Which countries have the highest salaries in the world? You may be asking this question if you’re planning to work abroad to have a better life for yourself and your family. Keep in mind that countries have their own cultures, languages, industries, policies, and working conditions. Depending on your skills, work experience, and personal preference, you can choose among the list if you want to get a high salary. Average annual incomes are expressed in US dollars.
Countries with the Highest Salaries in the World
10. Iceland
Iceland only has a population of 348,580, making it the least populated country in Europe. The United Nations’ Human Development Index ranks Iceland as the 9th most developed country in the world. This country runs almost entirely on renewable energy, specifically geothermal and hydropower.
Average annual income: $46,074
Top industries: tourism, fish processing, geothermal power, hydropower, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production
9. Belgium
Belgium has very high standards of living, healthcare, and education. Additionally, it ranks as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Dutch and French are the major languages; a minority speak German. Belgium is famous for its waffle, chocolate, beer, and french fries with mayonnaise (french fries are claimed to have originated here).
Average annual income: $47,702
Top industries: processed food and beverages, engineering and metal products, transportation equipment, motor vehicle assembly, chemicals, scientific instruments, textiles, glass, petroleum, base metals
8. Canada
Canada is highly urbanized, with 82% of the population concentrated in large and medium-sized cities. Internationally, it ranks high when it comes to quality of life, education, economic freedom, government transparency, and civil liberties. Its land border with the United States is the longest in the world, stretching 8,891 kilometers.
Average annual income: $47,843
Top industries: petroleum and natural gas, transportation equipment, chemicals, food products, fish products, wood and paper products, processed and unprocessed minerals
7. Denmark
Denmark is located in Northern Europe. The weather is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. This country has the highest minimum wage in the world, due to the fact that there is no minimum wage legislation and the strong influence of the trade unions.
Average annual income: $50,024
Top industries: steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, machinery, food processing, transportation equipment, textiles, electronics, construction, furniture, shipbuilding, windmills, pharmaceuticals
6. Australia
Australia, a.k.a. “the Land Down Under,” is a country known for its kangaroos and koalas. The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, lies a short distance off Australia’s northeast coast. English is the de facto national language, characterized by a distinctive accent.
Average annual income: $50,167
Top industries: tourism, financial services, mining, industrial equipment, transportation equipment, chemicals, steel, food processing
5. Netherlands
Netherlands, also known as Holland, ranked as the sixth happiest country in the world in 2017, based on the United Nations World Happiness Report. This country has good public education, infrastructure, and universal healthcare.
Average annual income: $50,670
Top industries: agro-industries, electrical machinery and equipment, metal and engineering products, chemicals, construction, petroleum, microelectronics, fishing
4. Norway
Norway has the fourth highest per capita income in the world according to the IMF and World Bank. This country also occupies the top spot on the World Happiness Report and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Average annual income: $50,908
Top industries: petroleum and gas, shipping, aquaculture, fishing, food processing, paper products, shipbuilding, chemicals, metals, timber, mining, textiles
3. Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its watches, chocolates, and of course, the Alps. Aside from precision instruments, other exports include chemicals, machines, and electronics. This country is also home to large multinational corporations such as Nestle, Novartis, Credit Suisse, UBS AG, Glencore, Tetra Pak, and The Swatch Group.
Average annual income: $58,389
Top industries: machinery, watches, pharmaceuticals, textiles, precision instruments, chemicals, tourism, banking, insurance
2. United States
The United States accounts for approximately 25% of the global GDP. It is the third largest and third most populous country in the world. In the international scene, the US is a leading political, cultural, and scientific powerhouse. With its very diverse population, the US is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and values.
Average annual income: $58,714
Top industries: consumer goods, electronics, petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, telecommunications, food processing, aerospace, lumber, mining, chemicals
1. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country situated in western Europe. But don’t let its small size deceive you; this is a country with an advanced economy and has one of the world’s highest GDP per capita. Luxembourg shares land borders with three countries, namely France, Germany, and Belgium. The official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German. Foreigners account for nearly one-half of the 576,249 population.
Average annual income: $60,369
Top industries: banking and financial services, real estate services, construction, steel, metals, glass, aluminum, information technology, telecommunications, engineering, cargo transportation, chemicals, biotechnology, tourism
