highest Nurse Salaries in Europe: How Much Do Nurses Earn Across Different Countries and Specialties?
Nursing is one of the most internationally mobile healthcare professions in Europe. Nurses are in demand across the continent, but salaries can vary considerably depending on the country, level of experience, nursing specialty, qualifications and whether a nurse works in the public or private sector.
For nurses considering an international career, salary is naturally one of the most important factors when deciding where to work.
A nurse working in Spain may earn considerably less than a nurse with similar qualifications working in Norway, Switzerland or Luxembourg. However, salary alone does not tell the whole story. Taxes, housing costs, working hours, overtime, shift allowances, pension contributions and the cost of living can all substantially affect a nurse's actual financial position.
This article provides an overview of nursing salaries across selected European countries, including typical pay for general registered nurses and higher-paid specialist and senior nursing positions.
Important: Salary figures in this article are indicative rather than guaranteed. Actual compensation varies by employer, region, experience, qualifications, collective agreement and additional payments. Where possible, figures are based on official salary scales or international salary data. The OECD's latest comparable international data generally refers to hospital nurses and measures gross annual remuneration, although the reference year varies by country.
How Much Do Nurses Earn in Europe?
There is no single European nursing salary.
Nursing pay varies enormously between countries.
The OECD's latest comparison found that average hospital-nurse remuneration across OECD countries was approximately 20% higher than the average wage for all employees in 2023. However, there were substantial differences between countries. Nurses in countries such as Luxembourg and Switzerland are at the upper end of the European income spectrum, while remuneration is generally lower in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe.
The difference can be particularly significant for internationally recruited nurses.
A qualified nurse from Southern or Eastern Europe may be able to substantially increase their gross income by moving to Northern or Western Europe.
These are broad indicative ranges rather than standardized national averages. Overtime, night shifts, specialist qualifications and regional allowances can move actual earnings significantly above the basic salary.
Nurse Salaries in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of Europe's highest-paying healthcare markets.
Experienced nurses can earn substantially more than their counterparts in Southern and Eastern Europe, although Switzerland also has some of Europe's highest living costs.
A registered nurse might typically earn approximately:
€65,000–€90,000+ per year
or approximately:
€5,400–€7,500+ gross per month.
Experienced specialist nurses, senior nurses and nurses working in highly specialized hospital departments can potentially earn more.
Nursing salaries can also vary substantially between Swiss cantons and employers.
One important consideration is that the OECD's international data for Switzerland includes both professional and associate professional nurses, making direct comparisons with countries using only professional nurses less straightforward.
For internationally recruited nurses, Switzerland can therefore offer exceptional earning potential, but candidates need to consider language requirements, professional recognition and the very high cost of accommodation.
Nurse Salaries in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is another exceptionally well-paid European nursing market.
The country's small population and large healthcare sector contribute to significant reliance on internationally trained healthcare professionals.
Registered nurses may earn approximately:
€60,000–€80,000+ per year
with experienced and specialist professionals potentially earning more.
Luxembourg has consistently appeared near the top of international comparisons of nurse remuneration.
The OECD found that Luxembourg had among the highest nurse remuneration levels in Europe and that its nurses earned substantially more than nurses in lower-paying European countries.
The country is particularly interesting for international recruitment because a significant proportion of its healthcare workforce is internationally mobile.
However, Luxembourg's high salaries should be considered alongside its exceptionally high housing costs.
Nurse Salaries in Norway
Norway is one of the most attractive destinations for nurses seeking relatively high salaries combined with strong working conditions.
A general registered nurse might typically earn around:
€48,000–€65,000+ per year
before overtime and other supplements.
Experienced nurses and those working nights, weekends or in specialist departments can earn more.
Nurses working in Norway can also benefit from additional compensation for unsocial hours and overtime.
The country has a strong demand for healthcare professionals, particularly outside the largest cities.
Norway is therefore particularly relevant for international recruitment, although nurses generally need to meet Norwegian authorization and language requirements.
Nurse Salaries in Denmark
Denmark is another high-income European country with substantial demand for healthcare professionals.
Typical registered nurse salaries can fall around:
€48,000–€65,000 per year
depending on experience and employment conditions.
Senior nurses and specialist positions can earn more.
As in other Nordic countries, salary progression is influenced by collective agreements, experience and additional responsibilities.
