Nurse Salary in Lithuania in 2026

Nurse Salary in Lithuania: Current Salary Reference

Unlike Switzerland, Lithuania does not publish a single nationwide salary table that gives a guaranteed nurse salary for every experience level. Salaries also differ significantly between public hospitals, primary healthcare centres, private clinics, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care organizations.

The figures above are reference figures rather than guaranteed salary offers. Lithuanian healthcare employers can publish different gross salaries depending on their salary structure, employment percentage and additional payments.

How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Month in Lithuania?

Using the latest nationwide Ministry of Health benchmark available for this guide, a nurse earned approximately €2,621 gross per month on average in the first quarter of 2025.

However, current employer disclosures demonstrate why a single figure should not be treated as a universal salary. For example, Lithuanian healthcare institutions publish their own average salaries, and the amounts can differ substantially.

In 2026, individual employer figures may therefore be above or below the national benchmark depending on location, seniority and job responsibilities.

How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Year in Lithuania?

The €2,621 gross monthly national reference corresponds to approximately €31,452 gross per year when multiplied by 12 months.

This is a simple annualized calculation and should not be interpreted as the exact annual income of every Lithuanian nurse.

Actual annual earnings can be affected by:

• Full-time or part-time employment
• Night shifts
• Weekend and holiday work
• Overtime
• Professional qualifications
• Specialization
• Seniority
• Employer salary policy
• Additional bonuses and allowances
• Temporary or additional assignments

Nurse Salary by Experience in Lithuania

Professional experience normally has an important influence on nursing pay, but Lithuania does not have one universal national salary scale covering all employers and every experience level.

Because salary structures differ between Lithuanian healthcare institutions, these categories are intentionally presented as general career patterns rather than invented national salary bands.

Registered Nurse Salary in Lithuania

The English term registered nurse generally refers to a qualified professional who is legally authorized to practise nursing. In Lithuania, nursing is a regulated healthcare profession and professional practice requires the appropriate qualification and licensing arrangements.

The Lithuanian term commonly used for a nurse is slaugytojas for a male nurse and slaugytoja for a female nurse. You may also see the terms bendrosios praktikos slaugytojas and other specialist nursing qualifications.

For salary comparisons, it is important to check whether a job advertisement refers to a qualified nurse, nursing assistant or another healthcare occupation. These roles can have significantly different salaries and responsibilities.

Slaugytojas Salary in Lithuania

People searching in Lithuanian may use terms such as "slaugytojo atlyginimas", "slaugytojos atlyginimas" or "slaugytojo alga".

The most useful national reference currently available is the Lithuanian Ministry of Health figure of approximately €2,621 gross per month in Q1 2025 for nurses.

However, jobseekers should always check the salary offered by the specific hospital, clinic or healthcare institution because actual compensation varies.

Nurse Salary in Vilnius

Vilnius is Lithuania's capital and one of the country's largest healthcare and employment markets.

Nursing jobs in Vilnius can be found in:

• Major hospitals
• University-affiliated healthcare institutions
• Private hospitals and clinics
• Primary healthcare centres
• Specialist medical centres
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Long-term care institutions
• Home healthcare services

A nurse considering Vilnius should compare salary with local housing and living costs. A higher salary is not automatically a better financial offer if rent, commuting or other expenses are substantially higher.

Nurse Salary in Kaunas

Kaunas is another major Lithuanian healthcare and education centre and has a large medical sector.

Nursing opportunities include hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, specialist healthcare organizations and community care.

Salary levels vary by institution, so candidates should compare individual job offers rather than assuming that every nurse in Kaunas earns the national average.

Nurse Salaries in Other Lithuanian Cities

Nurses work throughout Lithuania, including in:

• Vilnius
• Kaunas
• Klaipėda
• Šiauliai
• Panevėžys
• Alytus
• Marijampolė
• Telšiai
• Utena
• Tauragė

Regional healthcare institutions can publish their own salary information. Differences in salary can reflect local labour markets, institution size, specialization, staffing needs and additional payments.

Nurse Salary by Nursing Role

Nurses can work in many different areas of healthcare. The role and level of responsibility can influence salary.

There is no single official Lithuanian national salary range for each nursing specialization. Actual offers should be checked directly with the employer.

ICU Nurse Salary in Lithuania

Intensive care nursing involves highly specialized clinical knowledge and care of seriously ill patients.

ICU nurses may receive higher compensation than some general nursing positions when specialist qualifications, experience, night work and other responsibilities are taken into account.

However, Lithuania does not publish one universal national ICU nurse salary, so salary comparisons should be based on current vacancies and employer information.

Emergency Nurse Salary in Lithuania

Emergency nursing can involve irregular working hours, nights, weekends and high-pressure clinical situations.

These working conditions can affect total compensation, particularly where an employer provides additional payments for nights, weekends, holidays or other irregular working hours.

