Are you wondering how much nurses earn in Ghana in 2025, their salary structure, allowances, and grades? This guide provides a complete and clear breakdown of what Ghanaian nurses earn at each level, their benefits, how promotions affect pay, and answers to the most common questions about nursing salaries.
Whether you’re a student planning to study nursing, preparing for employment, or simply curious about the nursing salary structure and grades in Ghana, this article explains everything in simple language.
We will break down the nurses’ pay by grade, show allowances, explain benefits, and compare nursing salaries to other health sector jobs. You’ll also see a summary table for quick reference.
Who Are Nurses in Ghana?
Nurses in Ghana are trained healthcare professionals who care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. They help with treating patients, administering medication, monitoring recovery, educating families about care, and ensuring hygiene and comfort.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ministry of Health, teaching hospitals, private hospitals, and NGOs employ nurses in both urban and rural areas.
Nursing is a respected and rewarding career that offers stable income, growth opportunities, and a chance to serve the public.
How Much Do Nurses Earn in Ghana in 2025?
The nurses’ salary structure in Ghana in 2025 depends on your grade, qualification, years of service, and workplace. Nurses are paid monthly, and salaries increase with promotions and experience.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the salary structure for nurses at various grades.
Entry-Level Nurses
Auxiliary Nurse / Health Assistant
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500
Grade: Level 10–12
Responsibilities: Assisting registered nurses, providing basic care, helping with hygiene, feeding, and cleaning patients.
Enrolled Nurse
Monthly Salary: GHS 1,500 – GHS 2,000
Grade: Level 12–13
Responsibilities: Supporting registered nurses, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and reporting patient progress.
Mid-Level Nurses
Staff Nurse
Monthly Salary: GHS 2,200 – GHS 2,800
Grade: Level 13–15
Responsibilities: Providing direct patient care, managing wards, supervising junior staff, documenting care plans.
Senior Staff Nurse
Monthly Salary: GHS 3,000 – GHS 4,200
Grade: Level 15–16
Responsibilities: Leading nursing teams, planning and implementing care, training junior nurses, maintaining standards.
Senior-Level Nurses
Principal Nursing Officer
Monthly Salary: GHS 4,500 – GHS 6,000
Grade: Level 17–18
Responsibilities: Supervising large departments, policy implementation, mentoring staff, evaluating care quality.
Deputy Director of Nursing
Monthly Salary: GHS 7,000 – GHS 9,000
Grade: Level 19–20
Responsibilities: Strategic planning, managing nursing resources, interdepartmental coordination, representing nursing at the executive level.
Director of Nursing Services
Monthly Salary: GHS 10,000 – GHS 12,000+
Grade: Level 21+
Responsibilities: Head of nursing in a region or national level, making policies, managing budgets, overseeing thousands of staff.
Summary Table: Nursing Salary Structure & Grades in Ghana (2025)
| Grade / Position | Salary Range (GHS) | Estimated Monthly Allowances (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Nurse / Health Assistant | 1,200 – 1,500 | 300 – 500 |
| Enrolled Nurse | 1,500 – 2,000 | 400 – 600 |
| Staff Nurse | 2,200 – 2,800 | 600 – 800 |
| Senior Staff Nurse | 3,000 – 4,200 | 800 – 1,200 |
| Principal Nursing Officer | 4,500 – 6,000 | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Deputy Director of Nursing | 7,000 – 9,000 | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Director of Nursing Services | 10,000 – 12,000+ | 3,000 – 4,500 |
Allowances for Nurses in Ghana in 2025
Apart from their basic salaries, nurses in Ghana also receive allowances. These allowances depend on grade, location, and type of work. They improve the total earnings of nurses significantly.
