Top Canada Provinces for Nurses in 2026: Jobs, Salaries, & Growth Opportunities
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With the ongoing shortage of nurses, top provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are offering high salaries and numerous immigration pathways. Scroll through and get a comprehensive guide on the top Canada provinces for nurses in 2026.
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The most important step in beginning your nursing career in Canada is choosing the right province. With the growing opportunities for nurses in Canada, it offers numerous openings for both domestic and international healthcare professionals.
To succeed as a nurse in Canada, you must meet specific provincial requirements. This includes having your credentials recognised, obtaining licensure through the appropriate provincial nursing regulatory body, and passing mandatory certification exams such as the NCLEX-RN.
In this article, we highlight the top Canada provinces for nurses in 2026, providing essential information on salary expectations, cost of living, and immigration pathways to help you make an informed career decision.
Demand for International Nurses in Canada
Nurses are in high demand across Canada, and the factors are evident, such as an ageing population, retirements, and healthcare professionals' burnout due to the pandemic. Currently, Canada anticipates a shortage of 117,600 nurses by 2030. Among the many provinces, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta stand out with the highest number of job postings due to their larger populations and extensive healthcare networks.
1 Ontario
Being one of the most populous provinces, Ontario has the highest number of nursing job vacancies. For instance, the Ontario government has invested CAD 4.2 million in funds to expand nursing education and create accelerated RN degree programmes. Cities like Toronto and Ottawa have particularly high demand for nurses or healthcare professionals. The province’s immigration programmes, like the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), target nurses and other healthcare workers. Let’s find out how it is the highest paying province in Canada for nurses:
- Top Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse
- Cost of Living: Moderate to high, with Toronto among the most expensive Canadian cities.
- Salary Expectations: Average RN salaries range from CAD 40-50 per hour, depending on experience.
- Immigration Programs: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) with streams targeting healthcare workers, including nurses.
- Key Employers: Hospitals and healthcare authorities in Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton.
- Job Market Trends: Growing demand in urban and rural healthcare; increased focus on increasing nursing education.
2. British Columbia
British Columbia is quite a popular choice for many professionals. The province has a robust demand for nurses, particularly in urban areas such as Vancouver. It also offers specific immigration streams for healthcare workers through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The province aims to bridge programs to support internationally educated nurses entering the BC workforce.
- Top Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), Home and Community Care Nurse
- Cost of Living: High, especially in Vancouver, with expensive housing and transportation costs.
- Salary Expectations: Average RN wages are approximately. CAD 40-48/hour.
- Immigration Programs: BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) includes healthcare worker streams for nurses.
- Key Employers: Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, and Providence Health Care; regional health authorities in British Columbia
- Job Market Trends: Increased union activities; focus on rural healthcare expansions and bridging programs for immigrants.
Also Read: What is the Leadership & Innovation Express Entry Category in Canada?
3. Alberta
Alberta has one of Canada’s best-funded healthcare systems, making it a preferred destination for opportunities for nurses in Canada. The province has a high demand, especially in major cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta also invests significantly in programs to help internationally educated nurses integrate into the workforce. Alberata offers high wages with CAD 45-55 per hour for RNs in urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton.
- Top Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Infection Control Nurse
- Cost of Living: Moderate, with cities like Calgary and Edmonton more affordable than Toronto/Vancouver.
- Salary Expectations: Among the highest in Canada, CAD 45-55/hour for RNs.
- Immigration Programs: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) targets healthcare professionals, including nurses.
- Key Employers: Alberta Health Services, large hospitals, and specialty clinics.
- Job Market Trends: Investments in healthcare infrastructure are driving demand for specialist nurses.
4. Nova Scotia
Based in the Atlantic Region, Nova Scotia has a significant nursing shortage and is recruiting nurses. The province's immigration programs are consistently issuing invitations to healthcare workers.
- Top Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Educator, Community Health Nurse, Critical Care Nurse
- Cost of Living: Moderate; Halifax has a growing cost but is still more affordable compared to major provinces.
- Salary Expectations: RN salaries range from CAD 35-45/hour.
- Immigration Programs: Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) actively recruits healthcare workers through specific streams.
- Key Employers: Nova Scotia Health Authority, IWK Health Centre.
- Job Market Trends: Focus on rural and community healthcare with incentives for nursing retention.
5. Quebec
Quebec is also among the top Canada provinces for nurses in 2026 with a high demand for nurses. But here is a catch: Quebec has its own unique immigration system, and proficiency in French is often a requirement for nurses. The province offers various programs to assist foreign nurses with the transition and licensing process.
- Top Role: Registered Nurse (Infirmière autorisée), Licensed Practical Nurse (Infirmière auxiliaire), Nurse Clinician (Infirmière clinicienne), Nurse Educator, Mental Health Nurse
- Cost of Living: Lower compared to Ontario and BC, especially outside Montreal; housing is more affordable.
- Salary Expectations: CAD 38-44/hour for registered nurses.
- Immigration Programs: Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) requires French proficiency; healthcare streams are available.
- Key Employers: CISSS and CIUSSS healthcare networks, CHU de Québec.
- Job Market Trends: Strong demand combined with language training programs for immigrants.
Also Read: Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students
6. Manitoba and Saskatchewan
If you are looking for a lower cost of living but a highest paying province in Canada for nurses, both Manitoba and Saskatchewan are great options. These provinces have their own PNPs with specific streams for skilled workers in the healthcare sector, helping to address local labor shortages.
- Top Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Rural Health Nurse, Community Health Nurse
- Cost of Living: Low to moderate, with more affordable housing and lower utility costs.
- Salary Expectations: RN salaries CAD 35-42/hour range.
- Immigration Programs: Provincial Nominee Programmes with dedicated healthcare worker routes.
- Key Employers: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
- Job Market Trends: Growing rural healthcare demand and provincial incentives focused on retention and immigrant integration.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Canada Province for Nursing Jobs
When choosing a Canadian province for nursing jobs, one should consider factors like salary potential, living costs, licensing hurdles for internationally educated nurses (IENs), language needs, immigration options via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Here is a in-depth description of the factors when choosing a Canada province for nursing jobs:
- Salary and Cost of Living
Compare average nursing salaries across all provinces and consider them against local living costs like housing, transportation, and food. Higher salaries in big cities may be offset by higher living expenses.
- Licensing and Credentials
Each province has a regulatory authority with specific licensing requirements (e.g., NCLEX-RN exam). Find out the credential assessment process and any bridging programs available for internationally educated nurses (IENs).
- Specific Language Requirements
Some provinces require language proficiency; for example, Quebec requires French proficiency for nursing jobs and immigration eligibility. English is essential in other provinces; some may offer language training support.
- Immigration Pathways and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provinces differ in dedicated areas like immigration streams for nurses, some requiring job offers, others not. Look into PNPs and Express Entry draws prioritizing healthcare professionals.
- Job Market Demand and Growth Potential
Find out the current nursing shortages and projected job openings by Province. Provinces with acute shortages may offer better job security and faster career growth.
Choosing a Canadian province to provide nursing is a strategy that depends on personal and professional targets. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta offer good salaries and better opportunities; other provinces like Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan provide a lower cost of living and specific immigration routes. It's up to you to evaluate all factors like salary, licensing, and language requirements. Nurses can find the province that best suits their aspirations for a rewarding career and life in Canada.
Ready to Start Your Nursing Career in Canada?
Ready to start your journey? Get a head start on your Canadian nursing career and settle in one of the top Canada provinces for nurses by connecting with an immigration consultant or a provincial regulatory body to assess your eligibility and explore your best options today.
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