The 10 Best Paying Nursing Jobs And Where To Find Them

Nursing is one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers globally. With aging populations, healthcare worker shortages, and increased demand for specialized medical care, the opportunities for well-paid nursing roles have never been greater. For Nigerian nurses and healthcare professionals looking to work abroad, understanding the top-paying nursing jobs can open the door to lucrative and life-changing opportunities.

This in-depth guide will walk you through the 10 best paying nursing jobs in 2025, where to find them, what qualifications are required, and how to secure employment with visa sponsorship.

Why Nursing Jobs Abroad Are a Great Opportunity for Nigerians

• Global Shortage: The WHO projects a global shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030.
• Attractive Salaries: Nursing salaries abroad can be 5 to 10 times higher than those in Nigeria.
• Visa Sponsorships: Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the USA offer immigration pathways for nurses.
• Career Growth: Access to advanced equipment, certifications, and global job mobility.

The 10 Best Paying Nursing Jobs in 2025

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Average Salary: $190,000/year (USA)
• Work Locations: Hospitals, surgical centers
• Top Countries: USA, Canada, Australia
• Education: Master’s or Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia
• Job Boards: Health eCareers, Indeed, CRNAJobs.com

2. General Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Average Salary: $120,000/year
• Roles: Diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform exams
• Top Countries: USA, UK, Canada
• Visa Type: H-1B (USA), Skilled Worker (UK), Express Entry (Canada)
• Where to Apply: LinkedIn, PracticeMatch

3. ICU Nurse (Intensive Care Unit)

• Average Salary: $110,000/year
• High Demand Areas: Emergency rooms, trauma centers
• Top Countries: Germany, USA, Australia
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS, CCRN
• Top Recruiters: Aya Healthcare, Cross Country Nurses

4. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse

• Average Salary: $105,000/year
• Specialty: Premature and critically ill newborns
• Best Countries: USA, Ireland, UAE
• Job Sites: Glassdoor, NICU Careers, Monster

5. Nursing Administrator

• Average Salary: $110,000/year
• Duties: Supervise nursing teams, budgeting, compliance
• Top Destinations: UK, Canada, New Zealand
• Certifications: MSN, MBA in Healthcare
• Where to Look: NHS Jobs, Workopolis, SimplyHired

6. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

• Average Salary: $130,000/year
• Roles: Treat mental health conditions
• Countries: USA, Canada, Sweden
• Licenses: NP license, specialty in mental health
• Apply At: Health eCareers, MyCNAJobs

7. Travel Nurse

• Average Salary: $90,000 to $130,000/year
• Perks: Housing stipend, travel allowance
• Best Countries: USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand
• Recruiters: Fastaff, Travel Nurse Across America, Nomad Health

8. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

• Average Salary: $115,000/year
• Specialization: Children and adolescents
• Best Regions: USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia
• Qualifications: Advanced degree in pediatric nursing

9. Orthopedic Nurse

• Average Salary: $95,000/year
• Focus: Musculoskeletal issues and post-op care
• Top Destinations: Germany, USA, UK
• Apply At: MedTravelers, Hospital websites

10. Oncology Nurse

• Average Salary: $100,000/year
• Specialty: Cancer patient care
• Best Countries: USA, Ireland, UAE
• Certifications: OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse)
• Jobs At: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Indeed

Best Countries for High-Paying Nursing Jobs in 2025

Where to Find These Nursing Jobs

Top Job Platforms

• Indeed.com: Filter by “visa sponsorship” + “nurse”
• LinkedIn Jobs: Use country-specific filters
• Glassdoor: For salary insights and company reviews
• NHS Jobs (UK): Official site for healthcare roles in Britain
• Workopolis (Canada): Filter roles with “LMIA provided”

Recruitment Agencies Hiring International Nurses

How Nigerian Nurses Can Qualify

Steps to Begin

1. Get International Credentials Verified: Use agencies like CGFNS or NMC.
2. Pass Required Exams: IELTS/TOEFL, NCLEX (USA), CBT & OSCE (UK)
3. Gain Clinical Experience: At least 1-2 years in a reputable Nigerian hospital
4. Secure a Sponsor/Employer
5. Apply for a Work Visa

Key Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• OET/IELTS for English language proof
• NCLEX-RN for US licensure

Where to Get Free Resources

• Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
• YouTube Channels: SimpleNursing, RegisteredNurseRN
• Online Courses: Coursera, Khan Academy (medical basics)

Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

USA

• Visa: H-1B, EB-3 (Green Card), TN (Canada/Mexico)
• Route: Employer applies for labor certification and petitions the nurse

UK

• Visa: Health and Care Worker Visa
• Sponsorship: NHS and private hospitals

Canada

• Visa: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Atlantic Immigration Program

Australia

• Visa: TSS (subclass 482), PR through skilled migration

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• ❌ Falling for fake job offers or agencies
• ❌ Applying with an incomplete CV
• ❌ Ignoring language exam requirements
• ❌ Skipping credential verification

Tip: Always verify employers and agents via official immigration portals.

Final Thoughts

Nursing remains one of the most stable, rewarding, and globally transferable careers in 2025. As a Nigerian nurse or healthcare professional, you have access to a wide range of high-paying roles around the world if you’re properly certified, experienced, and ready to migrate.

Focus on countries offering visa sponsorship and target roles that suit your specialization. Prepare with international exams, credentials, and professional networking. Most importantly, be proactive and consistent.

Your global nursing career starts with one application. Start today.