportunities unless they learn Dutch.
8. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $45,000 – $70,000
Hourly Wage: $22 – $35
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) employs a large number of nurses, including international staff. While base salaries are lower than in North America, nurses benefit from job security, pensions, and structured career progression.
Recent pay reforms and shortage-driven incentives have improved nurse compensation. For many, the UK serves as a stepping stone to other high-paying countries.
9. Ireland 🇮🇪
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $55,000 – $80,000
Hourly Wage: $28 – $40
Ireland offers strong salaries relative to its population size and has a growing demand for nurses. The healthcare system provides stable employment, and English-speaking nurses have a clear advantage.
While housing costs are high in cities like Dublin, rural areas offer more affordable living options without significant pay reductions.
10. Norway 🇳🇴
Average Annual Nurse Salary: $55,000 – $75,000
Hourly Wage: $28 – $38
Norway offers nurses excellent social benefits, job security, and work-life balance. While salaries are not the highest globally, quality of life and purchasing power are among the best.
The main challenge is language proficiency, as Norwegian is typically required. Still, for nurses prioritizing lifestyle over maximum income, Norway is an attractive option.
READ MORE: Youth Leadership Certification New Zealand 2026: Apply for a fully funded trip to Auckland
Salary vs Cost of Living: What Really Matters
High salary alone does not guarantee financial comfort. Countries like the U.S. and Switzerland offer top pay but come with higher living expenses. On the other hand, countries like Germany and Ireland provide a better salary-to-cost-of-living ratio.
Smart nurses evaluate:
-
Net income after tax
-
Housing and transportation costs
-
Healthcare and education benefits
Best Countries for Nurses by Income Potential
-
Highest absolute salary: United States
-
Best work-life balance: Netherlands, Norway
-
Best immigration pathways: Canada, Australia
-
Best Europe salary: Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which country pays nurses the highest salary?
The United States currently offers the highest average salary for nurses, especially in states like California and New York.
Is nursing a good career internationally?
Yes. Nursing is globally in demand, offers job security, and provides international mobility unmatched by many professions.
Can foreign nurses work in high-paying countries?
Yes, but requirements vary. Most countries require licensing exams, language proficiency, and credential verification.
Which country is best for nurses financially?
Financially, the U.S. and Switzerland rank highest, but Canada and Australia offer better long-term stability.
Do nurses earn more abroad than in their home country?
In many cases, yes—especially when moving from developing countries to high-income nations.
READ MORE: NIMS Internship Program 2026: Apply for a paid internship in Japan
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to work as a nurse is both a professional and personal decision. While salary is important, factors like lifestyle, job security, and long-term growth matter just as much. The top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses offer diverse opportunities—whether your goal is maximum income, better work-life balance, or international experience.
With global nurse shortages expected to continue beyond 2026, qualified nurses are likely to remain in strong demand worldwide.
