Nurse Salary in Canada in 2025: Average Salary, Skills, and Requirements
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Table of Contents
- Nurse Salary in Canada: Based on Experience
- Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Canada
- Highest Paid Nurses in Canada
- In-Demand Skills for Nurse Jobs in Canada
- Top Hospitals Hiring Nurses in Canada
- Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries in Canada
- Scope for Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Minimum Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada
- Nurse Salaries in Canada: Be Part of Evolving Canadian Healthcare
Canada’s Healthcare system offers competitive compensation and benefits for Nurses. The average nurse salary in Canada is about CAD 72,740 annually or CAD 37.30 per hour (ca.talent.com).
As of January 2025, there are over 12,000 registered nurse job openings across the country, reflecting a strong demand for healthcare professionals. This growing demand presents promising career prospects for both current and aspiring nurses in Canada. This article will further delve into the details of nurse salary in Canada, scope for nurses, requirements, top hospitals and more.
Nurse Salary in Canada: Based on Experience
The Salary ranges for Nurses vary based on the skills, expertise and more. The average salary in Canada for fresher nurse vs salary in Canada for experienced nurse is as follows:
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Salary Range (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Nurse Salary | 1-5 years | 40,000 to 65,000 |
| Mid Level Nurse Salary | 5-10 years | 50,000 to 80,000 |
| High Level/ Experienced Nurse Salary | 10+ years | 60,000 to 130,000 |
Also Explore: Unlocking the Door to Canada's Healthcare System
Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Canada
The scope for nurses in Canada is quite competitive among its provinces. Considering the growing shortage of nurses the Canadian government has announced their planned investment of CAD 743 million for program targeting enrollment and retention of nurses.
How much does a nurse make in Canada? The salary of a full time experienced nurses in Canada ranges between C$75,000 to C$ 95,000 respectively. Let us now learn about the highest, lowest and average nurse salary in Canada’s top paying cities for Nurses.
|
Cities
|
Salaries (in CAD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Salary | Lowest Salary | Average Salary | |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | 139,630 | 63,606 | 83,908 |
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 121,451 | 64,625 | 89,804 |
| Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island | 117,270 | 67,558 | 92,000 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | 116,334 | 57,574 | 82,922 |
| Calgary, Alberta | 116,334 | 57,574 | 69,710 |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia | 115,377 | 41,912 | 79,279 |
| Montreal, Quebec | 111,259 | 43,118 | 70,573 |
| Vancouver, BC | 110,000 | 56,000 | 69,377 |
| Toronto, Ontario | 95,908 | 66,996 | 82,841 |
| Moncton, New Brunswick | 90,204 | 67,204 | 52,367 |
Highest Paid Nurses in Canada
The advantage of working as a Nurse in Canada is that you get to choose from diverse job roles and career paths available based on your education, preference and expertise. Some of the popular nursing jobs along with average annual salary in Canada are:
| Job | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 87,486 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 58,050 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 105,293 |
| Critical Care Nurse | 80,420 |
| Community Health Nurse | 79,143 |
| Pediatric Nurse | 72,560 |
*Source: Glassdoor
In-Demand Skills for Nurse Jobs in Canada
Now that you have learnt about the Salary in Canada for fresher nurses, average salaries of nurses in top 10 cities for nurses and more, let us further delve into what are the current in demand skills for Nuses in Canada.
