HOW MUCH DOES A NURSE GET PAID IN ZAMBIA? COMPLETE HEALTHCARE & TEACHER SALARY GUIDE 2025

Healthcare professionals and teachers form the backbone of Zambia’s social services, providing essential care and education to millions of citizens. Understanding salary structures for these critical professions helps aspiring professionals make informed career decisions while providing current workers with salary benchmarking information. This comprehensive guide explores how much nurses, teachers, midwives, and clinical officers get paid in Zambia in 2025, including detailed breakdowns by experience level, qualification, and employment sector.

How Much Does a Nurse Get Paid in Zambia?

Nursing represents one of Zambia’s most important yet challenging healthcare professions. Salaries vary significantly based on qualifications, experience, and employment sector.

Average Nurse Salary Overview

A Registered Nurse working in Zambia will typically earn around 55,580 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 26,100 ZMW to the highest average salary of 88,620 ZMW. These are average salaries for a Registered Nurse in Zambia and include benefits such as housing and transport.

Monthly Breakdown:

• Average annual salary: 55,580 ZMW
• Average monthly salary: 4,632 ZMW (approximately $180-200)
• Salary range: 26,100 ZMW to 88,620 ZMW annually

Government vs. Private Sector Nursing Salaries

Government Hospitals (Ministry of Health):

The estimated total pay for a Registered Nurse at Ministry of Health of Zambia is ZMK 5,500 per month. This represents the median for government-employed nurses.

• Entry-level government nurses: 3,500 – 4,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced government nurses: 5,000 – 7,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior nursing officers: 7,500 – 9,000 ZMW monthly

Private Healthcare Facilities:

Private hospitals and clinics typically offer 20-40% higher salaries than government facilities:

• Entry-level private nurses: 5,000 – 6,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced private nurses: 7,000 – 10,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior nurses in premium facilities: 10,000 – 13,000 ZMW monthly

Salary by Experience Level

An early career Registered Nurse (RN) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ZMK 22.50 based on 6 salaries. A mid-career Registered Nurse (RN) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ZMK 57.00 based on 10 salaries.

Detailed Experience Breakdown:

• 0-2 years experience: 26,100 – 35,000 ZMW annually (2,175 – 2,917 ZMW monthly)
• 2-5 years experience: 35,000 – 50,000 ZMW annually (2,917 – 4,167 ZMW monthly)
• 5-10 years experience: 50,000 – 70,000 ZMW annually (4,167 – 5,833 ZMW monthly)
• 10+ years experience: 70,000 – 88,620 ZMW annually (5,833 – 7,385 ZMW monthly)

Gender Pay Gap in Nursing

Interestingly, research shows that in Zambia’s nursing sector, a male registered nurse earns approximately 12% less than a female registered nurse for performing the same job. This reverses the typical gender pay gap seen in many professions.

Bonus and Benefits

A Registered Nurse is a low bonus based job, with 13% of employees reporting at least one bonus in the last 12 months. 87% reported that they had not received any bonuses in the previous 12 months. For the employees that did receive a bonus in the previous 12 months, the reported bonuses ranged from 0% to 4%.

Common Benefits Include:

• Housing allowances (especially in government positions)
• Transport allowances
• Medical insurance
• Pension contributions
• Paid annual leave (typically 30 days)
• Study leave for further education

Diploma Nurses Salary in Zambia Per Month

Diploma nurses represent the largest segment of Zambia’s nursing workforce. Their salaries reflect their training level and responsibilities.

