What if your nursing skills could earn you significantly more in another country? If you're an ambitious and adventurous professional looking to live and work where you’re treated best, researching the highest-paying countries for nurses could be the first step toward a serious career upgrade.
In this article, you’ll find a list of countries where nurses earn the highest salaries, a glimpse of daily life there, and an overview of what it takes to make the move — so you can make a confident and informed career decision.
List of Highest-Paying Countries for Nurses
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- United States
- Denmark
- Virgin Islands
- Australia
- Norway
- Canada
- Dubai (UAE)
- Israel
Top 10 Highest-Paying Countries for Nurses
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is consistently ranked as one of the highest-paying countries for nurses, thanks to its world-class healthcare system and exceptionally high standard of living. Registerednurses in Switzerland earn an average annual salary of around 90,550 CHF (approximately $115,000 USD, depending on exchange rates), making it one of the most financially rewarding destinations in Europe for healthcare professionals.
However, salary figures alone don't tell the whole story. To understand how much of your earnings you'll actually take home, it's important to consider Switzerland's tax system and cost of living.
Below are some key salary and lifestyle considerations to help you decide whether a nursing career in Switzerland is worth the move:
- Cost of living: Estimated cost of living for one person (excluding rent) is about 1,400 CHF a month — roughly $1,800. Overall, the cost of living in Switzerland is about 66% higher than in the U.S., while rent is around 35% higher.
- Taxes: The maximum federal income tax rate in Switzerland is 11.5%, while cantonal and municipal taxes range from about 8% to 33%. In addition, many cantons and municipalities also apply a net wealth tax.
- Language: Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
- Weather: Switzerland enjoys 4 distinct seasons and a generally mild climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 28 to 82 degrees. Mountain regions can be significantly cooler, especially at higher elevations, and are known for their world-class skiing and scenic alpine views.
- Licensure transfer process: Foreign nurses need to go through a credential evaluation process through the Swiss Red Cross (SRK), which assesses whether the applicant’s nursing education is equivalent to Swiss standards.
- Visa process: To work in Switzerland, you need a valid job offer. Your employer then applies for a work permit through the local cantonal immigration office. Once the permit is approved, you can apply for a visa.
2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest and most stable countries in Europe, known for its strong banking sector, high salaries, and excellent quality of life. It’s also known as one of the highest-paying countries for nurses in Europe, as Luxembourg nursing salaries average at 90,400 EUR (approximately $105,000 USD depending on the exchange rate).
Interested in working there? Here are a few more facts to give you a clearer picture:
- Cost of living: The average cost of living in Luxembourg is around $2,700 per month for a single person, which is about 10% higher than in the U.S.
- Taxes: Taxes are calculated using a progressive system, ranging from 8% to a maximum of 42% on higher earnings.
- Language: Luxembourg has 3 official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German.
- Weather: Luxembourg has a continental climate with cold winters and relatively mild, warm summers. The temperature typically varies from 31 to 74 degrees.
- Licensure transfer process: Foreign nurses must have their qualifications officially recognized by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health.
- Visa process: Non-EU nurses must first obtain a job offer and apply for a temporary authorization to stay. Once approved, applicants from visa-required countries must apply for a Type D long-stay visa. After arriving in Luxembourg, they must register their residence and apply for a residence permit.
3. United States
The U.S. stands out as one of the highest-paying countries for nurses, offering not only strong earning potential but also excellent career growth opportunities and access to a wide range of healthcare settings — from world-renowned hospitals to cutting-edge clinical research centers. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average registered nurse salary in the U.S. is $101,420 per year.
Wondering what state pays nurses the most? States like California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts offer some of the highest RN salaries in the country.
- Cost of living: Living costs vary widely across the country. Major metropolitan areas like New York City or San Francisco are significantly more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas. On average, a single person may spend around $4,716 per month, with housing costs being the biggest factor in overall expenses.
- Taxes: The U.S. has a progressive federal income tax system ranging from 10% to 37%, depending on income. In addition, most states also charge state income tax, although a few — such as Texas and Florida — do not.
- Language: English is the official language of the U.S.
- Weather: The U.S. has highly diverse climates due to its size. Northern states experience cold winters with snow, while southern states remain warm for most of the year.
- Licensure transfer process: Foreign-trained nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and have their credentials evaluated by an approved credentialing organization, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
- Visa process: International nurses typically require employer sponsorship to work in the U.S. The most common pathway is the EB-3 immigrant visa, which allows U.S. hospitals to sponsor foreign nurses for permanent residency.