| Skill | Expertise |
|---|---|
| Clinical Expertise | Candidate must have expertise in clinical skills along with the ability to value patient care |
| Communication Skills | Candidate must be competent to communicate freely with the patients and their family |
| Technological Knowledge | Nurses should also be familiar with technological aspects like Electronic health records (EHRs) Medical devices Healthcare technologies |
| Cultural Competence | Nurses must have an understanding and respect to the cultural differences of their work locations |
| Continuous Learning Ability | Zeal to keep upskilling is crucial to be up to date with advances in healthcare ecosystem, pursue certifications etc. |
| Critical Thinking | Candidates must have ability to analyse patient data, timely response to emergencies, etc. |
Read More: Guide to Canada Immigration For Nurses From India
Top Hospitals Hiring Nurses in Canada
Now that you have got an idea of the salary ranges of Nurses in Canada based on experience, location, etc, one more crucial aspect that influences your nurse salary in Canada is the organization you would be associated with. The top hospitals hiring nurses in Canada include:
| Companies | Average Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic | 60,000 - 120,000 |
| Cleveland Clinic | 55,000 - 110,000 |
| Johns Hopkins Hospital | 60,000 - 120,000 |
| Kaiser Permanente | 70,000 - 130,000 |
| University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | 65,000 - 125,000 |
| Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) | 65,000 - 120,000 |
| Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | 70,000 - 140,000 |
Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries in Canada
So far we have learnt about average nurse salary in Canada, and the essential skills required to secure a high paying nurse role in Canada, let us now explore the factors that influence how much nurses earn in Canada.
- Education Level: Higher education often leads to better pay registered nurses with a bachelor degree in nursing typically earn more than those with the diploma
- Job Title and Workplace: Salaries vary based on job rules and work settings Nurses employed in government hospitals or large healthcare facilities generally receive higher wages than those working in private clinics or home care services.
- Experience: More years in the profession translate to higher salaries. Experienced nurses in Canada earn more due to their advanced skills and expertise.
- Location: Geographical location significantly impacts earnings nurses in major cities like Toronto often receive higher salaries than those in smaller towns or rural areas
- Work Shifts and Overtime: Night shifts and overtime can boost a nurse income as those roles typically offer higher pay rates
- Demand for Nurses: Salary level rises in response to health care demands. Regions facing a nursing shortage tend to offer better compensation to attract and retain professionals.
Also Explore: Nursing Courses in Canada for International Students - Top Universities, Eligibility, and More
Scope for Nursing Jobs in Canada
The scope of nurses in Canada is extensively growing in all the provinces of the nation and in order to meet the demand the country is all all geared up to offering a varied and competitive opportunities for nurses. So of the key highlights with respect to Nursing Career In Canada include:
- The Conference Board of Canada stated the demand for nursing as a career will double in the next 10 years, i.e. from 64,000 to 142,000.
- As a registered nurse in Canada, you can earn CAD 60,000 to CAD 104,000 per annum
- Nurses have the flexibility to choose their working hours or schedule slot along with the type of work they would prefer to engage i.e.., part-time or full-time
- Canada’s category specific immigration programs offer the opportunities for international nurses to join Canadian healthcare system, simplifying nurse’s move to Canada
Explore the Best Countries for Nurses to Work and Live
Minimum Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada
To become a nurse in Canada along with skills there are a few more eligibility requirements to be met. However, the regulations might vary depending on the job role or your chosen specialization. The basic criteria to work in Canada as a nurse includes:
- Degree in Nursing from recognized University or college or equivalent
- Must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- Must have register with one of the either Canadian Nurses Association (CAN) or Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR).
- Obtain a nursing license for the chosen province in Canada
- Proof of work authorization in Canada or permanent residency, etc.
- Must demonstrate language proficiency ability (English or French or both)
Nurse Salaries in Canada: Be Part of Evolving Canadian Healthcare
Nursing in Canada is a rewarding career, diverse opportunities, and job security. With a growing need for healthcare professionals, nurses can expect promising career prospects and salary growth, especially in high demand regions. The average salary for nurse per hour in Canada in 2025 remains highly competitive, influenced by factors such as job location, employer type, work experience and skill proficiency.
Whether you are an aspiring nurse or looking to advance your career, investing in higher education gaining experience and exploring specialised rules can help maximise your earning potential. Do you also aspire to become a BSc Nurse in Canada? Seek GetGIS expert assistance, tailored to meet your end-to-end requirements for Canada Immigration.
Read More about: Different Canada Visa types from India for Indians
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Frequently Asked Questions
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