Nurse salaries in Canada are competitive when compared to many other professions and even to nursing roles in several other countries.

However, earnings are not uniform across the board. 

Pay varies based on nursing role, education level, province, years of experience, work setting, and shift type.

In this piece, I will walk you through how much a nurse earns in Canada.

Let’s dive right in.

TL;DR

• Registered Nurses between $75,000 and  $95,000 per year.
• Entry level Registered Nurses earn between $35 and $45 per hour. (This translates to an annual income of approximately $75,000 to $85,000 for full-time work)
• Experienced Registered Nurses commonly earn $90,000 or more annually
• Practical Nurses earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually. (Hourly rates typically fall in the $30 to $40 range, depending on province and employer.)
• Nurse Practitioners in Canada earn between $100,000 and $120,000 per year.

Across Canada, nursing salaries are largely regulated through provincial healthcare systems, unions, and standardized pay grids. 

This means wages are relatively transparent and predictable.

In general, nurses are paid hourly. Annual salary figures are usually calculated based on full-time hours and do not always reflect overtime, shift premiums, or bonuses.

Registered Nurses earn the highest base wages among general nursing roles, while advanced practice nurses such as Nurse Practitioners earn significantly more.

Average Salary for Registered Nurses in Canada

Registered Nurses represent the largest group within the nursing profession in Canada.

On average, Registered Nurses earn between forty and fifty Canadian dollars per hour. 

When calculated annually, this places most full-time Registered Nurses between $75,000 and  $95,000 per year.

This range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation often comes from overtime, weekend premiums, night shift differentials, and statutory holiday pay.

Entry Level Registered Nurse Salaries

Newly licensed Registered Nurses typically begin at the lower end of the pay scale.

Starting wages vary by province and employer, but most entry level Registered Nurses earn between $35 and $45 per hour.

This translates to an annual income of approximately $75,000 to $85,000 for full-time work.

Unlike many professions where pay stagnates early, nursing salaries in Canada increase gradually through structured increments. 

These increases are usually tied to years of service rather than performance reviews.

Salary Progression With Experience

Experience has a direct and predictable impact on nursing earnings in Canada.

After several years of practice, Registered Nurses move up pay grids that increase hourly wages incrementally. 

Nurses with five to ten years of experience often earn near the top of the standard pay range.

Experienced Registered Nurses commonly earn $90,000 or more annually. And they earn this even without supervisory or management responsibilities.

Additional income opportunities often include:

• Overtime shifts
  
• Acting charge nurse roles
  
• Specialty unit assignments
  
• Premium shifts during staffing shortages

Practical Nurse Salaries in Canada

Registered Practical Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role in healthcare delivery across Canada.

Their earnings are lower than those of Registered Nurses, but still competitive compared to many healthcare support roles.

On average, Practical Nurses earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually. Hourly rates typically fall in the $30 to $40 range, depending on province and employer.

As with Registered Nurses, experience and location influence earnings, and wages generally increase over time.

Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Canada

Nurse Practitioners represent the highest earning category within nursing, excluding administrative executive roles.

Due to their advanced education and expanded scope of practice, Nurse Practitioners earn significantly higher salaries than Registered Nurses.

Most Nurse Practitioners in Canada earn between $100,000 and $120,000 per year. 

In some provinces, particularly in underserved or remote regions, earnings can exceed this range.

Nurse Practitioner compensation may include additional incentives tied to patient load, specialty area, or rural service.

Differences Between Hospital and Non Hospital Settings

Work setting has a noticeable effect on nurse compensation.

Hospital based nurses often earn higher base wages due to union agreements and shift premiums.

These roles also offer more consistent access to overtime and premium shifts.

Non-hospital settings such as clinics, long term care facilities, and community health organizations may offer slightly lower base pay. But often provide more regular schedules and reduced physical demands.

Travel nursing and agency nursing can offer higher short term pay, but benefits and job stability may differ.

Provincial Differences in Nurse Pay

Nursing salaries vary by province due to cost of living, demand, and provincial healthcare budgets.

Alberta consistently ranks among the highest paying provinces for nurses. British Columbia and Ontario also offer strong wages, particularly in urban centers.