4. Denmark
Denmark is known for one of the world's best healthcare systems. It also consistently ranks among the happiest countries on Earth and is one of the highest-paying countries for nurses. Registered nurses in Denmark earn an average salary of approximately 608,000 DKK per year, which equates to about $94,600 USD.
Thinking about making the move? Here are some additional details to consider:
- Cost of living: The average monthly expenses in Denmark (excluding rent) are around $1,200 a month for a single person. Overall, the cost of living in Denmark is approximately 14% higher than in the U.S. Housing costs, however, are about 28.6% lower.
- Taxes: Denmark has one of the highest tax rates in the world, with top earners paying up to 57%, rising to 60.5% when the mandatory labor market tax is included.
- Language: Denmark has 1 official language: Danish.
- Weather: Denmark has 4 distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 60 degrees throughout the year. Winters, which run from December to March, are generally cold and snowy.
- Licensure transfer process: Foreign-trained nurses must apply for authorization through the Danish Patient Safety Authority, which assesses whether their education is equivalent to Denmark's nursing standards.
- Visa process: Non-EU nurses generally need Danish work authorization and a job offer to work here. However, Denmark currently restricts most nurse authorization applications from outside the EU/EEA through a temporary quota system that runs through 2026.
5. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a unique opportunity for nurses looking to combine strong earning potential with a tropical island lifestyle. As a U.S. territory, the healthcare system closely follows U.S. standards, and nurses are in steady demand. Registered nurses in the Virgin Islands typically earn about $91,844 per year.
Living and working in the Virgin Islands comes with its own distinct advantages and challenges. Here are some more details:
- Cost of living: The cost of living in the Virgin Islands is 33.9% higher than in many parts of the mainland U.S., mainly due to import costs. A single person can expect to spend around $2,700 a month, including rent.
- Taxes: Income taxes in the U.S. Virgin Islands mirror the U.S. federal system, ranging from 10% to 37% based on income level, and are administered by the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue instead of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Language: English is the official language of the Virgin Islands.
- Weather: The Virgin Islands enjoy warm weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 74 to 89 degrees.
- Licensure transfer process: To work as a nurse in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), you must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL).
- Visa process: No visa is required for U.S. citizens, as the Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory. However, internationally educated nurses must hold a valid U.S. work authorization.
6. Australia
Which country needs nurses most? Australia stands out due to ongoing nursing shortages across hospitals, aged care facilities, and rural regions. The country is projected to face a shortage of more than 70,000 nurses by 2035. The average salary for registered nurses in Australia is about 115,000 AUD, which is around $82,000 USD.
Here are some details about living and working here:
- Cost of living: A single person typically spends about $1,100 (1,580 AUD) per month, excluding rent. The overall cost of living is approximately 4.8% higher than in the U.S., although rent is about 10.5% lower.
- Taxes: Australia has a progressive tax system, with income tax rates ranging from 0% to 45%, depending on earnings. In addition, a Medicare levy of around 2% helps fund the public healthcare system.
- Language: English is the national language of Australia.
- Weather: With eight states and territories, Australia has a diverse climate — four seasons in most regions and a wet-dry cycle in the tropical north.
- Licensure transfer process: Foreign-trained nurses must apply for registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
- Visa process: Australia’s skilled migration program enables overseas nurses to obtain temporary or permanent visas to fill key workforce shortages, with some pathways leading to permanent residency.
7. Norway
Norway is an attractive destination for nurses due to its strong public healthcare system, excellent work-life balance, and growing demand for healthcare professionals. Registerednurses in Norway typically earn 784,134 NOK (approximately $84,500 USD, depending on the exchange rate).
Here are some additional details about living and working here:
- Cost of living: Norway is known for a high cost of living, particularly in cities such as Oslo and Bergen. A single person may spend approximately 20,000 to 40,000 NOK (around $2,200–$4,400 USD) per month, including rent.
- Taxes: Most income is subject to a 22% base tax rate, with an additional bracket tax ranging from 1.7% to 17.6% depending on earnings. Nonresidents may qualify for the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) scheme, which applies a simplified 25% tax rate that includes social security contributions.
- Language: Norway's official language is Norwegian, which has two written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk. In some regions, Sami is also recognized as an official language.
- Weather: Norway has a varied climate, with mild, wet coastal areas and colder inland regions. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures are generally milder than expected for its northern location.
