Being a doctor is a noble and rewarding profession. As much as many doctors are motivated and find fulfillment in what they do, they deserve fair compensation for all their hard work. In fact, many of them intently seek opportunities to earn good money and gain access to opportunities while pursuing their passion for healthcare. It’s possible to have it all!
Are you an experienced physician or a newly awarded doctor? Are you considering working abroad? This article brings you the top 10 highest-paying countries for doctors. If you’re looking for a place where your expertise will be valued, this feeds you in on all the details regarding the average payment structures of these countries, the working conditions, the cost of living, and their overall compensation packages.
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10. Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is a beautiful place blessed with vibrant scenery and warm people. Doctors in Ireland stand to benefit from a package that includes: a salary, benefits/allowances, and pension contributions. On average, the annual pay stands between €60,000 and €150,000, depending on how experienced you are and your area of specialty. You would also get a benefits package, which could also include compensation such as paid vacations, sick leave, and professional development opportunities. Overall, the Republic of Ireland is a fantastic place to work and live as a doctor.
9. Canada
Canada is a country in North America known to be immigrant-friendly, especially as a doctor. Interestingly, for doctors in Canada, there is a fee-for-service model that works in a way that the government pays for every patient that they attend to. Addittonally, as an average doctor, you could earn money via other means besides your salary; they include: telemedicine (where you can be consulted and also provide virtual care at a fee), research, academia, etc.
However, at the salary level, an average Canadian doctor earns between $80,000 and $400,000 every year. Then, depending on the province or city you live in, the rates of housing costs, taxes, and insurance would generally vary. If you don’t mind the winter, which can be really harsh, Canada is an awesome place with real opportunities for doctors.
8. New Zealand
Lately, this country has been experiencing a shortage of medical personnel, especially in its smaller regions, so, in New Zealand, the working opportunities for doctors are almost endless. General Practitioners and family doctors are in high demand, and there is also a pressing need for specialists in fields such as mental health, geriatrics, and emergency medicine.
To make things better, the New Zealand economy is highly developed and still growing rapidly, so doctors are well compensated for their hard work. Resident Medical Officers, also known as Junior Doctors, earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year. Registrars (doctors undergoing specialized training) could earn between $95,000 and $180,000 per year. With this salary range, a comfortable and desirable lifestyle is very possible.
7. United Arab Emirates
The UAE economy is booming and thriving among the nations of the world. It is, however, important to note their doctors’ salaries vary and are highly dependent on their country of training as well as nationality. Americans typically earn more than other foreign physicians, but overall, the disparity in pay is not outrageous. Salary could also be based on productivity, and the compensation package may include schooling, housing, or a travel allowance.
By law, every employee, including doctors, is entitled to health insurance by their employee. As a doctor, your salary is substantial, without having to pay personal tax income. That said, a surgeon could earn between 80,000 to 90,000 Dirhams, while a General Internist earns within the range of 60,000 to 75,000 Dirhams.
6. Denmark
Currently, Danish healthcare has a high demand for personnel in areas such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Radiology, and Psychiatry, and as such, doctors in these fields are rewarded handsomely. If you want to work in the public healthcare sector, you will be required to learn Danish on arrival, and this language course is usually part of the working contract. Otherwise, you could stick to municipalities and private clinics.
Denmark is big on research, and it will do you a lot of good to keep learning throughout your career. As a foreign physician in Denmark, you stand to earn about 94,00 DKK every month, which equals about $13,000 plus. For living, the weather is mostly cool, and practically everyone lives in the urban region.
5. Germany
As a doctor in Germany, just like other countries, your earnings will depend on the type of medicine you practice and your level of experience. These are the average salaries of doctors in Germany:
- Starting salary falls between: €5,000 – €7,000 per month
- Private Practice Doctors’ salary range: €181,000 – €297,000 per year
- Administrative staff are likely to earn about €194,000 per year
- Specialists’ salaries range between: €6,131.23 – €15,100 per month
- General Practitioners earn between: €181,000 – €297,000 per year
- Medical technologist salary range: €48,038 – €65,292 per year
- University Hospital Doctors could earn between: €5,656.92 – €13,500 per month
Primary care physicians are known to earn the highest in Germany.
4. Australia
Globally, Australia has one of the best-regarded healthcare systems. This country is one that not only provides both indigenous and foreign doctors with opportunities but also offers them a great work-life balance. The culture is a bit laid-back and the work environment is somewhat comfortable. An average doctor in Australia earns about AUD$180,000. Besides the good remuneration, doctors are also presented with countless opportunities, seminars, and workshops that help them stay updated with the latest developments in the field. This makes Australia one of the best places to practice medicine.
3. Netherlands
If you speak English as a secondary language, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the place for you. Healthcare here is also valued, and doctors are well-remunerated. In fact, some employers reserve a percentage of salary for employees’ professional development. Here is a general overview of how foreign physicians earn in the Netherlands:
- Specialists make between €80,000 – €150,000 per year
- General Practitioners earn between €60,000 – €100,000 per year
- Trainee Doctors make €40,000 – €60,000 per year
In addition to the robust salaries, workshops, seminars, and professional courses are available to help doctors improve in their specialties.
2. U.S.A
Americans, as is common knowledge, have high standards of medical care and one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Generally, the pay structure is very satisfactory, with orthopedics and plastic surgeons leading the way when it comes to total compensation. In the U.S.A., metro areas pay the highest fees to doctors. Charlotte’s annual salary sits at about $430,000, and in places like San Jose, Doctors earn about $418,600. The salaries differ based on what city or state they practice in, but every US doctor earns about $300,000 on average.
1. Luxembourg
This small country is perfect for settling and finding a great place to practice your medical profession, as the healthcare sector is continually and steadily growing. Right now, doctors in Luxembourg are working long and hard because more personnel are needed in medicine. The hospitals are actually well equipped and the employers provide many opportunities for research and specialisation. Here’s a rundown of how much doctors in Luxembourg earn on average:
- Specialist doctors typically make €120,000 – €200,000 per year
- General Practitioners earn €80,000 – €150,000 per year
- Trainees will earn €40,000 – €60,000 per year
Conclusion
After years of studying to have a medical degree, it is perfectly normal to have high expectations regarding pay and work benefits. Besides the thrill that comes with moving and working in another country, these places mentioned above are some of the best places in the world to get monetary value for the expertise you would be offering.
Do not forget that you have to write specialized medical exams before you can practice medicine in any of these questions. But don’t worry; sites like Qbank can help you with your preparation. We hope you find a place that works for you.
Informative post! It’s great to see the diverse opportunities for doctors worldwide. This list is incredibly helpful for those considering practicing abroad. Thanks for sharing!