Nurse Salary in China

Nurse Salaries in China: Your Full Guide 2023

Nursing, known for its unwavering compassion and dedication, holds a significant position in Chinese society and the healthcare system. Despite its critical role in patient care, nurses in China have historically faced challenges such as low wages and increasing workloads, which have led to undervaluation and discouraged professionals. Consequently, the nursing industry in China has experienced shortages of skilled practitioners and concerns about the quality of patient care.

In our exploration of nurse salaries in China, we aim to shed light on important aspects, including current remuneration standards, factors influencing salary levels, and potential future prospects for both local and international nurses. This journey will uncover the complexities surrounding nurse salaries in China and reveal the multitude of opportunities that await these remarkable individuals who serve as everyday heroes in healthcare.

Nurse Salaries in China

1. Average salary of a registered nurse in China

The annual and hourly pay for a registered nurse in China is shown in the table below. The data is collected from salary surveys of employers and employees across the country. The actual salary may depend on various factors, such as education, experience, and location. However, the data gives an overview of the income level for registered nurses in China.[1][2]

Annual Salary (CNY)Hourly Rate (CNY)

243,801117

2. Salary range for registered nurses in China

Factors Affecting Salary RangeAverage Annual Salary (CNY)Typical Salary Range (CNY)
ExperienceVaries169,929 – 296,706
EducationVaries
LocationVaries

The salary range for registered nurses in China can vary significantly based on several factors, including experience, education, and location. On average, registered nurses earn approximately CNY 243,801 (approximately USD 38,000) per year. However, the typical salary range falls between CNY 169,929 and CNY 296,706 annually. It is important to note that these figures provide a general overview and individual earnings may differ based on specific circumstances and job requirements. The nursing profession in China offers ample opportunities for growth and development, promising a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare sector [3][4]

3. Education level of registered nurses in China

The education level of registered nurses in China plays a significant role in determining their potential salary. On average, a Bachelor’s Degree is the highest level of education most registered nurses possess in the country.

This higher education enables them to provide better patient care and, in turn, increases their salary expectations. Having a bachelor’s degree sets them apart from other nursing professionals and attracts higher compensation packages from employers. Thus, investing in higher education can be of great benefit for registered nurses in China as they aim to improve their professional skills and earning potential. 

Nurse student in China

4. Factors affecting total compensation for nurses in China

  • Education level, professional titles, clinical experience, working department, marital status, and the regional cost of living are among the primary factors that influence the total compensation for nurses in China.
  • The budgets established by hospital administrations can affect the nurse-to-physician ratio, leading to salary discrepancies.
  • Job market competition is a significant factor as younger nurses may replace older ones, irrespective of their level of experience.
  • The supply and demand of nurses, the current healthcare systems, and the availability of funding for the industry all contribute to shaping the financial rewards within the nursing profession in China.
chinese nurse

5. Salary differentials for night shifts, day shifts, and swing shifts for registered nurses in China

The impact of shift differentials on registered nurses’ pay in China can be summarized as follows:

  1. Shift Types and Pay Differentials:Shift TypePay DifferentialDescriptionNight ShiftsHigher PayNight shifts typically offer higher pay due to their demanding nature.Day ShiftsConventional PayDay shifts come with a more conventional pay scale.Swing ShiftsPotential IncreaseSwing shifts, falling between day and night, may offer higher pay due to flexibility requirements.
  2. Factors Affecting Pay:
    • Location: Specific pay rates for each shift may vary based on the location of the nursing position.
    • Experience: Nurses with more experience may be eligible for higher pay differentials.
    • Training: Additional training or specialization in certain areas may also impact the pay differentials.
  3. Incentives for Nurses:
    • Encouraging Challenging Work Hours: Differential pay provides an incentive for professional nurses to take on the demanding nature of night shifts.
    • Adaptability: The flexibility required for swing shifts is often rewarded with higher pay.
    • Higher Stress Levels: Nurses working non-standard shifts may experience higher stress levels, which are compensated through pay differentials.