- Licensure transfer process: Internationally educated nurses must have their qualifications assessed by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
- Visa process: Nurses from outside the EU/EEA usually need a skilled worker visa to work in Norway.
8. Canada
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for internationally educated nurses, offering competitive salaries, a high quality of life, and clear pathways to permanent residency. Registered nurses in Canada typically earn 103,259 CAD, which is about $74,500 USD, depending on the conversion rate.
Here are some details about living and working in Canada:
- Cost of living: A single person typically spends around $1,055 (CAD 1,435) per month, excluding rent. Overall living costs are 7.5% lower than in the U.S., while rent is nearly 20% cheaper.
- Taxes: Nurses pay both federal and provincial income taxes, with combined rates varying by province and income level. Federal tax rates currently range from about 14% to 33%, with provincial taxes added on top.
- Languages: Canada’s official languages are English and French.
- Weather: Canada has four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters in most regions. Climate conditions vary widely, from the mild Pacific coast to the colder northern areas.
- Licensure transfer process: Internationally trained nurses must have their credentials evaluated through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
- Visa process: Nurses may qualify for work permits and/or permanent residency through programs such as the Express Entry system and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), many of which prioritize healthcare professionals.
9. Dubai (UAE)
Dubai has become a popular destination for nurses seeking tax-free income, modern healthcare facilities, and international experience. Known as one of the highest-paying countries for nurses in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers an average nursing salary around 243,000 AED per year (about $66,274 USD depending on conversion rates).
Dubai typically offers higher monthly pay compared to other cities within the UAE, averaging 8,500 to 14,000 AED (2300 to 3800 AED) per month.
Let’s explore additional factors influencing your nursing salary in the UAE:
- Cost of living: A single person typically needs around 4,200 AED per month (about $1,100 USD) for living expenses. Overall, the cost of living in the UAE is approximately 25.9% lower than in the U.S.
- Taxes: One of Dubai's biggest advantages is its tax-free salary structure. Employees generally do not pay personal income tax, allowing nurses to keep more of their earnings.
- Languages:Dubai's official language is Arabic.
- Weather: Dubai has a hot desert climate, with sunny weather year-round. Summers are extremely hot, while winters are warm and pleasant.
- Licensure transfer process: International nurses must obtain professional licensure through the appropriate health authority, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), depending on where they plan to work.
- Visa process: Nurses typically move through an employer-sponsored employment visa, which is arranged after securing a job offer. In some cases, experienced nurses may qualify for long-term residency options such as the UAE Golden Visa.
10. Israel
Israel has a growing demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, and is widely known as the Startup Nation for its global leadership in innovation and health technology. The typical registered nurse salary in Israel is 197,893 ILS (approximately $68,900 USD).
Here’s an overview of what it’s like to live and work in Israel:
- Cost of living: Living expenses are relatively high in major cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A single person typically needs around $2,600 per month, including housing.
- Taxes: Non-residents are taxed at the same rates as Israeli residents, with personal income tax ranging from about 10% to 50%.
- Languages: Hebrew is the official language of Israel.
- Weather: Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and short rainy winters. About 60% of the country consists of the Negev desert.
- Licensure transfer process: To work as a registered nurse in Israel, foreign-trained nurses must go through the Israeli Ministry of Health (Nursing Division) to have their licenses evaluated and approved.
- Visa process: Foreign nurses usually work under a B/1 work visa, which is employer-sponsored and issued after securing a job offer.
Highest-Paying Countries for Nurses: FAQ
What country has the highest nurse salary in the world?
Based on global salary comparisons, Switzerland stands out as the highest-paying country for nurses, with average annual earnings typically ranging from $90,000 to $130,000 USD, depending on experience, region, and specialization.
What countries accept a U.S. nursing license?
A U.S. nursing license is not automatically valid abroad, but it is highly respected in many countries in the world and can make the licensing process easier. Popular destinations that recognize the U.S.-educated nurses include:
How do nurses manage tax obligations when working in another country?
Nurses working abroad must follow the tax rules of the country where they are employed, which often include income tax and other deductions. In some cases, such as the U.S., nurses are also required to report and pay taxes on their worldwide income, even when living overseas. However, you may be eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which can help reduce tax liability.
Where Will Your Nursing Career Take You Next?
The U.S. is one of the highest-paying countries for nurses, and Credenza can help you find jobs that feel like home. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll match you with quality nursing jobs that fit your goals and preferences.