One of the most common questions I receive is: "How much do nurses make in Canada?"
As someone who made the move to Canada and is living and working as a nurse here, I want to give you the most up-to-date, honest breakdown for 2025.
National Average
The average RN salary in Canada is approximately $75,000–$100,000 per year, depending on province, experience, and specialty.
Hourly rates typically range from $32–$55/hour for RNs.
Province-by-Province Breakdown
Ontario 🇨🇦
Starting RN salary: ~$34/hourExperienced RN salary: ~$48/hourAnnual range: $70,000 – $100,000Largest employer: Ontario Health / Hospital networksBritish Columbia
Starting RN salary: ~$36/hour Experienced RN salary: ~$52/hourAnnual range: $75,000 – $110,000Note: BC has some of the highest nursing wages in CanadaAlberta
Starting RN salary: ~$36/hourExperienced RN salary: ~$55/hourAnnual range: $75,000 – $115,000Note: Alberta offers very competitive wages with no provincial income tax on the first portion of earningsManitoba
Starting RN salary: ~$32/hourExperienced RN salary: ~$46/hourAnnual range: $65,000 – $95,000Saskatchewan
Starting RN salary: ~$33/hourExperienced RN salary: ~$47/hourAnnual range: $68,000 – $97,000Nova Scotia & Atlantic Provinces
Starting RN salary: ~$30/hourExperienced RN salary: ~$44/hourAnnual range: $60,000 – $90,000RPNs and LPNs
Registered Practical Nurses (Ontario) and Licensed Practical Nurses (other provinces) typically earn:
Starting: $25–$28/hourExperienced: $32–$40/hourAnnual: $50,000 – $75,000Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
NPs in Canada earn significantly more:
Average NP salary: $100,000 – $130,000/yearSome specialties: $140,000+What Affects Your Nursing Salary?
Province/Territory – As shown above, Alberta and BC tend to offer the highest wagesSetting – ICU, ER, OR nurses often earn more than general medical-surgicalExperience level – Each collective agreement has salary steps based on years of serviceShift differentials – Night shifts, weekend shifts, and overtime add significantlyUnion membership – Most hospital nurses in Canada are unionized, which protects wagesBenefits Beyond Salary
Canadian nursing positions typically include:
✅ Health and dental benefits✅ Pension plan✅ Paid vacation (3–5 weeks)✅ Sick leave✅ Continuing education allowances✅ RRSP contributionsMy Personal Take
When I moved to Canada, the salary was definitely a factor — and it did not disappoint. The combination of competitive wages, benefits, work-life balance, and career growth opportunities makes nursing in Canada genuinely exceptional compared to many other countries.
If you're planning your journey, research the province that makes most sense for your lifestyle and financial goals. I'm always happy to answer questions — reach out any time!