Top 5 best paid countries for skilled workers

Countries compete to attract qualified professionals by offering high salaries, expedited visa programs, and ample job opportunities.

These countries not only lead in terms of wage offers for skilled workers in 2024, but also have strong projections for continued demand in 2025.

According to DAAD Scholarship, the following countries stand out for their attractive salaries and promising prospects.

1. Switzerland – average salary of $87,500

Switzerland remains the top destination for skilled workers in 2024, with an average salary of $87,500. The country offers several work permit options for skilled workers, including L permit and B permit.

Key sectors facing shortages in Switzerland include:

• IT specialists, healthcare professionals, engineers and skilled craftsmen.

By 2025, Switzerland is expected to see increased demand for sustainability consultants, AI specialists and green energy engineers as it advances its environmental initiatives.

2. Luxembourg – average salary of $78,800

Luxembourg, known for its importance in finance and technology, comes in second place with an average salary of $78,800.

The country’s EU Blue Card program and Third Country National Work Permit offer pathways to highly skilled professionals in various fields, such as financial analysts, IT specialists, engineers and healthcare professionals.

In 2025, Luxembourg is expected to expand its skills shortage list, adding demands in the areas of financial technology, renewable energy technology and blockchain development.

3. United States – average salary of $74,700

The United States remains a top choice for skilled workers, offering an average salary of $74,700. Popular visa options for professionals include the H-1B visa.

Reports indicate that the United States continues to have a high demand for software developers, IT specialists, healthcare professionals, and skilled tradespeople.

In 2025, it is predicted that there will likely be an increased need for AI engineers, robotics specialists, and data analysts as the United States invests in emerging technologies.

4. Norway – average salary of $68,700

Norway offers an average salary of $68,700 and has become an attractive destination for skilled workers, particularly in engineering, healthcare and IT fields.

The country’s skilled work visa program, the Skilled Worker Residence Permit, allows professionals to take up positions in sectors such as oil, gas, renewable energy and IT.

Projections for 2025 include increased demand for electric vehicle infrastructure planners, smart city architects and AI-based automation specialists, as Norway focuses on sustainable development.

5. Canada – Average salary of $65,200

Canada ranks fifth with an average salary of $65,200. The country’s Global Talent Stream (GTS) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program offers expedited work visa processing for skilled workers. There is a high demand for healthcare professionals, IT professionals, skilled tradespeople and early childhood educators.

By 2025, Canada is expected to see an increase in demand for green energy technicians, AI engineers, and telemedicine professionals as the country prioritizes sustainability and digital health initiatives.

As these countries continue to evolve, they are expected to provide even more opportunities for skilled workers in high-demand sectors, with new positions emerging to meet the challenges of the future.