KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9: Switzerland has emerged as the highest-paying country in the world for 2025, with an average monthly net salary of $8,218, according to a recent report by CEO World magazine. Luxembourg and the United States follow closely behind, offering average monthly incomes of $6,740 and $6,562, respectively.

Kuwait ranks 36th globally, with an average net salary of $1,961 per month, placing it fourth in the Gulf region behind the UAE ($3,770), Qatar ($3,275), and Saudi Arabia ($1,995). The rankings reflect significant disparities in wages worldwide, offering fresh insight for professionals seeking lucrative career opportunities amid uncertain economic conditions.

The top ten highest-paying countries also include Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Singapore. This report arrives as economists caution about an increasingly challenging global economy, with the risk of recession looming large.

Key factors shaping the economic outlook include soaring inflation rates that have eroded purchasing power, ongoing disruptions to supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and escalating geopolitical tensions — from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict to instability in the Middle East and power struggles among major nations.

Highest salaries tend to be concentrated in sectors such as finance and insurance, electricity and mining, information technology, retail, and education. Conversely, industries like administrative support, hospitality, and construction remain among the lowest-paying.

CEO World magazine stresses the importance of factoring in inflation when comparing salaries, noting that rising costs can significantly diminish the real value of wages despite nominal increases. 

Top 100 highest-paying countries 

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