Nursing Salary in Lithuania: Gross vs Net Salary

The figures on this page are primarily gross salaries, meaning salary before taxes and employee deductions.

A nurse earning €2,621 gross per month does not receive €2,621 as take-home pay. The final amount depends on applicable income tax, social insurance contributions, the employee's circumstances and other deductions.

When comparing two nursing jobs, always check whether the advertised amount is:

• Gross or net salary
• For full-time or part-time employment
• Before or after additional payments
• Inclusive or exclusive of bonuses
• Based on a standard schedule or shift work

Do Nurses Earn More With Night and Weekend Shifts?

Potentially. Nursing frequently involves work outside standard daytime hours. Night shifts, weekends and public holidays can influence total earnings depending on the employer's compensation system.

Two nurses with the same basic salary can therefore have different total annual earnings if they work different schedules.

What Factors Affect a Nurse's Salary in Lithuania?

• Professional qualification
• Years of nursing experience
• Specialization
• Hospital or healthcare employer
• City and region
• Full-time or part-time employment
• Night shifts
• Weekend and public holiday work
• Overtime
• Management responsibilities
• Additional qualifications
• Professional training
• Bonuses and allowances

Nursing Shortage in Lithuania

Nursing demand is an important issue in Lithuania. The country's National Public Health Centre, under the Ministry of Health, reported in 2026 that Lithuania is experiencing an increasing need for nurses.

An official initiative cited a projection that Lithuania could face a shortage of approximately 4,643 general-practice nurses by 2032. It also reported that approximately 22,300 nurses were practising in Lithuania in 2024.

This suggests that nursing can remain an important profession in Lithuania over the long term, although shortages can differ between regions and healthcare specialties.

Where Can Nurses Work in Lithuania?

Qualified nurses can work across many areas of the Lithuanian healthcare system, including:

• Public hospitals
• Private hospitals
• Primary healthcare centres
• Specialist clinics
• University hospitals
• Rehabilitation centres
• Psychiatric healthcare
• Residential elderly care
• Home nursing
• Community healthcare
• Outpatient healthcare
• Long-term care institutions

Major Healthcare Employers and Institutions

Lithuania has a broad healthcare system involving public hospitals, municipal healthcare institutions, private clinics and specialist medical organizations.

When looking for nursing employment, candidates should check the official career pages of healthcare institutions as well as Lithuanian employment portals.

Large cities such as Vilnius and Kaunas provide particularly broad healthcare employment markets, while regional hospitals and healthcare centres can also offer important opportunities.

Nursing Jobs in Lithuania for Foreigners

Foreign-trained nurses can potentially work in Lithuania, but nursing is a regulated healthcare profession. Foreign professionals therefore need to pay particular attention to professional qualification recognition, licensing, language and immigration requirements.

Professional licensing and healthcare-specialist procedures are handled through Lithuania's competent healthcare accreditation authorities.

Recognition of Foreign Nursing Qualifications

If you obtained your nursing qualification outside Lithuania, you should check whether your professional qualification needs recognition before practising.

The applicable procedure can depend on where the qualification was obtained, whether the qualification is from an EU or EEA country, and the specific professional qualification involved.

The Lithuanian healthcare licensing system provides electronic procedures for healthcare professionals, including applications related to nursing practice licences.

Do not assume that a foreign nursing diploma automatically gives permission to work as a nurse in Lithuania.

EU / EEA and Other Foreign Qualifications

Recognition procedures can differ depending on the country where the nursing qualification was obtained.

Applicants with qualifications from EU or EEA countries may benefit from European professional recognition rules in applicable circumstances, while qualifications from countries outside the EU/EEA can require a different assessment.

The exact procedure should be verified with the Lithuanian competent authority before applying for nursing jobs.

Do Nurses Need Lithuanian to Work in Lithuania?

For most patient-facing nursing positions, communication skills are extremely important.

Nurses need to communicate with patients, relatives, doctors, other nurses and healthcare professionals. Lithuanian is therefore an important advantage and may be required by individual employers or positions.

Some international healthcare environments may use English or other languages, but foreign applicants should not assume that English alone will be sufficient for every clinical nursing position.

Learning Lithuanian can significantly expand employment opportunities and make it easier to communicate safely and effectively with patients.

Nursing Qualifications in Lithuania

Nursing education in Lithuania provides pathways to professional nursing practice. The exact qualification required depends on the nursing role and the applicable Lithuanian regulations.

Candidates should verify that their education meets the requirements for the specific professional licence and position they intend to pursue.

Professional licensing information is available through Lithuania's healthcare accreditation and licensing system.

