Doctors are in high demand in almost every country of the world. However, not every country offers them adequate compensation for their work. Statistics say that 38% of doctors are unhappy with their current compensation and are looking for better opportunities.
While other factors such as work-life balance, quality of life, job opportunities, etc, also matter a lot, salary is mostly the first thing doctors consider while migrating abroad. In this article, we will shed light on the 10 countries with the highest pay for doctors, starting from number ten. Read till the last; the first country in our list might surprise you!
Which Country Pays Doctors the Most in 2025?
The United States tops the list in 2025. Both general practitioners (GPs) and specialists earning up to ₹2.5 Crore annually. This is followed by Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. These countries offer high salaries along with easier pathways for international doctors.
Do you want to work in these top countries and earn a lot? It is totally possible. But first you have to check if you are eligible to take the exam.
Doctor Salaries by Country: 2025 Salary & Demand Comparison
| Rank | Country | Specialist Salary (INR) | GP Salary (INR) | Demand & Growth Summary | Job Openings |
| 1 | Australia | ₹1.8 Cr | ₹67 Lakh | Shortage of 2,500+ GPs now, expected to rise | 9,000+ openings/year across rural & urban areas |
| 2 | United States | ₹2.5 Cr | ₹2.5 Cr | Shortage of 187,000 doctors by 2037 projected | Over 32,000 physician roles open yearly |
| 3 | Switzerland | ₹95 Lakh | ₹85 Lakh | Aging population will make 20% of the total by 2035, so demand will increase | 3,000 specialist openings in urban centers |
| 4 | Germany | ₹1.65 Cr | ₹1.6 Cr | Needs 5,000–10,000 new doctors due to population aging & retirements | Numerous in public & private sectors |
| 5 | Ireland | ₹1 Cr | ₹66 Lakh | Demand rising due to new hospitals & elderly population | 2,500+ roles annually in public & private sector |
| 6 | Canada | ₹1.1 Cr | ₹80 Lakh | Projected shortage of 44,000–78,000 doctors by 2030 | 10,000+ opportunities, especially in remote regions |
| 7 | United Kingdom | ₹85 Lakh | ₹72 Lakh | NHS short 10,800+ doctors; 34% of workforce is foreign-trained | 8,000+ openings across NHS trusts and private hospitals |
| 8 | Netherlands | ₹1.88 Cr | ₹87 Lakh | Healthcare demand expected to rise 15% by 2035 due to innovation & aging | 4,000+ vacancies annually |
| 9 | Austria | ₹1.6 Cr | ₹1 Cr | 30% of doctors retiring by 2030 | 2,000+ hospital/private sector openings per year |
| 10 | Belgium | ₹1.4 Cr | ₹45 Lakh | Growth in elderly care and internal medicine | 1,500–2,000 new jobs/year |
Know More: PLAB Exam 2025 Dates Key Registration Deadlines and Booking Information
Licensing Exams to Become a Doctor in Top Countries
| Country | Licensing Exam |
| Australia | AMC Exam – Australian Medical Council Examination |
| USA | USMLE – United States Medical Licensing Examination |
| United Kingdom | PLAB – Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board |
| Germany | Approbation – German Medical License |
| Canada | MCCQE – Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination |
| Ireland | PRES – Pre-Registration Examination |
| Netherlands | BIG Registration – Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg (Professions in Individual Healthcare) |
| Switzerland | ECOS / Federal Exam – Federal Licensing Examination (Eidgenössische Prüfung) |
| Austria | Nostrifikation – Medical Degree Recognition Process |
| Belgium | Diploma Recognition – Equivalence of Foreign Medical Qualifications |
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How to Choose the Right Country as a Doctor
Before finalising your destination, consider:
- Salary vs. Cost of Living: Countries like the US or Switzerland may seem like ideal destinations with high pay. But what you can’t see is high taxes or insurance.
- Licensing Requirements: Some countries like Australia have simpler and easier registration processes, making it easier to migrate here than any other country. .
- Language & Integration: While Canada and the UK are English-speaking and it will be easier to get there. But countries like Germany, Austria or the Netherlands may require language fluency.
- Job Market Fit: Check demand for your specific specialty, some countries need GPs, others prefer specialists.
Also Read: Nurse Salary in Australia
Final Words
This ends our list of highest paying countries for doctors. However, before finalising which country you want to migrate to, consider other factors such as the difficulty in migration process, the homogeneity of the society, quality of life, etc. On this scale, countries like Australia rank the charts as the process to become a doctor in Australia is easy and streamlined, and the compensation is huge.
If you are ready to take your medical journey abroad, get in touch with us today. We will help you understand theprocess and make your overall journey smooth and easy. Contact us today!
