The nursing industry is one of the most “in-demand” sectors around the world. It allows you to help people from all backgrounds, practice medical care, and also travel the world if you wish, as the job itself isn’t just limited to one country!
If you have considered practicing nursing outside your home country, you have found the right page! Keep reading to discover the top 10 highest paying countries for nurses.
Top 10 Highest Paying Countries For Nurses
If you have decided to practice nursing outside your core country and looking for places that pay the highest for a nursing job, here is a list of the top 10 10 highest paying countries for nurses:
1. Switzerland
Switzerland has built a global reputation for being one of the highest paying countries for nurses for years. Switzerland has the highest-paying packages for jobs in the healthcare sector, specifically nursing. The average per annum package for a nurse in this country is about $90000. Most nurses earn up to $99000 as well.
The Swiss Red Cross takes care of all the applications from foreign nurses for the country. All the nurses who apply for a job in Switzerland must mandatorily go through a six-month-long apprenticeship course before they become eligible for a job in the country. They must also be fluent in one of the three national languages of the country- German, French, or Italian. Even though some hospitals allow communication in English, it is the rule of the country that you must know one of these three languages.
2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is also one of the most lucrative destinations for nurses to pursue their profession, due to the high salary packages the country offers to nurses. You can make up to $87000 to $90000 in this country through nursing.
However, due to the small size of the country and high living costs, it may be difficult to secure a job in nursing in Luxembourg. But, don’t lose hope! It is not impossible. If you do secure a job here as a nurse, you have hit the jackpot- don’t let it go!
To be able to work as a nurse in Luxembourg, you must have fluent proficiency in one of the three national languages of the country- French, German, or Luxembourgish. You will have to apply through the Ministry of Health’s portal for the job. The specialty of your role as a nurse also determines what job you get.
3. Denmark
Due to its competitive salary packages, globally acknowledged healthcare system and high quality of life, Denmark is one of the top choices for practicing nursing as a profession. You can make up to $85000 in nursing here.
Denmark is very strict with its nursing rules and laws, which are governed by the Danish Safety Authority for all non-EU international applicants. There is a step-by-step application process, involving the submission of documents, the language proficiency exam, and the adaptation and training course.
4. Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands is one of the highest paying countries for nurses. This location is best suited for all the nurses who wish to practice their profession from a slow-paced, laid-back island, and still earn a competitive annual income of $80,000.
Moreover, working in the healthcare sector of the Virgin Islands has its unique perks. For example, working here entitles you to free housing and your travel expenses are covered by them too.
To work here you must clear the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Exam, and also submit other documents like letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc
5. Australia
Australia is a popular immigration destination for most people and is lucrative in terms of most jobs. This includes jobs in nursing as well. In Australia, nurses can earn up to $71000 on average. Many agencies recruit international nurses here, the most popular one being Healthcare Australia (HCA).
To work here, you must register with Australia’s Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) wherein your application will take about 5 months minimum to be assessed.
6. Dubai
Dubai is also a popular immigration destination for many travelers around the world. You may earn up to $70000 on average here.
Moreover, the income is tax-free and since Duba offers universal healthcare for all, the nurses take home their entire paycheck. This financial model is very beneficial for nurses.
However, the rules and laws in Dubai are stricter than in any other place. Nurses must live in the accommodation provided by the hospital at all times. Hence, this is one of the highest paying countries for nurses.
7. Canada
Since Canada has an aging population, there is a high demand for nurses here. You can easily make up to $65000 to $75000 here. The country offers universal healthcare, so just like in Dubai, nurses get better pay from their employers.
Here, English is the primary medium of communication. You must provide your TOEFL / IELTS / CELPIP scores to back you up in your English proficiency. Canadian authorities also conduct background checks, interviews, and assessments to determine your eligibility and qualifications to work in Canada as a nurse.
8. Norway
Norway has consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in as well as the highest paying countries for nurses. The job satisfaction in this country for professionals in the healthcare sector is very high, as the healthcare industry is progressing and developing quite well. You may make as much as $69000 in Norway as a nurse.
All international nursing applications are looked after by The Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel. You must send in an application and you may have to do additional paperwork as and when you are asked to do so by the authorities. You also have to take the Norwegian Language exam and clear it with good marks to be eligible.
9. Ireland
Ireland, another English-speaking destination with a good scope in nursing, has become popular over the decades in this field. You can earn up to $61000 as a nurse here. The applications are looked after by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). You must first obtain certification from the board before applying for a job. You must provide your TOEFL / IELTS scores to back you up in your English proficiency.
10. Italy
In Italy too, an aging population occurs, causing a shortage in nursing for the people making it one of the highest paying countries for nurses. You can earn almost $55000 as a nurse here in Italy.
Although there are many English-speaking hospitals, being able to speak in Italian is a mandatory requirement for every applicant. You must take a language test and be sponsored by an Italian hospital to be able to work here as a nurse.
Conclusion
There are many countries where you can work as a nurse - the healthcare industry is ever growing and job opportunities here never stop. These 10 countries have lots to offer beyond their scope in nursing as well - they all have a high quality of life and provide wonderful experiences that extend beyond your work life as well.
To make the right choice for starting your nursing career, you need the expert advice to select the apt country. You can check out TerraTern for expert advice and easy process to help you starting your career as a nurse.
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