By offering varying pay differentials for different shifts, the nursing profession in China incentivizes nurses to take on challenging work hours, adapt to flexible schedules, and manage potentially higher stress levels. These measures aim to attract and retain skilled nurses while acknowledging the demands of different shift types. [5]

Salary TypeAmount (CNY)
Average Monthly Salary23,000
Starting Monthly Salary10,800
Maximum Monthly Salary36,400
Average Yearly Salary63,000
Average Yearly Bonus3,993

6. Projected salary for registered nurses in China in 2028

By 2028, the projected salary for registered nurses in China is expected to significantly increase due to factors such as economic growth, increased demand for healthcare services, and a possible expansion of China’s healthcare system.

Taking into account the current average monthly salary of 23,000 CNY and an annual growth rate of approximately 3%, the projected salary for registered nurses in China could reach around 34,000 CNY per month or 408,000 CNY annually.

However, it is important to bold and italicize that these figures may be influenced by various factors, including government policies, healthcare budget allocations, and the overall economic performance of the country. [6]

nurses in china

7. Median, maximum, and minimum salary for nurses in China


In China, the nursing profession exhibits a diverse salary range influenced by factors such as experience, skills, and location. On average, nurses receive a median monthly salary of 21,800 CNY. It is noteworthy that half of the nurses earn below this amount, while the remaining half earns above it. The reported minimum monthly salary for nurses stands at 10,800 CNY, while the maximum can reach as high as 36,400 CNY.

These salary scales underscore the significance of nurses continually enhancing their skills and accumulating experience to enhance their earning potential in this crucial healthcare sector.

9. Nurse salary comparison by years of experience in China

9. Nurse salary comparison by years of experience in China

In China, the salary of nurses is significantly influenced by their years of experience. Below is a breakdown of the average monthly salaries based on experience levels:

  1. Less than two years of experience: Nurses with less than two years of experience earn approximately 12,500 CNY per month.
  2. Two to five years of experience: Nurses with two to five years of experience can expect to earn around 17,200 CNY per month, which is a 38% increase compared to an entry-level nurse.
  3. Five to ten years of experience: Nurses with five to ten years of experience earn an average of 24,500 CNY per month.
  4. More than twenty years of experience: Nurses with more than twenty years of experience can expect to make approximately 34,300 CNY per month.

These figures highlight the importance of gaining experience in the nursing field, as it directly correlates with higher salaries. Nurses who accumulate years of experience can expect substantial increases in their monthly earnings, demonstrating the value of continuous professional growth and development in this profession.

chinese nurse salary

10. How age and experience affect nurse pay in China

In China, the salary of nurses is significantly influenced by their age and years of experience. The correlation between experience and wage is evident, as nurses with more experience tend to earn higher salaries. Here is an overview of the average monthly salaries based on age and experience:

  1. Less than two years of experience: Nurses with less than two years of experience earn approximately 12,500 CNY per month.
  2. Two to five years of experience: Nurses with two to five years of experience can expect to make around 17,200 CNY per month, reflecting a significant 38% increase compared to nurses with less experience.
  3. Five to ten years of experience: Nurses with five to ten years of experience earn an average of 24,500 CNY per month.
  4. Ten to fifteen years of experience: Nurses with ten to fifteen years of experience can anticipate a monthly salary of approximately 29,900 CNY.
  5. Over twenty years of experience: Nurses with over twenty years of experience receive a monthly salary of about 34,300 CNY.

Therefore, both age and experience are crucial factors in determining the salary of nurses in China. As nurses gain more experience and advance in their careers, their wages tend to increase, reflecting the value placed on their accumulated knowledge and skills in the healthcare field. [7][8]

This post is also available in: العربية (Arabic) Dansk (Danish) Nederlands (Dutch) Français (French) Deutsch (German) עברית (Hebrew) Italiano (Italian) Polski (Polish) Română (Romanian) Русский (Russian) Türkçe (Turkish) Español (Spanish) Български (Bulgarian) Ελληνικά (Greek) Magyar (Hungarian) Português (Portuguese (Portugal))

Similar Posts