Best Countries for Nursing Jobs in 2026: The Ultimate Guide for US and International Nurses
Are you a US nurse or international professional eyeing high-salary nursing jobs abroad? In 2026, global nursing shortages--projected at 4.8 million by 2030 (WHO)--create unprecedented opportunities. This guide ranks top destinations by salary, demand, immigration pathways, and quality of life. Expect data-driven insights, salary vs. cost-of-living breakdowns, and checklists tailored for US nurses relocating to Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and beyond.
Quick Answer: #1 Country for Nursing Jobs in 2026
Switzerland tops the list for its unmatched salaries (average €100,000+ annually), high demand, and quality of life--ideal for registered nurses (RNs) seeking premium pay. Canada and Australia follow closely with 110,000 and 85,000-100,000 vacancies, respectively, plus fast PR pathways (Luxtoday, NovenAI, Y-Axis).
Here's a ranked overview for 2026 (adjusted forecasts):
| Rank | Country | Avg. Salary (USD equiv.) | Vacancies (2026 proj.) | PR Ease (for US nurses) | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | $110,000+ | High (shortages in ICU) | Moderate (work permits) | Tax advantages, stability |
| 2 | Canada | $85,000-$110,000 | 110,000 | Easy (Express Entry) | PR in 6-12 months |
| 3 | Australia | $73,000-$91,000 | 85,000-100,000 | Easy (189/190 visas) | Work-life balance |
| 4 | USA | $82,000-$100,000+ (ICU) | 500,000 | N/A (domestic) | High demand for specialties |
| 5 | Denmark/UK | $80,000+ | Nationwide shortages | Moderate (visas eased) | NHS benefits (UK) |
Sources: Luxtoday, NovenAI, Y-Axis, BLS 2026 forecasts.
Key Takeaways: Top Insights for Nurses Eyeing 2026 Opportunities
- Global shortage: WHO predicts 4.8M nurse gap by 2030; Canada (110k vacancies), Australia (85-100k), US (500k openings).
- Best for US nurses: Canada/Australia--easiest immigration via NCLEX/online testing (NCSBN 2026).
- Specialties booming: ICU ($33-51/hr US; high abroad), pediatric, mental health, night shifts.
- Salary snapshot:
| Country | Hourly Rate (2026 est.) |
|---|---|
| Canada | $58+/hr (ONA/UNA hikes) |
| Australia | $40-50/hr |
| US | $40-60/hr (ICU) |
| Switzerland | €50+/hr |
Quick chart: Canada edges Toronto with Calgary's $17k real-wage advantage (Amirismail).
Highest Paying Countries for Registered Nurses 2026
Switzerland leads at €100,000+ annually (Luxtoday), outpacing US ($82k avg., BLS) and Denmark ($80k+). Australia offers $73k-$91k for experienced RNs; Canada hits $58+/hr post-2026 hikes (ONA 2.25%, UNA 3%). NZ lags at ~$46k but has 21% lower living costs vs. US.
Forecasted 2026 ranges (USD):
- Switzerland: $110k-$130k
- US/Denmark: $80k-$100k+
- Australia: $73k-$91k
- Canada: $85k+ (provincial boosts)
- Luxembourg: ~$100k
Note: Resolves NZ low vs. others--strong benefits offset base pay.
Nursing Shortage Countries Hiring Foreign Nurses in 2026
Demand hotspots: Canada (110k vacancies, Y-Axis), Australia (85-100k, NovenAI), US (500k), Germany/Norway (aging population). Specialties: ICU, night shifts, pediatric. Philippines nurses thriving in Canada via NCLEX (iPassProcessing). ICU US growth: 6% to 2033 (Supplemental Health Care).
Salary Comparison by Country 2026: With Cost of Living Adjustments
Real take-home pay matters. Table (2026 est., USD annual):
| Country | Gross Salary | Cost of Living Adj. | Net Advantage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $110k | High | +$50k | Low taxes |
| Canada (Calgary) | $95k | Medium | +$17k vs. Toronto | HST 13% |
| Australia | $82k | Medium | +$10k | PR perks |
| NZ | $46k | 21% < US | Neutral | Family visas |
| Middle East (Dubai) | $68k | Low (tax-free) | +$25k | Vs. Saudi $42k |
| US | $82k | High | Baseline | - |
Canada's West (Alberta) overtakes Ontario in 2026 real wages (Amirismail).
