Top 10 countries with highest salary for nurses 2025

Key takeaways

• The country that pays the highest salary for nurses is Switzerland with an average annual income of US$94,869 (£71,196/€83,033).
• The top 10 countries with the highest salaries for nurses are Switzerland, Luxembourg, the United States, the Virgin Islands, Denmark, Australia, Israel, Canada, Germany, and Chile, according to global immigration consultancy firm GetGis. 

1. Switzerland

Switzerland's high cost of living is offset by its competitive wages and low taxes, making it an attractive destination for nursing professionals. Nurses in Switzerland can earn some of the highest annual salaries globally, reaching US$172,192 (£129,508/€151,364.52) with 20 years of experience. 
 
The Alpine Republic's healthcare system is renowned for its world-class medical care, minimal waiting times, and holistic treatment approach. Its clinics and hospitals provide cutting-edge procedures, multilingual staff, and comprehensive services, including regular check-ups, complex surgeries and long-term rehabilitation. 
 
Opportunities for career advancement include employer-supported training and further education during paid work hours. Such support allows nurses to upskill without compromising their free time or income. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$94,869 (£71,196/€83,033)

Entry level nurses salary: US$72,905 (£54,833/€64,086)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Zurich, Geneva, Basel

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 7-8 patients

Cost of living: 109.52 (very high)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Schengen category D visa

2. Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy offers an appealing environment for expat nurses, with salaries reflecting the country's high standard of living. Senior nurses with eight or more years of experience can earn up to US$124,311 (£106,379/€124,311) annually. Well-known recruiters include Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and Hopitaux Robert Schuman. 
 
Luxembourg's wealth and small size contribute to a well-funded healthcare system, consistently ranking among the best in Europe. Hospitals feature state-of-the-art technology, minimal waiting times and structured treatment plans. 
 
Nurses in Luxembourg enjoy a multilingual environment thanks to three official languages, Luxembourgish, German, and French, a central European location and opportunities to specialise or move into managerial roles. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$90,467 (£67,892/€79,180)

Entry level nurses salary: US$40,977 (£30,819/€36,020)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 7-8 patients

Cost of living: 75.18 (high)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Schengen category D visa

3. The United States

The US offers high earning potential for nurses, reaching up to US$200,000 (£150,369/€176,060), especially for those with advanced qualifications, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), earn considerably higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs). 
 
The American healthcare system provides many services, from primary care to highly specialised interventions. It includes some of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the world, some of which lead the world in medical research and innovation. 
 
Many US employers offer tuition assistance, flexible schedules for continued education, and access to certification programmes. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$82,750 (£62101.31/€72,426)

Entry level nurses salary: US$56,000 (£42,118/€49,226)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 4-10 patients, state/territory dependent

Cost of living: 67.09 (moderate)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3

4. Virgin Islands (the US)

Nurses in the Virgin Islands earn wages comparable to those in the mainland US, helping to offset the higher cost of living. The region's tropical climate, 3.7% tax rate for residents, and slower pace of life make it an attractive choice for many nursing professionals. 
 
The Caribbean territory benefits from strict US healthcare regulations, overseen by organisations such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ensuring high-quality care and modern infrastructure. Public hospitals provide general care and emergency services, while private hospitals offer more specialised care for those who can afford it. 
 
Like in the US, nurses can progress from entry-level Registered Nurses (RNs) to advanced roles like Nurse Practitioners (NPs) with further education and certifications.

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$74,710 (£56,067/€65,389)

Entry level nurses salary: US$60,000 (£45,127/€52,742)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Christiansted (St. Croix), Frederiksted (St. Croix)

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 4-10 patients, state/territory dependent

Cost of living: 110.59 (very high)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3

5. Denmark

Nurses working in Denmark benefit from a government emphasis on work-life balance and strong labour protections. Salaries for experienced nurses can reach around US$75,000 (£56,408/€65,928), with additional benefits such as generous pension contributions and annual leave. 
 
Denmark's universal healthcare system is decentralised but consistently efficient. It emphasises preventative care, end-of-life dignity, and strong community health initiatives. 
 
Career progression is built into the public system, supported by professional development, mentorship, and employer-sponsored education, helping nurses advance into specialised or leadership roles.