Average Diploma Nurse Salaries

Diploma nurses in Zambia earn competitive salaries, especially considering the demand for healthcare professionals in the country. Based on current data:

Government Sector:

• Entry-level diploma nurses: 3,500 – 4,200 ZMW per month
• Experienced diploma nurses (3-5 years): 4,500 – 5,500 ZMW per month
• Senior diploma nurses (5+ years): 5,500 – 7,000 ZMW per month

Private Sector:

• Entry-level diploma nurses: 4,500 – 5,500 ZMW per month
• Experienced diploma nurses: 6,000 – 8,000 ZMW per month
• Senior positions: 8,000 – 10,000 ZMW per month

Diploma vs. Degree Nurses

The salary differential between diploma and degree-holding nurses ranges from 15-30%:

• Diploma nurses: 3,500 – 7,000 ZMW monthly
• Degree nurses (BSc Nursing): 5,000 – 10,000 ZMW monthly
• Advanced degree holders (MSc): 8,000 – 13,000 ZMW monthly

This gap incentivizes diploma nurses to pursue degree qualifications through bridging programs offered by universities like UNZA and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University.

Types of Nurses in Zambia

Zambia’s healthcare system employs various nursing categories, each with distinct roles, training requirements, and salary structures.

1. Registered Nurses (RN)

Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) or equivalent Training Duration: 4 years university degree Average Salary: 5,000 – 10,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive patient care
• Medication administration
• Patient assessment and planning
• Supervision of enrolled nurses and nursing assistants
• Advanced clinical procedures
• Patient education

2. Enrolled Nurses (Diploma Holders)

Qualification: Diploma in General Nursing Training Duration: 3 years at nursing college Average Salary: 3,500 – 7,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Direct patient care under RN supervision
• Basic clinical procedures
• Vital signs monitoring
• Patient hygiene assistance
• Medication administration (under supervision)
• Medical record maintenance

3. Nurse Midwives

Qualification: Diploma or degree in Midwifery Training Duration: 3-4 years Average Salary: 4,000 – 8,000 ZMW monthly (see detailed section below)

Responsibilities:

• Antenatal care
• Labor and delivery management
• Postnatal care
• Newborn care
• Family planning services
• Maternal health education

4. Nurse Anaesthetists

Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Anaesthesia Training Duration: 3 years diploma + 2 years specialization Average Salary: 7,000 – 12,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Pre-operative assessment
• Anaesthesia administration
• Intra-operative monitoring
• Post-operative care
• Pain management
• Emergency resuscitation

5. Nurse Ophthalmologists

Qualification: BSc in Clinical Ophthalmology or specialized diploma Training Duration: 4 years degree or 3-year specialization Average Salary: 6,000 – 11,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Eye examinations
• Vision testing
• Minor eye procedures
• Post-operative eye care
• Patient education on eye health
• Assisting ophthalmologists

6. Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses

Qualification: BSc in Mental Health & Clinical Psychiatry or Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Training Duration: 3-4 years Average Salary: 5,000 – 9,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Mental health assessment
• Therapeutic interventions
• Medication management for psychiatric patients
• Crisis intervention
• Family counseling
• Community mental health outreach

7. Public Health Nurses

Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Public Health Nursing Training Duration: 3-4 years Average Salary: 4,500 – 8,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Community health education
• Disease prevention programs
• Immunization campaigns
• Health surveillance
• Maternal and child health programs
• Epidemiological investigations

8. Critical Care/ICU Nurses

Qualification: BSc Nursing + Critical Care specialization Training Duration: 4 years + 1-2 years specialization Average Salary: 7,000 – 13,000 ZMW monthly

Responsibilities:

• Intensive care patient monitoring
• Life support equipment operation
• Advanced emergency interventions
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Family support during critical illness
• Multidisciplinary collaboration

Midwife Salary in Zambia Per Month

Midwives play a crucial role in maternal and child health, and their compensation reflects this importance.

Average Midwife Salaries

A Nurse Midwife working in Zambia will typically earn around 68,400 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 31,520 ZMW to the highest average salary of 107,960 ZMW. These are average salaries for a Nurse Midwife in Zambia and include benefits such as housing and transport.