Provinces with lower populations may offer competitive compensation packages that include incentives such as signing bonuses, relocation assistance, or housing support.

Northern and remote regions often pay higher wages to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

Impact of Shift Type on Earnings

Shift type plays a significant role in total nursing income.

Evening shifts, night shifts, weekends, and statutory holidays typically come with premium pay. These premiums are added on top of base hourly wages.

Nurses who regularly work non standard shifts often earn substantially more annually than those working weekday daytime schedules, even when base pay is identical.

Overtime and Additional Compensation

Overtime pay is common in nursing, particularly in high demand healthcare environments.

The hours are usually compensated at a higher rate, often one and a half times the standard hourly wage. During critical staffing shortages, some employers offer additional bonuses or incentive pay.

While overtime can significantly increase income, it also comes with increased workload and fatigue considerations.

Benefits and Total Compensation Value

Salary figures alone do not fully represent nursing compensation in Canada.

Most nursing roles include comprehensive benefits packages, which may include:

• Health and dental insurance
  
• Pension plans
  
• Paid vacation time
  
• Paid sick leave
  
• Paid statutory holidays
  
• Disability and life insurance
  

When these benefits are factored in, total compensation can be substantially higher than base salary numbers suggest.

Job Security and Long Term Earnings Stability

One of the defining characteristics of nursing in Canada is job security.

The demand for nurses remains consistently high due to population growth, aging demographics, and healthcare system pressures. This demand supports stable employment and predictable income growth over time.

Unlike many industries where wages fluctuate based on market conditions, nursing salaries in Canada are relatively insulated from economic downturns.

Comparison With Other Healthcare Roles

Nurses salary, when compared with many other healthcare professions, nursing offers a strong balance of income, job security, and career mobility.

While some allied health roles may require less education, they often come with lower earning ceilings. Advanced medical roles may earn more but require significantly longer and more expensive training pathways.

Nursing sits in a middle ground that combines strong compensation with accessible career progression.

Factors That Influence Nurse Earnings Most

Several factors consistently influence how much nurses earn in Canada:

• Level of education and licensure
  
• Years of experience
  
• Province of employment
  
• Work setting
  
• Shift type and overtime availability
  
• Specialty area
  

Understanding these factors helps clarify why reported salary figures often vary widely.

Career Advancement and Income Growth Paths

Nurses seeking higher earnings often pursue advancement through specialization or education.

Common pathways include:

• Specialty certifications
  
• Leadership roles
  
• Nurse Practitioner education
  
• Travel or agency nursing
  

Each pathway comes with different trade offs between income, workload, and job stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a U.S. RN work in Canada?

Yes. A U.S. RN can work in Canada, but they must have their credentials assessed through the NNAS and obtain a license from the provincial nursing regulatory body. Immigration authorization is also required

Is Canada good for nurses?

Yes. Canada is considered an excellent country for nurses. It offers competitive salaries, strong job security, good benefits, and opportunities for career growth. Work environments are generally well-structured, and nurses are in high demand across provinces.

Are nurses paid better in Canada or the USA?

U.S. nurses generally earn more, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 USD per year, while Canadian nurses earn around $75,000 to $95,000 CAD ($55,000–$70,000 USD). Canada offers more stability, benefits, and structured pay, whereas the U.S. pays higher in absolute terms.

Is it hard to move to Canada as a nurse?

Not really, but it takes planning. Nurses are in high demand in Canada, but you must have your credentials assessed through the NNAS, get licensed by the provincial nursing body, and have proper work authorization or immigration status. The process can take several months.

Is $100,000 a good salary in Canada?

Yes. Earning $100,000 CAD in Canada is considered a strong salary. It’s well above the national average, can comfortably cover living expenses in most cities, and allows for savings, investments, and a good standard of living.

Conclusion

There you have it. Nursing in Canada offers competitive wages, predictable growth, and strong long term stability.

For individuals researching healthcare careers, nursing remains one of the most financially reliable options available in Canada. 

Do you want to begin a career in nursing? Start by submitting your resume to us.

Or are you looking for healthcare professionals to fill your staff gap in your facility in Canada? Request staffing now.