How to Find a Nursing Job in Lithuania

1. Confirm that your nursing qualification is recognized or eligible for recognition.
2. Check the professional licensing requirements.
3. Check Lithuanian-language requirements for your target employer.
4. Prepare a professional CV in English and, where appropriate, Lithuanian.
5. List your nursing qualification clearly.
6. Include your clinical experience and specialization.
7. Highlight ICU, emergency, surgical or other specialist experience.
8. Apply directly to hospitals, clinics and healthcare organizations.
9. Compare gross salary, net salary and additional payments.
10. Check working hours, shift schedules and employment conditions before accepting an offer.

You can also explore our wider employment guide:

Jobs in Lithuania for Foreigners

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Vilnius Per Month?

There is no single official salary that applies to every nurse in Vilnius. Salaries depend on the healthcare institution, qualification, experience, specialization and workload.

The national Ministry of Health benchmark of approximately €2,621 gross per month in Q1 2025 can be used as a useful comparison point, but current Vilnius job offers should be checked individually.

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Lithuania Per Year?

Using the national average of €2,621 gross per month as a simple reference gives:

• Monthly gross reference: approximately €2,621
• Annual gross equivalent: approximately €31,452

Actual annual income can be higher or lower depending on working hours, experience, specialization, overtime, shift allowances and bonuses.

Highest-Paying Nursing Career Paths in Lithuania

Nurses who want to increase their earning potential can consider specialization, additional qualifications or management positions.

• Intensive care nursing
• Emergency nursing
• Operating room nursing
• Specialist nursing
• Senior nursing positions
• Nurse team leadership
• Clinical coordination
• Nursing management
• Healthcare administration

Salary should not be the only consideration when selecting a nursing specialization. Working conditions, workload, professional development, shift requirements and long-term career opportunities are also important.

Is Nursing a Good Career in Lithuania?

Nursing can be a promising long-term career in Lithuania because healthcare services require qualified nursing professionals throughout the country.

The projected nursing shortage is also an important factor. Official Lithuanian information indicates that demand for nurses is expected to remain significant, with a projected shortage of thousands of general-practice nurses by 2032.

At the same time, nurses should compare salary with Lithuania's cost of living, housing, transport, taxes and working conditions before choosing an employer.

Nurse Salary in Lithuania vs Other European Countries

Lithuanian nursing salaries are generally lower in nominal terms than salaries in some higher-income Western European countries.

However, salary comparisons should always consider local living costs. A nurse should compare:

• Gross salary
• Net salary
• Rent
• Utilities
• Transport
• Taxes
• Healthcare and other expenses
• Working hours
• Annual leave
• Career progression

A lower gross salary does not automatically mean a lower standard of living. The complete financial and employment package matters.

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LithuaniaInfo is building a broader salary and employment database covering different professions and career levels in Lithuania.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Salaries in Lithuania

How much does a nurse earn in Lithuania?

Lithuanian Ministry of Health data reported an average nurse salary of approximately €2,621 gross per month in the first quarter of 2025. Actual salaries vary according to employer, experience, qualification, specialization and workload.

What is the average nurse salary in Lithuania?

The latest national reference used on this page is approximately €2,621 gross per month for nurses in Q1 2025.

How much does a nurse earn per year in Lithuania?

Using €2,621 as the monthly reference gives an annualized gross amount of approximately €31,452. Actual annual earnings vary.

How much does a nurse earn in Vilnius?

There is no single salary for all nurses in Vilnius. Pay depends on the hospital or clinic, qualification, experience, specialization, employment percentage and additional payments.

Do nurses earn more in Vilnius than elsewhere in Lithuania?

Vilnius has a large healthcare employment market, but salary differences depend on individual employers and positions. Candidates should compare current job offers rather than assume that location alone determines salary.

Can foreign nurses work in Lithuania?

Yes. Foreign-trained nurses can work in Lithuania if they meet the applicable professional qualification recognition, licensing, employment and immigration requirements.

Is a foreign nursing diploma automatically recognized in Lithuania?

No. Recognition depends on the qualification, the country where it was obtained and the applicable Lithuanian recognition procedure.

Do nurses need Lithuanian to work in Lithuania?

Lithuanian is important for most patient-facing nursing positions because nurses must communicate effectively with patients and healthcare colleagues. Exact requirements depend on the employer and position.

What is the highest-paying nursing specialization in Lithuania?

Specialist and leadership positions can provide higher earning potential than standard nursing roles. Intensive care, emergency nursing, specialist nursing and management are examples of career paths that can potentially lead to higher compensation.

Are nurse salaries in Lithuania gross or net?

The salary figures on this page are gross salaries unless specifically stated otherwise. Taxes and social insurance contributions reduce the amount received by the employee.

Are nurses in demand in Lithuania?

Yes. Lithuania has identified nursing shortages as an important healthcare workforce issue. An official 2026 initiative projected a shortage of approximately 4,643 general-practice nurses by 2032.