Doctors in Spain earn significantly less than in other European countries and the rest of the world. While in Spain a doctor can earn an average of 49,139 euros gross per year, in countries like Switzerland and the United States annual salaries exceed 240,000 euros. Every year, many Spanish doctors decide to emigrate in search of better working conditions and higher salaries.
A recent study by World Population Review revealed that Luxembourg is the leading country in Europe in terms of salaries for doctors, with an average salary of 223,631 euros per year. It is closely followed by Denmark and Ireland, with annual salaries of 187,239 and 159,513 euros, respectively. Canada is also among the countries with high salaries, with an average of 214,130 euros per year.
Despite the attractive salaries, in many high-income countries, health systems are demanding. For example, in the United States, the system is completely private, which partly explains the high salaries, but also the significant disparities in access to medical care.
In Spain, doctors' salaries can increase with on-call shifts, which are paid between 28 and 31 euros gross per hour, depending on whether it is a working day or a holiday. Despite these possibilities, salary differences with other countries remain significant, leading many professionals to consider emigrating in search of better job opportunities.