Easiest Countries for Nurses to Immigrate 2026: US Nurses Focus
- Canada/Australia: Express Entry/PR in 6-12 months; NCLEX online 2026.
- Ireland: Work-to-PR for caregivers; family reunification (Abhinav).
- NZ: Work visas with family; IELTS 7/OET B (Nova Immigrations).
- Germany: B1/B2 German req.; hires Filipinos/Indians (Tern Group).
- UK: Eased NMC tests (CBT/OSCE).
Fastest licensing: Canada (NCLEX), Australia (AHPRA).
Australia vs Canada vs USA Nursing Job Market 2026
| Factor | Australia | Canada | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | $73k-$91k | $85k+ ($58/hr) | $82k (ICU $51/hr) |
| Demand | 85-100k vacancies | 110k | 500k |
| Immigration | 189/190/186 visas | Express Entry | H-1B/Green Card |
| Work-Life | Excellent | Good (provincial) | Variable |
| Pros | PR fast | Real-wage edge | High pay specialties |
| Cons | Competitive | High Toronto costs | Visa lotteries |
Australia's 2025 policy shift boosts appeal (NovenAI); Canada invests CAD 200B in healthcare.
Best European Countries for Nursing Careers 2026: UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland
- Switzerland: €100k+ pay; high demand.
- UK: NHS (Olympics tribute legacy); eased visas, NMC CBT/OSCE (INSCOL).
- Ireland: Caregiver PR; family perks (Abhinav).
- Germany: Language B1/B2; hires abroad (55% pre-arrival German, Tern Group).
UK vs. Ireland: NHS universal coverage edges Ireland's family reunification.
Travel Nursing Overseas and Specialty Opportunities 2026
Top spots: UK, Australia, NZ (Joyce University). High demand: ICU (6% US growth), pediatric, mental health. Night shifts abundant in Canada/Australia. Volunteer niches: Ethiopia (0.252 nurses/1k people, WHO), Paraguay (Joyce).
Pros & Cons: Best Countries for Nurses at a Glance
| Country | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | €100k+, stability | High living costs |
| Canada | 110k jobs, fast PR | Provincial variations |
| Australia | 85k+ vacancies, balance | Competitive apps |
| USA | 500k openings, specialties | Domestic saturation |
| UK/Ireland | NHS/PR paths | Language/tests |
| Germany | Benefits, hiring foreigners | B1/B2 German |
| NZ | Low costs (21% < US) | Lower base pay |
Step-by-Step Checklist: How to Land a Nursing Job Abroad in 2026
- Assess eligibility: Verify RN credentials; take IELTS 7/OET B.
- Credential eval: NNAS (Canada), AHPRA (Australia).
- Licensing: NCLEX (Canada online 2026), NMC (UK), NCNZ (NZ).
- Visa apply: Express Entry (Canada), 189 (Australia), work permits (CH/DE).
- Job search: Indeed, NHS Jobs, agency recruitment (e.g., Servisource).
- Relocate: Police clearance, medical exam.
US nurses: TN visa for Canada; streamlined for Australia/UK.
Work Visa Guide for Nurses: USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland
- USA: H-1B/Green Card for foreigners.
- UK: Health/Care Worker visa; NMC tests.
- Germany: Skilled worker visa; B1/B2 German.
- NZ: Work visa (family OK); IELTS 7 (Nova).
- Ireland: Healthcare program to PR; spouse sponsorship (Abhinav).
- PR paths: Switzerland/Ireland (work-to-residency); docs: police/medical.
FAQ
What are the best countries for nursing jobs 2026 with high salaries?
Switzerland (€100k+), Canada/Australia ($85k+), US ($82k).
Nursing job opportunities abroad for US nurses: easiest immigration?
Canada/Australia--fast PR via Express Entry/189 visas.
Highest paying countries for registered nurses 2026 vs cost of living?
Switzerland leads; Canada Calgary +$17k real advantage.
Immigration programs for nurses in Canada and Australia 2026?
Canada: Express Entry/NCLEX; Australia: 189/190/186.
Countries with fastest nurse licensing for foreigners?
Canada (online NCLEX 2026), Australia (AHPRA).
Australia vs Canada nursing job market 2026: which is better?
Canada for sheer demand (110k); Australia for balance/PR.