Overview of Medical Salaries in Kazakhstan
Working in a prestigious hospital is nice, but the paychecks sometimes could be better. Kazakh doctors and nurses have seen their salaries increasing recently. Time to relocate?
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, the country implemented a gradual increase in medical workers’ salaries from 2020 to 2023. Doctors received up to a 30% raise, while paramedics and other mid-level medical staff saw increases of up to 20%.
Urban vs Rural Salary Differences
To attract workers, salaries in rural areas are higher than in cities. Interesting idea, but what about the higher cost of living in cities? Trade offs for each person to consider.
2024 Salary Breakdown by Profession and Location
As of 2024, the salaries of Kazakhstani medical professionals (with first category qualifications and 13-16 years of experience) break down as follows:
Doctors, including specialists:
- Rural areas: 445,500 tenge (approximately $935)
- Urban areas: 357,500 tenge (approximately $751)
General practice nurses:
- Rural areas: 245,900 tenge (approximately $516)
- Urban areas: 199,200 tenge (approximately $418)
Paramedics:
- Rural areas: 265,100 tenge (approximately $557)
- Urban areas: 217,400 tenge (approximately $457)
Interestingly, when factoring in additional payments, paid services, and other bonuses, the average salary in the second quarter of 2024 amounted to:
- Doctors: 592,300 tenge (approximately $1,244)
- Mid-level medical staff: 292,800 tenge (approximately $615)
- Paramedics: 317,000 tenge (approximately $666)
It’s worth noting that salaries can vary significantly depending on the region. For instance, in Shymkent, doctors earn about 500,000 tenge ($1,050), while in the Kostanay region, they make 350,000 tenge ($735) before additional payments.
Unfortunately, Kazakhstan’s 2024 budget doesn’t provide for further salary increases for medical workers. However, the Ministry of Health plans to petition the government for a pay raise for ambulance paramedics.
Considerations for Medical Professional
How’s that compared to your last month’s salary? Remember, the Kazakh tax man is taking his share. The government gives and takes away.
But it’s always interesting to see how others are living……
About the Author