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$58,266 (£43,726/€50,996)

Entry level nurses salary: US$43,072 (£32,395/€37,862)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense 

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 5-7 patients 

Cost of living: 76.19 (high)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Authorisation Scheme Residence Permit

6. Australia

Australia offers nurses with significant experience attractive salaries up to US$95,754 (£72,018/€84,172). Plus, laid-back, welcoming locals, stunning scenery, and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. 
 
The Land Down Under's healthcare network includes universal public hospitals under Medicare and private options. Both include state-of-the-art facilities, digital health technologies, and comprehensive patient services, including emergency care, specialist consultations, and rehabilitation. 
 
Aussie nurses benefit from clear pathways to specialisation in midwifery, mental health, and critical care. Postgraduate study is often encouraged and subsidised by health trusts or universities. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$55,850 (£41,913/€48,882)

Entry level nurses salary: US$49,287 (£37,069/€43,325)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 4-6 patients, state/ward dependent

Cost of living: 63.87 (moderate)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

7. Israel

Registered nurses in Israel can expect to earn around US$60,595 (£45,558/€53,342) after 5 years of experience, rising to US$66,195 (£49,768/€58,271). Salaries are often higher in the private sector, particularly in specialised roles, such as intensive care and surgical departments, where additional qualifications are necessary. 
 
Israel's national healthcare system is technologically advanced and widely accessible. It offers universal coverage via four major health funds, known as Kupot Holim. Hospitals and clinics maintain high standards of care, particularly in cardiology, oncology, and fertility treatments. 
 
The government-run Nursing Division has a programme to help educated immigrant nurses integrate into the Israeli healthcare system. The process includes credential evaluation, knowledge supplementation, Hebrew language training, and preparation for the nursing licensure exam. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$53,768 (£40,351/€47,059)

Entry level nurses salary: US$34,149 (£25,684/€30,018)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa 

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 5-7 patients 

Cost of living: 71.73 (moderate)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: B/1 Work Visa

8. Canada

After 10 years, nurses in Canada can earn up to US$93,611 (£70,381/€82,406) annually, depending on their education and province. Expat nurses are attracted to the country's diverse, welcoming people, favourable work-life balance, and breathtaking, varied landscapes. 
 
Canada's publicly funded universal healthcare system focuses on patient-centred care and medically necessary services for all. Facilities are well-equipped, with increased investment in digital health infrastructure and rural outreach. 
 
Career advancement includes government-supported upskilling, postgraduate training, and leadership development. Many regions offer incentives to move to remote or northern communities for work, such as relocation support and financial benefits. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$53,371 (£40,053/€46,712)

Entry level nurses salary: US$41,445 (£31,171/€36,432)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 4-6 patients

Cost of living: 61.47 (moderate)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program

9. Germany

Expat nurses flock to the central European nation due to a high demand for healthcare workers, stable employment, and structured training. German nurses can earn competitive compensation of up to US$68,158 (£51,244/€60,000) annually for senior positions, varying by state and public-sector pay agreements. 
 
The German healthcare system is among the largest and most well-run in Europe. It scores high in social solidarity, patient satisfaction, and affordability. Hospitals are well-resourced, with notable strengths in diagnostics, oncology, and elderly care. 
 
Compensation and benefits for German nurses include performance bonuses, free health insurance, and sick leave. Specialisation opportunities and further training are available under the berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung system. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$37,562 (£28,189/€32,875)

Entry level nurses salary: US$26,465 (£19,904/€23,263)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 5-8 patients

Cost of living: 66.40 (moderate)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Schengen category D visa

10. Chile

Senior nurses in Chile earn a modest salary compared to many Western nations, up to US$30,000 (£22,555/€26,409) annually. However, they enjoy a high quality of life, with diverse landscapes and a moderate cost of living, balancing the wage. 
 
Chile's healthcare system consists of public (FONASA) services, which cover the majority of the population, and private services (ISAPRE), which provide more comprehensive services for those who can afford them. 
 
Nurses in Chile receive career support through professional associations like the Colegio de Enfermeras de Chile, which includes networking, advocacy, and one-on-one development. Additionally, advanced programs offer further clinical experience and research. 

Avg. annual nurses' salary: US$27,255 (£20,454/€23,854

Entry level nurses salary: US$17,623 (£13,254/€15,491)

Cities with most nursing vacancies: Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción

Nurse-to-patient ratio estimate: 1 nurse for every 6-8 patients 

Cost of living: 36.67 (very low)

Visa pathway for non-EU expats: Temporary Resident Visa