Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Doctors

Written by

Dr. Indu K

Reviewed by

Dr. Rini Sharma
Highest Paying Best Countries for Doctors
Created On : Mar 26, 2024 Updated On : Jul 09, 2025 3 min read

Key Takeaways

  • A lot of global doctors are dissatisfied with their salaries and are searching for better opportunities in other countries. 
  • Several first world countries offer high salaries along with other perks to global doctors. 
  • Australia invites global doctors to set up practice there by clearing the AMC examination.

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

RankCountrySpecialist Salary (INR)GP Salary (INR)Demand & Growth SummaryJob Openings
1Australia₹1.8 Cr₹67 LakhShortage of 2,500+ GPs now, expected to rise9,000+ openings/year across rural & urban areas
2United States₹2.5 Cr₹2.5 CrShortage of 187,000 doctors by 2037 projectedOver 32,000 physician roles open yearly
3Switzerland₹95 Lakh₹85 LakhAging population will make 20% of the total by 2035, so demand will increase3,000 specialist openings in urban centers
4Germany₹1.65 Cr₹1.6 CrNeeds 5,000–10,000 new doctors due to population aging & retirementsNumerous in public & private sectors
5Ireland₹1 Cr₹66 LakhDemand rising due to new hospitals & elderly population2,500+ roles annually in public & private sector
6Canada₹1.1 Cr₹80 LakhProjected shortage of 44,000–78,000 doctors by 203010,000+ opportunities, especially in remote regions
7United Kingdom₹85 Lakh₹72 LakhNHS short 10,800+ doctors; 34% of workforce is foreign-trained8,000+ openings across NHS trusts and private hospitals
8Netherlands₹1.88 Cr₹87 LakhHealthcare demand expected to rise 15% by 2035 due to innovation & aging4,000+ vacancies annually
9Austria₹1.6 Cr₹1 Cr30% of doctors retiring by 20302,000+ hospital/private sector openings per year
10Belgium₹1.4 Cr₹45 LakhGrowth in elderly care and internal medicine1,500–2,000 new jobs/year

 

Know More: PLAB Exam 2025 Dates Key Registration Deadlines and Booking Information

Licensing Exams to Become a Doctor in Top Countries

CountryLicensing Exam
AustraliaAMC Exam – Australian Medical Council Examination
USAUSMLE – United States Medical Licensing Examination
United KingdomPLAB – Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board
GermanyApprobation – German Medical License
CanadaMCCQE – Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination
IrelandPRES – Pre-Registration Examination
NetherlandsBIG Registration – Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg (Professions in Individual Healthcare)
SwitzerlandECOS / Federal Exam – Federal Licensing Examination (Eidgenössische Prüfung)
AustriaNostrifikation – Medical Degree Recognition Process
BelgiumDiploma Recognition – Equivalence of Foreign Medical Qualifications

Are you thinking of taking any of these licensing exams? If yes, the most important step is to enroll in the best preparation course. At Academically, we offer specialised coaching for exams like USMLE, PLAB, AMC, and more.

Our courses include:

  • Live and recorded video lectures
  • Comprehensive study materials
  • Practice questions and AI-based mock tests
  • 1:1 personalised mentorship and support
  • Exam-focused guidance from expert faculty
  • Community groups, peer support

 

 

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! 

FAQs

Q- What is the highest-paid speciality in the world?

Neurosurgeons are generally the highest-paid specialists in almost all countries of the world.

Q- How much does a doctor earn in Australia?

In Australia, a specialist can earn around 1.8 Crore INR annually, and a general practitioner can earn around 67 Lakh INR annually.

Q- How much do Indian doctors earn in the US?

Indian doctors and doctors from other countries earn salaries between $500,000 to $750,000 in the US.

Q- How can I go to the US after MBBS in India?

After doing MBBS in India, you can become a doctor in the US by clearing all steps of the USMLE exam.

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.

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