Europe is covered country by country, from the United Kingdom and Ireland through Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden. Each one uses its own national statistics office — the ONS in the UK, Destatis in Germany, INSEE in France, ISTAT in Italy, INE in Spain, CBS in the Netherlands — which is why the reference years differ from page to page: these surveys run on national timetables, not a common one. Europe is the region where gross pay is least useful on its own. Income tax and social contributions vary from a few per cent to more than a third of gross, and what those contributions buy varies just as much, since healthcare is funded through taxation almost everywhere here. Pay structures differ too: Italy pays salaries in thirteen instalments rather than twelve, which makes a monthly figure mean something different there than it does in Britain. Each page sets out what its figure measures, which population the survey covers, and what reaches a bank account after deductions.
Luxembourg Highest pay (~$124,600) USA 2nd after cost of living ($101,070) Switzerland 4th gross, 10th adjusted If you’re asking which country pays nurses the most, the official answer is Luxembourg. Hospital nurses there earned an average of €115,079 in 2024 — about $124,600 — according to OECD Health Statistics, the only dataset that measures nurse … Read more
Nurse salary USA vs UK compared: US nurses earn ~$101,420 versus £32,073–£39,043 on the NHS. See the real gap once student debt, healthcare and the NHS pension are counted.
What is the real welder salary UK workers earn in 2026? Around £33,000 average — but coded, offshore and underwater welders earn far more. Pay per year, month and hour.
The highest paying trades UK workers can learn in 2026, ranked by ONS salary — and why going self-employed can push earnings past £60,000 in a sector short of 250,000 workers.
The average gas engineer salary in the UK is £37,800 employed in 2026, but self-employed engineers earn far more. Full breakdown by experience, specialism and take-home pay.
The average HGV driver salary UK is £33,000 in 2026, but Class 1 drivers earn far more than Class 2. Full breakdown by licence class, experience and take-home pay.
Painters and decorators in the UK earn around £29,000 employed — and self-employed business owners far more. Full breakdown by region and experience for 2026.
Carpenters in the UK earn around £34,000 employed — and self-employed and bespoke specialists earn far more. Full breakdown by region and experience for 2026.
Electricians in the UK earn around £39,000 employed — and EV, solar and self-employed specialists earn far more. Full breakdown by region and experience for 2026.
Plumbers in the UK earn around £35,000 employed — but going self-employed can push earnings past £70,000. Full breakdown by region and experience for 2026.