Denmark's healthcare system also places significant emphasis on professional nursing roles, making it an attractive destination for experienced internationally trained nurses.
Nurse Salaries in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of Europe's strongest nursing markets.
Registered nurses commonly earn approximately:
€42,000–€60,000+ per year
with experienced nurses and specialist positions earning more.
Recent nurse-reported figures illustrate how shift work can increase actual earnings. For example, nurses in the Netherlands have reported take-home pay of around €3,500 per month when working substantial evening and night shifts, although individual circumstances vary considerably.
Specialist nurses working in intensive care, emergency medicine, oncology and other complex areas can command higher compensation.
The Netherlands is therefore an important destination for internationally mobile nurses, although Dutch-language proficiency is generally an important requirement for clinical practice.
Nurse Salaries in Ireland
Ireland is one of Europe's most important destinations for internationally trained nurses, particularly because English is the primary working language.
The public healthcare system, the Health Service Executive (HSE), publishes national salary scales.
As of 2026, the HSE staff nurse scale is approximately:
€38,000–€56,000+ per year
depending on the salary point, with additional seniority and specialist grades available above this level. The HSE publishes its consolidated salary scales and updates them as public-sector pay agreements change.
For example, the June 2026 scale places staff nurses at approximately €38,166 at the lower end and €56,592 at the upper long-service increment.
Clinical nurse managers and advanced nursing positions can earn substantially more.
Ireland is particularly attractive for international nurses because English-language recruitment can remove one of the largest barriers faced by internationally trained healthcare professionals moving to continental Europe.
Nurse Salaries in Germany
Germany has one of Europe's largest healthcare systems and has become an important destination for internationally trained nurses.
A typical registered nurse can expect approximately:
€38,000–€55,000+ per year
with experienced nurses and specialist roles potentially exceeding this level.
Actual earnings depend heavily on the collective agreement, employer, experience and shift patterns.
Night shifts, weekends and public holidays can produce additional allowances.
Germany has also relied increasingly on internationally trained healthcare professionals to address workforce shortages.
The country is therefore particularly relevant to nurses from countries where nursing salaries are considerably lower.
However, German-language proficiency is an important consideration for internationally recruited nurses because clinical communication and professional recognition generally require an appropriate level of German.
Nurse Salaries in the United Kingdom
Nursing salaries in the United Kingdom are primarily determined within national or regional pay frameworks in the public sector.
In England, NHS nurses are generally employed under the Agenda for Change system.
For 2026/27, the published NHS England salary bands include:
Band 5: £32,073–£39,043
Band 6: £39,959–£48,117
Band 7: £49,387–£56,515
Higher bands are available for advanced clinical and senior management positions.
Most newly qualified registered nurses historically enter at Band 5, although there is ongoing discussion and reform around progression into higher bands for experienced nurses.
Specialist nurses may work at Band 6 or Band 7 depending on the responsibilities of the position.
The UK remains an important international nursing recruitment market because English-language training and clinical practice make it accessible to nurses from many countries.
However, salary comparisons should also account for the UK's relatively high housing costs, particularly in London and South East England.
Nurse Salaries in France
France generally pays nurses less than the highest-paying Northern European markets.
A registered nurse may earn approximately:
€32,000–€48,000+ per year
depending on experience, employer and location.
Specialist and senior nurses can earn more, while additional payments may apply for night work, weekends and other working conditions.
The OECD's European data shows that French nurse remuneration has historically been closer to the middle or lower-middle portion of Western European nurse salaries. In 2022, nurses in France did not earn more than the average worker nationally, unlike nurses in several higher-paying European countries.
France can nevertheless be attractive for nurses who prioritize lifestyle, location and employment stability alongside salary.
French-language proficiency is essential for most international clinical recruitment.
Nurse Salaries in Spain
Spain has a large and highly trained nursing workforce, but salaries are generally lower than in Northern Europe.
A typical registered nurse may earn approximately:
€28,000–€40,000+ per year
depending on region, experience and allowances.
There can be significant regional differences.
Additional compensation for nights, weekends and other shifts can also make a substantial difference to total earnings.
Spain has also become a source country for international nursing recruitment, with some Spanish nurses moving to higher-paying Northern European countries.