Monthly Salary Breakdown:

• Average annual: 68,400 ZMW
• Average monthly: 5,700 ZMW (approximately $220-240)
• Range: 2,627 ZMW to 8,997 ZMW monthly

Midwife Salaries by Sector

Government Health Centers:

• Entry-level midwives: 3,500 – 4,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced midwives (3-5 years): 5,000 – 6,500 ZMW monthly
• Senior midwives (5+ years): 6,500 – 8,500 ZMW monthly

Mission Hospitals:

• Entry-level: 4,000 – 5,000 ZMW monthly
• Experienced: 5,500 – 7,500 ZMW monthly
• Senior positions: 7,500 – 9,500 ZMW monthly

Private Maternity Clinics:

• Entry-level: 5,000 – 6,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced: 7,000 – 9,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior/supervisory: 9,000 – 12,000 ZMW monthly

Rural vs. Urban Midwife Salaries

Urban Areas (Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola):

• Higher cost of living
• More competition
• Average: 5,000 – 8,000 ZMW monthly

Rural/Remote Areas:

• Government incentive payments
• Hardship allowances
• Average base + allowances: 6,000 – 10,000 ZMW monthly

The government provides rural retention allowances ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 ZMW monthly to encourage midwives to work in underserved areas.

Gender Pay Dynamics

In midwifery, a male nurse midwife earns approximately 7% less than a female nurse midwife for performing the same job. This modest gap reflects the profession’s female dominance and traditional gender associations.

Career Progression for Midwives

Entry Level (0-2 years): 31,520 – 45,000 ZMW annually Junior Midwife (2-5 years): 45,000 – 65,000 ZMW annually Senior Midwife (5-10 years): 65,000 – 85,000 ZMW annually Principal Midwife (10+ years): 85,000 – 107,960 ZMW annually

How Much Does a Clinical Officer Get Paid in Zambia?

Clinical Officers bridge the gap between nurses and doctors, providing essential medical services, particularly in underserved areas.

Average Clinical Officer Salaries

A Clinical Officer working in Zambia will typically earn around 30,700 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 14,200 ZMW to the highest average salary of 45,260 ZMW.

Monthly Earnings:

• Average annual: 30,700 ZMW
• Average monthly: 2,558 ZMW (approximately $100-120)
• Range: 1,183 – 3,772 ZMW monthly

However, more recent 2025 data suggests higher figures: The average salary for a Clinical Officer is $9,200 per year in Zambia, translating to approximately 8,000 – 11,000 ZMW monthly for experienced clinical officers.

Clinical Officer Salary by Qualification

Diploma Level (Clinical Officer-General):

Salaries for COGs are around 5000zmw. This rises to 7000zmw – 8000zmw with promotions to senior positions such as senior or principle clinical officers.

• Entry-level COG: 4,500 – 5,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced COG (3-5 years): 5,500 – 7,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior COG: 7,000 – 8,000 ZMW monthly
• Principal COG: 8,000 – 9,500 ZMW monthly

Degree Level (Medical Licentiate):

Salaries for medical licentiates are around 9000zmw.

• Entry-level licentiate: 8,000 – 9,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced licentiate: 9,500 – 12,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior positions: 12,000 – 15,000 ZMW monthly

Specialized Clinical Officers

Clinical Officer-Psychiatry (COP):

• Entry-level: 5,500 – 6,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced: 6,500 – 8,500 ZMW monthly
• Senior: 8,500 – 10,000 ZMW monthly

Clinical Officer-Anaesthesia:

• Entry-level: 6,000 – 7,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced: 7,500 – 9,500 ZMW monthly
• Senior: 9,500 – 12,000 ZMW monthly

Clinical Officer-Ophthalmology:

• Entry-level: 5,500 – 7,000 ZMW monthly
• Experienced: 7,000 – 9,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior: 9,000 – 11,000 ZMW monthly

Clinical Officer Career Opportunities

Where Clinical Officers Work:

• Government clinics and health centers
• District hospitals
• Mission hospitals
• NGOs (Society for Family Health, CIDRZ, etc.)
• Private clinics
• Teaching institutions (as lecturers)
• Research organizations

Typical Responsibilities:

• Patient examination and diagnosis
• Treatment prescription
• Minor surgical procedures
• Health education
• Immunization programs
• Antenatal and postnatal care
• Emergency medical response

Clinical Officer Salary Growth

From our research, we can see that the average pay raise for a Clinical Officer in Zambia is around 7% every 28 months. What this means is that a Clinical Officer in Zambia can expect to receive an average pay raise of around 3% every 12 months.

Experience-Based Progression:

• 0-2 years: 14,200 – 20,000 ZMW annually (1,183 – 1,667 ZMW monthly)
• 2-5 years: 20,000 – 30,000 ZMW annually (1,667 – 2,500 ZMW monthly)
• 5-10 years: 30,000 – 38,000 ZMW annually (2,500 – 3,167 ZMW monthly)
• 10+ years: 38,000 – 45,260 ZMW annually (3,167 – 3,772 ZMW monthly)

How Much is the Salary for Teachers in Zambia?

Teachers form the foundation of Zambia’s education system, shaping future generations despite often modest compensation.

Average Teacher Salaries

A Teacher working in Zambia will typically earn around 54,500 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 30,840 ZMW to the highest average salary of 87,020 ZMW. These are average salaries for a Teacher in Zambia and include benefits such as housing and transport.

Monthly Breakdown:

• Average annual: 54,500 ZMW
• Average monthly: 4,542 ZMW (approximately $175-190)
• Range: 2,570 – 7,252 ZMW monthly

More recent data suggests: The estimated total pay for a Teacher is ZMW 12,989 per month in the Zambia area, with an average salary of ZMW 9,000 per month.

This discrepancy reflects differences between government teachers (lower salaries) and private/international school teachers (higher salaries).

Teacher Salaries by School Level

Primary School Teachers:

A Primary School Teacher working in Zambia will typically earn around 50,560 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 23,480 ZMW to the highest average salary of 81,960 ZMW.

• Monthly average: 4,213 ZMW ($160-180)
• Entry-level: 2,900 – 3,500 ZMW monthly
• Experienced (5+ years): 4,500 – 6,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior teachers: 6,000 – 7,500 ZMW monthly

Secondary School Teachers:

A Secondary School Teacher working in Zambia will typically earn around 55,320 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 26,780 ZMW to the highest average salary of 86,640 ZMW.

• Monthly average: 4,610 ZMW ($175-195)
• Entry-level: 3,200 – 4,000 ZMW monthly
• Experienced (5+ years): 5,000 – 6,500 ZMW monthly
• Senior teachers: 6,500 – 8,000 ZMW monthly

High School Teachers:

A High School Teacher working in Zambia will typically earn around 69,580 ZMW per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 32,900 ZMW to the highest average salary of 108,320 ZMW.

• Monthly average: 5,798 ZMW ($220-240)
• Entry-level: 4,000 – 5,000 ZMW monthly
• Experienced (5+ years): 6,000 – 8,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior teachers/department heads: 8,000 – 10,000 ZMW monthly

Government vs. Private School Teacher Salaries

Government Schools:

Salaries for English teachers in government schools generally range between 7,000 and 13,000 ZMW ($330 to $620) per month. Compensation can vary depending on location and experience, with more remote areas sometimes offering additional allowances to attract teachers.

• Primary government: 3,000 – 5,000 ZMW monthly
• Secondary government: 4,000 – 7,000 ZMW monthly
• High school government: 5,000 – 9,000 ZMW monthly

Private Schools:

English teachers in private schools can expect to earn between 10,000 and 20,000 ZMW ($470 to $940) per month. Salaries in private schools are generally higher than in public schools, with benefits such as housing allowances or health coverage sometimes included.

