10 Countries With the Highest Demand for Nurses: See Where You’re Needed Most

Numerous countries are struggling with not having enough nurses, largely because people are living longer and more people are suffering from chronic health issues. This creates loads of opportunities for nurses to work abroad where their skills are greatly in demand.

We’ve gathered information to show you where you might look for nursing work. This list contains 10 countries with significant nursing shortages, largely in places with growing numbers of elderly individuals and rapidly expanding healthcare systems.

1. United States

The U.S. has a big healthcare sector which is desperately in need of nurses. By 2024, it is anticipated that the U.S. will require an additional 1.3 million nurses to avoid a critical shortage spurred by an aging demographic and increased health coverage across the nation.

Several factors, such as the aging population, hospitals trying to reduce costs, and a wave of nurses nearing retirement, contribute to this high demand for nurses.

Notable cities with lots of job opportunities for nurses include Denver, Orlando, Phoenix, Seattle, and Tampa. In major cities, nurses can earn higher salaries. For example, nurses in San Francisco can make upwards of $140,000 per year on average.

Foreign-trained nurses can work in America if they pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a state nursing license. Specialties in demand include nurses experienced in critical, cancer, or geriatric care.

2. Australia

Australia is experiencing a similar situation due to both an aging populace and universal healthcare offerings. By 2030, it is projected that one in every five Australians will be over the age of 65. The nursing workforce is aging too, with many expected to retire.

Shortages of 85,000 nurses by 2025 and over 123,000 by 2030 have been forecasted, and so the government is advocating for people to pursue nursing. Nearly half of Australian nurses are anticipated to retire in the next decade or so.

Rural and regional areas, in particular, struggle with recruiting nurses and may offer higher salaries and better benefits to entice them.

Nurse salaries in Australia range from AUD 73,000 to AUD 112,000 annually, equivalent to USD 50,000 to 77,000. There is a significant need for emergency, critical, mental health, aged, and operating room nursing specialists.

3. United Kingdom

The UK is also grappling with a lack of nurses, exacerbated by an aging patient and nurse population. England alone has a deficit of over 36,000 nurses, and the wider UK needs 190,000 additional nurses by 2027.

The pandemic has seen a record number of nurses leaving the profession due to stress, amplifying the urgency to fill many vacant positions.

Nurses are highly sought after in regions like London, the Midlands, Yorkshire, the South West, South East, and the East of England. Specialties such as emergency, critical, neonatal, pediatric, mental health, community, and general practice nursing are particularly in demand.

The average salary for a nurse in the UK is between £24,000 to £40,000 a year, which translates to $29,000 to $48,000 USD. UK citizens and residents can find an array of opportunities within the NHS.

4. Canada

Canada has a projected need for over 199,000 additional nurses by 2030 to meet healthcare demands. With a significant portion of nurses retiring soon, finding new nurses is challenging. Ontario, for example, will need around 77,000 new nurses within this decade.

An aging population and an increase in chronic illnesses in Canada mean the demand for nursing services is growing. Canadian nurses receive attractive salaries, typically around $70,000 CAD for registered nurses and $95,000 CAD for nurse practitioners, along with benefits like pensions and health insurance.

Internationally trained nurses looking to work in Canada must pass the NCLEX-RN and get a provincial license. Nursing fields like cardiac, renal, oncology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and critical care have especially high demand.

5. Germany

Germany is facing an imminent crisis with about 500,000 nurses, which is 40% of its workforce, set to retire by 2029. Given that Germany has one of the oldest populations globally, with over a quarter of its residents being over 65 by 2030, the country will see a surge in the need for skilled nursing professionals.

Speaking German can boost your chances of landing a nursing job, but major cities are increasingly hiring nurses with basic knowledge of the language. Some recruitment agencies even assist nurses from abroad with German language courses upon their arrival.