Recent reporting has highlighted the contrast between Spanish and Norwegian nursing salaries, with nurses moving north in search of higher pay and different working conditions.
This illustrates one of the defining features of the European nursing labour market: nurses themselves are increasingly mobile.
Nurse Salaries in Italy
Italy is another Southern European market where nursing salaries are generally below those available in Northern Europe.
Registered nurses may earn approximately:
€27,000–€38,000+ per year
depending on experience, region and employer.
Specialist positions and additional shifts can increase total earnings.
However, Italy has historically had relatively modest nurse wage growth compared with some other European countries.
The OECD reported that real nurse remuneration in Italy declined between 2013 and 2019 and that Italian nurse remuneration remained below the average wage in the country in the latest international comparison.
This difference in earning potential can contribute to the movement of healthcare professionals toward higher-paying European labour markets.
Nurse Salaries in Portugal
Portugal is among the lower-paying Western European markets for nurses.
A registered nurse may earn approximately:
€20,000–€32,000+ per year
with experienced professionals and those working additional shifts potentially earning more.
The difference between Portugal and countries such as Luxembourg, Switzerland and Norway is substantial.
The OECD's European data has repeatedly identified Portugal as one of the lower-paying European markets for nurses. In its 2022 comparison, nurse remuneration in Luxembourg and Belgium was approximately three times the level recorded in Portugal after adjusting for purchasing power.
This makes Portugal an important example of how the European nursing workforce can experience significant wage differences despite operating within relatively interconnected labour markets.
Nurse Salaries in Poland and Central Europe
Central and Eastern European countries traditionally have lower nurse salaries than Western and Northern Europe, although the gap has been narrowing in some countries.
Poland is a particularly interesting example.
Nurse remuneration increased substantially in real terms during the years before and after the pandemic. The OECD reported substantial pay increases for Polish healthcare workers, including nurses, in 2022 and further increases in 2023.
A Polish nurse may nevertheless still earn considerably less than a nurse with comparable qualifications in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Norway or Denmark.
Indicative salaries for registered nurses may fall around:
€18,000–€30,000+ per year
depending on qualifications, experience and employer.
This difference has historically encouraged nurses from Central and Eastern Europe to seek employment elsewhere in the European Union.
How Much More Do Specialist Nurses Earn?
Country is only one factor determining nursing income.
Specialization can also have a significant effect.
Some of the better-paid nursing career paths include:
Intensive Care Nurses
ICU nurses work with some of the most critically ill patients in healthcare.
Because the role requires advanced clinical skills and frequently involves night, weekend and emergency shifts, ICU nurses may receive higher compensation than general ward nurses.
Typical salaries can be around 5–20% above general nursing salaries, although this varies significantly between countries.
Emergency Department Nurses
Emergency nurses work in high-pressure environments requiring rapid assessment and decision-making.
Experience, specialist qualifications and shift allowances can increase earnings.
Operating Theatre Nurses
Operating theatre nurses have specialized knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile environments and perioperative care.
Experienced theatre nurses can command higher salaries than newly qualified general nurses.
Oncology Nurses
Cancer care is becoming increasingly complex as treatments become more sophisticated.
Experienced oncology nurses may therefore benefit from specialist allowances, senior positions and increased demand.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurses
Mental health is an expanding healthcare field across Europe.
Demand for psychiatric nurses is increasing as healthcare systems attempt to expand mental health services and address workforce shortages.
Geriatric Nurses
Europe's ageing population is creating increasing demand for nurses specializing in elderly care.
Geriatric nursing may become particularly important over the next decade as the number of older adults requiring complex medical and long-term care increases.
Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses
Advanced nursing roles can represent one of the largest increases in earning potential.
In countries where nurse practitioners or advanced practice nurses have expanded scopes of practice, these professionals can occupy significantly more senior clinical positions.
The United Kingdom, Ireland and several Nordic countries have developed advanced nursing roles, although titles, responsibilities and prescribing rights differ between countries.
Which European Countries Pay Nurses the Most?
If salary is the primary consideration, the strongest European markets generally include:
1. Switzerland
2. Luxembourg
3. Denmark
4. Norway
5. Netherlands
6. Ireland
7. Belgium
8. Germany
9. United Kingdom
10. France
However, the ranking can change depending on whether salaries are compared before tax, after tax or according to purchasing power.
