Top 20 Countries With the Highest Average Wages

Top 20 Countries by Average Annual Wage

Rank — Country — Average annual gross wage (USD) 1. Switzerland — $103,465 2. Luxembourg — $77,311 3. Denmark — $71,003 4. United States — $70,627 5. Netherlands — $68,451 6. Norway — $67,456 7. Ireland — $66,762 8. Germany — $65,856 9. Australia — $64,388 10. United Kingdom — $64,379 11. Austria — $64,203 12. Belgium — $63,310 13. Canada — $61,446 14. Finland — $55,039 15. Israel — $53,950 16. Sweden — $48,819 17. France — $46,793 18. New Zealand — $44,929 19. South Korea — $37,333 20. Italy — $37,061

The figures come from the OECD’s 2024 gross average wage table. (OECD)

1. Switzerland

Switzerland has the highest average gross wage in the OECD’s 2024 data, at approximately $103,465 per year using the market exchange rate.

However, Switzerland also has a relatively high cost of living, so a high salary does not automatically mean the highest disposable income.

2. Luxembourg

Luxembourg follows with an average gross wage of approximately $77,311 per year.

The country has a strong financial sector and a highly international economy.

3. Denmark

Denmark’s average gross wage was approximately $71,003 per year.

Denmark combines relatively high wages with extensive public services, although taxes and living costs also need to be considered.

4. United States

The United States recorded an average gross wage of approximately $70,627 per year.

The U.S. has a large and diverse labour market, with significant differences in salaries between industries, occupations and regions.

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands recorded approximately $68,451 in average annual gross wages.

Its economy includes major industries such as technology, finance, logistics, manufacturing and professional services.

6. Norway

Norway recorded approximately $67,456.

The country has strong employment in areas including energy, engineering, technology, maritime industries, healthcare and public services.

7. Ireland

Ireland’s average gross wage was approximately $66,762.

Technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services and international companies are important parts of the Irish economy.

8. Germany

Germany recorded approximately $65,856.

The country has a large industrial economy, with strong sectors including manufacturing, engineering, automotive, chemicals and technology.

9. Australia

Australia recorded approximately $64,388.

Mining, healthcare, construction, professional services and technology are among the country’s important employment sectors.

10. United Kingdom

The UK’s average gross wage was approximately $64,379.

The country has a broad economy covering financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and professional services.

11. Austria

Austria recorded approximately $64,203 in average gross annual wages.

12. Belgium

Belgium recorded approximately $63,310.

13. Canada

Canada recorded approximately $61,446.

14. Finland

Finland recorded approximately $55,039.

15. Israel

Israel recorded approximately $53,950.

16. Sweden

Sweden recorded approximately $48,819.

17. France

France recorded approximately $46,793.

18. New Zealand

New Zealand recorded approximately $44,929.

19. South Korea

South Korea recorded approximately $37,333.

20. Italy

Italy recorded approximately $37,061.

Salary Is Only One Part of the Comparison

A country with a high average salary is not necessarily the cheapest place to live.

When comparing countries, it can be useful to look at several factors:

* Average salary * Income tax * Social security contributions * Housing costs * Food prices * Transportation * Healthcare * Education * Unemployment * Job opportunities * Working hours * Purchasing power

The OECD also publishes wages using purchasing power parity (PPP). PPP adjusts for differences in the cost of goods and services between countries, which can provide a different perspective from simply converting salaries into U.S. dollars at market exchange rates. (OECD)

For example, Switzerland’s 2024 average wage was about $103,465 at market exchange rates, while its PPP-adjusted figure was approximately $102,611. (OECD)

Gross Salary vs. Take-Home Pay

The numbers in this comparison are gross wages, meaning they are before income taxes and employee contributions.

A worker earning $70,000 in one country may not take home the same amount as a worker earning $70,000 somewhere else.

That’s why Compriverse can go beyond simply comparing salaries.

A useful country comparison can include:

Salary → Tax → Living Costs → Housing → Take-Home Pay → Purchasing Power

This gives readers a much better picture of what earning money in another country could actually mean.

Which Country Has the Highest Average Wage?

According to the OECD’s 2024 data, Switzerland recorded the highest average gross wage among OECD countries, followed by Luxembourg and Denmark. The OECD-wide average was approximately $44,439 at market exchange rates. (OECD)

But the “highest salary” does not automatically mean the best financial situation for every worker. Individual results depend on occupation, experience, taxes, family circumstances and living costs.

Final Thoughts

Countries with high average wages can attract workers from around the world, but salary should be only one part of the decision.

Before moving to another country for work, compare the complete financial picture rather than looking at salary alone.

Compare the numbers. Understand the difference. Make your own decision.

Source: OECD, Pensions at a Glance 2025, Table 7.5, Gross average wage 2024. Figures are gross annual wages and should not be interpreted as take-home pay. Individual salaries can be substantially higher or lower depending on occupation, experience and location. (OECD)

The Verdict

The OECD 2024 figures cited here place Switzerland first, followed by Luxembourg and Denmark. These are gross wages at market exchange rates, not take-home pay. Compare taxes, housing and other living costs before making a decision.