Common Nursing Allowances:
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Uniform Allowance: GHS 300 – GHS 500 (to cover uniforms and shoes)
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Risk Allowance: GHS 500 – GHS 1,500 (for those in high-risk areas or wards)
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Rural/Deprived Area Allowance: GHS 400 – GHS 1,200 (for those posted to rural areas)
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Housing Allowance: GHS 600 – GHS 1,800 (if accommodation isn’t provided)
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Transport Allowance: GHS 300 – GHS 800 (for commuting)
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On-Call/Shift Allowance: GHS 200 – GHS 600 (for night and weekend shifts)
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Leave Allowance: Paid during annual leave, equal to about one month’s salary.
Nursing Grades and Career Path in Ghana
The nursing profession in Ghana has a clear career path. Promotions depend on education, experience, and performance.
Nursing Grades:
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Auxiliary Nurse / Health Assistant
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Enrolled Nurse
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Staff Nurse
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Senior Staff Nurse
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Principal Nursing Officer
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Deputy Director of Nursing
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Director of Nursing Services
Promotions come with higher salaries, more responsibilities, and better allowances.
Comparison: Nurses Salaries in Ghana vs Other Health Workers
| Profession | Entry-Level Salary (GHS) | Senior-Level Salary (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurses | 1,200 – 1,500 | 12,000+ |
| Midwives | 1,500 – 2,000 | 10,000+ |
| Doctors | 4,500 – 6,000 | 25,000+ |
| Pharmacists | 3,000 – 4,500 | 15,000+ |
| Physician Assistants | 2,500 – 3,500 | 10,000+ |
While doctors and pharmacists earn more, nursing offers good job security, decent pay, and allowances especially for rural service and senior roles.
How Nurses Salaries Are Paid in Ghana
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Paid monthly by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
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Deposited directly into nurses’ bank accounts.
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Payslip shows salary, allowances, deductions (taxes, pensions).
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Pensions guaranteed under SSNIT after retirement.
Benefits of Being a Nurse in Ghana
Besides salary and allowances, nurses enjoy several benefits:
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Job Security: Permanent government employment.
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Career Growth: Opportunities to upgrade qualifications and rise in rank.
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Pension: Paid after retirement.
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Health Care: Free or subsidized healthcare for nurses and families.
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Training Opportunities: For professional development and specialization.
Cost of Living vs Nurses Salary in Ghana (2025)
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Food & Groceries | 600 – 1,000 |
| Transport | 300 – 500 |
| Rent (if not in government quarters) | 700 – 1,500 |
| Utilities & Airtime | 200 – 400 |
Even entry-level nursing salaries can sustain a modest lifestyle, especially with allowances.
How Promotions Affect Nurses Salary in Ghana
Promotion depends on:
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Years of service
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Higher qualifications
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Performance evaluations
Each promotion comes with a new grade, higher basic pay, and increased allowances. For example, moving from Staff Nurse to Senior Staff Nurse can add GHS 800 – GHS 1,400 to monthly earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nurses Salaries in Ghana
What is the starting salary for a nurse in Ghana in 2025?
GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,500 for auxiliary nurses; GHS 1,500 – GHS 2,000 for enrolled nurses.
How much does a Senior Staff Nurse earn?
Around GHS 3,000 – GHS 4,200 plus allowances.
Do nurses receive housing?
Some hospitals provide quarters; if not, a housing allowance is paid.
Is there a rural allowance?
Yes, nurses posted to deprived areas receive an additional allowance.
Are nurses paid during training?
Student nurses receive a small monthly allowance while in training.
Do nurses in private hospitals earn the same?
No, private hospital salaries vary but are sometimes lower than government salaries.
Final Thoughts: Is a Nursing Career Worth It in Ghana in 2025?
The nurses’ salary structure in Ghana in 2025, combined with allowances, job security, and career opportunities, makes nursing a respected and stable profession. Though the work can be physically and emotionally demanding, the financial and personal rewards are significant.
Whether you are just starting your nursing journey or aiming for senior positions, the profession offers a clear growth path and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
If you are considering nursing as a career in Ghana, the answer is yes — it is a worthwhile and honorable choice.