• Primary private: 5,000 – 8,000 ZMW monthly
• Secondary private: 7,000 – 12,000 ZMW monthly
• High school private: 10,000 – 16,000 ZMW monthly

International Schools:

Teachers at international schools can expect to earn between 15,000 and 35,000 ZMW ($705 to $1,645) per month, depending on their experience and qualifications. International schools in Zambia generally offer the highest salaries and often come with benefits such as health insurance, housing allowances, and sometimes airfare reimbursements.

• Entry-level international: 12,000 – 18,000 ZMW monthly
• Experienced international: 18,000 – 28,000 ZMW monthly
• Senior/specialized international: 28,000 – 40,000 ZMW monthly

Teacher Salaries by Subject Specialization

High-Demand Subjects (Higher Pay):

• Mathematics: +10-20% above average
• Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology): +10-15%
• Computer Studies/ICT: +15-25%
• English (especially ESL): +10-15%

Standard Subjects:

• Social Studies
• Languages (French, local languages)
• Religious Education
• Arts and Crafts

Teacher Salary by Education Level

Certificate Teachers:

• Annual: 25,000 – 35,000 ZMW (2,083 – 2,917 ZMW monthly)

Diploma Teachers:

• Annual: 35,000 – 55,000 ZMW (2,917 – 4,583 ZMW monthly)

Bachelor’s Degree Teachers:

A Primary School Teacher in Zambia with a bachelor’s degree education can earn an average salary of 31,960 ZMW. A Secondary School Teacher in Zambia with a bachelor’s degree education can earn an average salary of 48,940 ZMW.

• Primary: 31,960 ZMW annually (2,663 ZMW monthly)
• Secondary: 48,940 ZMW annually (4,078 ZMW monthly)

Master’s Degree Teachers:

A Primary School Teacher in Zambia with a master’s degree education can earn an average salary of 60,340 ZMW. A Secondary School Teacher in Zambia with a master’s degree education can earn an average salary of 69,400 ZMW.

• Primary: 60,340 ZMW annually (5,028 ZMW monthly)
• Secondary: 69,400 ZMW annually (5,783 ZMW monthly)

Teacher Career Progression

Teacher (Entry Level): 30,840 – 40,000 ZMW annually Senior Teacher: 45,000 – 60,000 ZMW annually Head of Department: 55,000 – 75,000 ZMW annually Deputy Head Teacher: 65,000 – 85,000 ZMW annually Head Teacher: 80,000 – 110,000 ZMW annually

Gender Pay Gap in Teaching

In teaching, a male teacher earns approximately 6% more than a female teacher for performing the same job. This gap widens at higher levels:

• Primary: 17% male advantage
• Secondary: 14% male advantage
• High school: 9% male advantage

Teacher Salary Increases

From our research, we can see that the average pay raise for a Teacher in Zambia is around 8% every 29 months. What this means is that a Teacher in Zambia can expect to receive an average pay raise of around 3% every 12 months.

Comparative Salary Analysis

Understanding how healthcare and education salaries compare helps professionals evaluate career paths:

Salary Rankings (Monthly Averages)

1. International School Teachers: 15,000 – 35,000 ZMW
2. Critical Care/ICU Nurses: 7,000 – 13,000 ZMW
3. Nurse Anaesthetists: 7,000 – 12,000 ZMW
4. Private School Teachers: 10,000 – 20,000 ZMW
5. Medical Licentiates (Clinical Officers): 8,000 – 15,000 ZMW
6. Nurse Ophthalmologists: 6,000 – 11,000 ZMW
7. Registered Nurses: 5,000 – 10,000 ZMW
8. Senior Teachers (Government): 6,000 – 9,000 ZMW
9. Midwives: 5,000 – 8,000 ZMW
10. Psychiatric Nurses: 5,000 – 9,000 ZMW
11. Clinical Officer-Anaesthesia: 6,000 – 12,000 ZMW
12. Diploma Nurses: 3,500 – 7,000 ZMW
13. Clinical Officer-General: 4,500 – 8,000 ZMW
14. Government Teachers: 3,000 – 7,000 ZMW