For example, a nurse earning €70,000 in Switzerland does not necessarily have €20,000 more disposable income than someone earning €50,000 elsewhere.
Housing, taxation and everyday expenses can substantially change the calculation.
The OECD therefore uses purchasing-power-adjusted comparisons when comparing nurse remuneration internationally.
Gross Salary vs Take-Home Pay
Nurses considering international recruitment should be careful when comparing advertised salaries.
A salary of €50,000 does not mean that a nurse receives €50,000 in their bank account.
Income tax, social insurance, pension contributions and other deductions vary substantially between European countries.
The same is true for additional compensation.
A nurse working nights, weekends and public holidays may receive significantly more than the basic salary.
Overtime can also have a major impact.
The OECD notes that its international remuneration figures generally represent gross annual income and that some countries do not include additional income such as overtime.
Therefore, nurses should always ask prospective employers for:
Basic annual salary
Salary progression
Overtime rates
Night-shift allowances
Weekend allowances
Holiday pay
Pension contributions
Relocation assistance
Accommodation support
Health insurance arrangements
Expected working hours
These factors can make a significant difference to the actual value of a job offer.
Why Are Nurse Salaries So Different Across Europe?
Several factors explain the enormous differences.
Cost of Living
High-income countries generally have higher wages, but they also have higher housing and living costs.
Switzerland and Luxembourg are good examples.
Government Healthcare Spending
Countries that spend more on healthcare and have greater resources available for healthcare workers can generally offer higher compensation.
Nurse Shortages
Severe shortages can put upward pressure on wages and encourage employers to offer relocation packages and other incentives.
Collective Bargaining
Many European nurses work under national or sector-wide collective agreements.
This can produce standardized salary scales and predictable progression.
Scope of Practice
Nurses with greater clinical responsibilities may receive higher compensation.
Advanced practice nursing is an important example.
Experience
Most European salary systems reward professional experience through incremental salary increases.
Shift Work
Night shifts, weekends and public holidays can substantially increase earnings.
Where Should Nurses Look for International Opportunities?
There is no universally "best" European country for nurses.
The best destination depends on what the nurse values most.
A nurse primarily interested in maximum salary may consider Switzerland or Luxembourg.
A nurse interested in high salaries and Nordic working conditions may consider Norway or Denmark.
A nurse looking for an English-speaking destination may consider Ireland or the United Kingdom.
A nurse seeking large employment markets and significant demand may consider Germany.
A nurse prioritizing lifestyle and climate may prefer Spain, Portugal or Italy, although salaries are generally lower.
For internationally recruited nurses, the decision should therefore be based on more than salary alone.
The European Nursing Labour Market Is Becoming Increasingly International
Europe's nursing workforce is becoming increasingly international.
The OECD has documented significant international migration of nurses, with higher-paying countries attracting professionals from lower-paying healthcare systems.
This movement is unlikely to disappear.
As populations age and demand for healthcare increases, countries will compete for qualified nurses.
For nurses, this creates an opportunity to use international mobility to improve both income and career progression.
For healthcare employers, it creates a challenge: recruiting qualified nurses is increasingly a global competition.
Countries offering competitive salaries, strong working conditions, professional development and effective integration programmes are likely to have an advantage in attracting international talent.
Final Thoughts
Nursing remains one of Europe's most important healthcare professions, but the financial rewards can vary dramatically depending on where a nurse chooses to work.
A general registered nurse in Portugal or Poland may earn considerably less than a nurse with similar qualifications in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Norway or Denmark.
Specialization can increase earnings further, particularly in areas such as intensive care, emergency medicine, oncology, perioperative nursing and advanced practice.
However, salary should never be considered in isolation.
Taxes, housing, working hours, shift allowances, professional recognition, language requirements and career progression can all influence whether an international nursing position is genuinely attractive.
For nurses considering an international career, the key question is therefore not simply:
"Which country pays nurses the most?"
It is:
"Which country offers the best combination of salary, working conditions, career progression and quality of life for my particular nursing qualification and experience?"
As healthcare workforce shortages continue across Europe, internationally trained nurses are likely to remain an essential part of the continent's healthcare workforce.
For qualified nurses prepared to consider international opportunities, that mobility can provide access to new career paths, higher salaries and opportunities that may not be available in their home countries.