The typical salary for nurses in Germany ranges from €40,000 to €50,000 ($43,000 to $54,000 USD) a year. Specialties in geriatrics, ICU, cardiac care, oncology, renal care, and operating room nursing are particularly sought after.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is presently facing one of the highest nursing deficits. With a massive youth demographic and expanding healthcare requirements, the nation’s needs are critical.

Currently, only 57% of available nursing positions in Saudi Arabia are filled. To keep up with its fast-growing healthcare industry, Saudi Arabia aims to create over 106,000 nursing jobs by 2030, outlined in its Vision 2030. They need many qualified foreign nurses to staff the new hospitals, clinics, and medical research facilities being built.

Working in Saudi Arabia is attractive to foreign nurses due to the absence of income tax, housing allowances, and competitive salaries—ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 or more annually for experienced nurses. They also enjoy extended holidays and travel benefits. The nation primarily recruits nurses from India, the Philippines, and South Africa to address its nursing shortage. To practice there, overseas nurses need a license from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

7. Singapore

Singapore’s Ministry of Health estimates that an additional 65,000 healthcare workers will be needed by 2030. An impending wave of retiring nurses contributes to this significant shortfall. With the population aging, chronic diseases on the rise, and medical services expanding, more nurses are needed in both public and private healthcare settings.

A typical nurse in Singapore can earn about S$55,000 (US$40,000) each year. For nurse managers or those with advanced qualifications, the earning potential is higher. Benefits often include bonuses, health coverage, paid leave, and retirement plans. Speakers of English will find it easier to relocate to Singapore since it is the primary language there. However, foreign nurses still need to secure appropriate work permits and meet local registration requirements.

To be able to work as a nurse in Singapore, you first need to pass local examinations and sign up with the Singapore Nursing Board.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand has a goal to fill over 12,000 nursing positions by the year 2027. This is due to nurses retiring as well as a growing demand for healthcare services. Nurses will find opportunities in many places such as local clinics, big hospitals, care facilities for the elderly, and specialty fields. Those considering moving to New Zealand for nursing can look forward to competitive salaries and a wide variety of job options.

The annual salary for registered nurses in New Zealand ranges from $37,000 to $56,000. This varies depending on their level of experience and their workplace location. New Zealand is also appealing to live in because of its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural life.

With an emphasis on quality care, New Zealand’s healthcare system is an excellent place for international nurses to contribute. They are seeking nurses who are passionate and eager to enhance the healthcare services in the country.

9. Denmark

Denmark will soon have a shortage of nurses as many of its current workforce are reaching retirement age. English-speaking international nurses will find numerous opportunities, especially in elderly care services.

Nurses who relocate to Denmark can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $58,000 to $80,000. Denmark is celebrated for its high quality of life, emphasis on work-life balance, and a supportive healthcare system.

The patient-centered Danish healthcare system is innovative and constantly looking for ways to improve. It is a place where professional nurses can apply their expertise effectively. Denmark is in need of more nurses to cater to the healthcare requirements of its elderly population.

10. Ireland

Ireland is also in need of additional nurses, driven by an increasing demand in its healthcare sector. Job opportunities are available in various settings, including hospitals, community health services, and specialized branches of nursing.

In Ireland, nurses earn around $32,000 to $56,000 annually. The country is known for its lively culture and welcomes nurses from abroad with open arms.

Ireland’s healthcare system is committed to ongoing improvement and places a high value on the contributions of nurses. Well-qualified nurses can support Ireland in addressing its healthcare requirements.

Conclusion

Due to a global shortage of nurses, there are numerous opportunities for qualified nurses to work abroad. Countries with an aging population are offering attractive salaries, signing bonuses, and additional benefits to attract skilled nurses from elsewhere.

Job seekers should look for positions in countries actively looking to hire international nurses. Available roles span across both public and private healthcare facilities. Securing the necessary qualifications and language skills will vastly improve your job prospects.

Moving abroad to work as a nurse requires careful preparation and dedication. Yet, it can greatly enrich your career, broaden your cultural experiences, and aid in personal and professional growth as a nurse.