Cost of Living Considerations

When evaluating salaries, consider Zambia’s cost of living:

Basic Monthly Expenses (Urban):

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,500 – 3,500 ZMW
• Food: 1,200 – 2,000 ZMW
• Transport: 300 – 800 ZMW
• Utilities: 400 – 700 ZMW
• Total: 3,400 – 7,000 ZMW

Rural Areas: 30-50% lower living costs

Salaries for government healthcare workers and teachers often include housing and transport allowances, significantly improving purchasing power.

Career Advancement Strategies

For Nurses and Midwives

1. Further Education:

• Upgrade diploma to degree (increases salary 30-50%)
• Pursue master’s degrees (adds 40-60% to earnings)
• Specialized certifications (ICU, anaesthesia, ophthalmology)

2. Private Sector Transition:

• Private hospitals pay 20-40% more
• NGOs offer competitive packages
• International organizations provide highest salaries

3. Geographic Mobility:

• Rural hardship allowances add 1,000-2,500 ZMW monthly
• Regional variations favor mining areas (Copperbelt)

For Teachers

1. Educational Advancement:

• Certificate to diploma: +30% salary
• Diploma to degree: +40% salary
• Bachelor’s to master’s: +50% salary

2. School Type Transition:

• Government to private: +50-80% salary
• Private to international: +100-200% salary

3. Subject Specialization:

• STEM subjects command premiums
• ICT/Computer Studies increasingly valuable
• ESL certification opens international opportunities

For Clinical Officers

1. Degree Qualification:

• Upgrade to Medical Licentiate (adds 50-80% to salary)
• BSc Clinical Medicine opens lecturer positions

2. Specialization:

• Anaesthesia, psychiatry, ophthalmology add 20-40%
• Advanced diplomas increase earning potential

3. NGO Opportunities:

• Health NGOs pay 30-60% above government
• International organizations offer premium salaries

Related Career Resources

For individuals considering healthcare or education careers, understanding the complete landscape is essential. Those interested in pursuing medical education should explore Zambian Universities That Offer Medicine and Surgery for comprehensive information about training programs and career pathways.

Additionally, for spiritual encouragement while navigating demanding healthcare and teaching careers, visit ZambianGospel.com for inspirational content, worship music, and community support that strengthens healthcare workers and teachers in their service callings.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals and teachers in Zambia earn modest salaries that reflect the country’s developing economy and public sector budget constraints. Nurses typically earn 3,500 – 10,000 ZMW monthly, with diploma nurses earning 3,500 – 7,000 ZMW per month at the lower end. Teachers’ salaries range from 3,000 – 9,000 ZMW monthly in government schools, while private and international schools offer significantly higher compensation of 10,000 – 35,000 ZMW monthly.

Midwives earn 5,000 – 8,000 ZMW monthly on average, reflecting their critical role in maternal health. Clinical Officers get paid 4,500 – 9,000 ZMW monthly for diploma-level qualifications, with degree holders (medical licentiates) earning 8,000 – 15,000 ZMW monthly.

The types of nurses in Zambia include registered nurses, enrolled nurses, midwives, nurse anaesthetists, psychiatric nurses, public health nurses, and specialized nurses in ophthalmology and critical care. Each category has distinct training requirements and salary structures.

While these salaries appear modest compared to Western standards, they must be evaluated within Zambia’s cost of living context. Government positions often include housing and transport allowances that significantly improve purchasing power. Furthermore, career advancement through additional education, specialization, and private sector transition substantially increases earning potential.

For those committed to serving Zambia through healthcare or education, these careers offer stable employment, social impact, and opportunities for professional growth. Strategic career planning, continuous education, and willingness to specialize or relocate can significantly enhance both impact and income over time.