Nursing Pay in Canada
In Canada, nursing is a well-respected and highly valued profession that plays a critical role in the healthcare system. Nurses are responsible for providing care to patients, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
When it comes to nursing pay in Canada, the salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. Registered nurses earn an average of $80,122 per year, or $41.09 an hour. New nurses in entry-level positions can start earning an average of $41,396 while experienced nurses can make an average of $95,704. Overtime and holiday shifts can increase those earnings; in addition, employers often offer staff bonuses when short-staffed or during extremely busy periods. Shift incentives (night vs. day) can also increase the ultimate income. In this article, we will review the pay for RNs specifically, although the other nursing designations are likely to follow the same pattern of pay. Below is the RN average salaries divided by province:
Alberta: This first province on the list also happens to have one of the highest RN pay rates in Canada, with an average of $89,972/yr, (or $42.52 per hour). This makes the province quite appealing to those in the profession.
British Columbia: This beautiful West Coast province comes in at a close second to Alberta, with an average Registered Nursing salary of $86,329/yr ($40.80/hr) – one of the highest-paid jobs in BC.
Manitoba: The interior prairie province RNs typical salary is $78,398/yr. ($37.05/hr). The rapid growth of Manitoba is expected to drive the RN wages up.
New Brunswick: Despite having Registered Nurses who are often fully bilingual in both French & English, NB is one of the lower-paid provinces when it comes to RNs, averaging $75, 047/yr ($35.47/hr). However, due to many RNs retiring in the upcoming years, the nursing shortage in NB may drive the salaries higher
Newfoundland & Labrador: Nicknamed “The Rock” or “Big Land”, this combo province averages a typical Registered Nurse’s salary at $80,582/hr ($38.09/hr). Better than their New Brunswick neighbor, but not nearly as high as the province on the opposite coast.
Nova Scotia: Registered Nurses working in the “Bluenose” province can expect to earn an average of $80,843/yr ($38.21/hr). Starting annual salaries for the designation is approximately $56,500. Although the entry-level salary is low, the room for growth into a larger salary is significant.
Ontario: The former “Province of Opportunity" has RNs averaging their earnings at $84,042/yr ($39.38/hr). Recently graduated Registered Nurses often start out at $30.17/hr. As the biggest province in Canada, RN jobs are more than aplenty, so negotiating salaries is in RNs' favor.
Prince Edward Island (PEI): As the spud capital of Canada, PEI averages their RN salaries at $81,429/yr ($38.49/hr). Registered Nurses who are fresh out of school can anticipate a starting hourly wage of $27/hr. With experience and additional certifications throughout their careers, this pay increases steadily.
Quebec: The Province of Festivals has RNs earning an average of $79,115/yr ($37.39/hr). Similar to New Brunswick, the rise in RNs retiring, in addition to the high burnout rate within the designation, is creating many shift gaps in the healthcare setting.
Saskatchewan. This Breadbasket of Canada boasts a healthy salary for RNs, averaging $88,518/yr ($41.86/hr). Hourly wages vary from $37-$51/hr. Pretty penny in The Prairies!
Northwest Territories & Nunavut: The Land of the Midnight Sun, also pushes the pay scale of RNs to the great north at a whopping average salary of $104 238/yr ($49.27/hr). So bundle up, bring your blackout drapes, and fill that account!
Yukon: Canada’s Klondike also treats their RNs to premium salaries for the industry. At $101 399/yr ($47.93/hr), these RNs are braving the cold, dark days of the Arctic, but also reaping some of the best-rewarded earnings in RN Canada.
In addition to salary, RNs may receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. There are also opportunities for advancement in the nursing profession, such as becoming a nurse practitioner or a nurse manager, which can lead to higher salaries.
Nursing is a rewarding profession that provides both personal and financial satisfaction. With a growing demand for healthcare services in Canada, there will continue to be a need for skilled and dedicated nurses in the years to come.
