Nurse Salary in Canada 2026: Requirements, Top Skills, & Best Hospitals
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The average nurse salary in Germany can vary based on province, experience level, speciality, etc. Currently, Registered nurses can earn around CAD 90,000 to CAD 100,000 annually, with higher wage prospects in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia
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Table of Contents
- Average Nurse Salary in Canada in 2026
- Province-Wise Nurse Salary in Canada in 2026
- Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Canada in 2026
- Nurse Salary in Canada Based on Job Role in 2026
- NOC Codes to Look Out for Nursing Occupations in Canada in 2026
- In-Demand Skills for Nurse Jobs in Canada
- Top Hospitals Hiring Nurses in Canada
- Taxes and Net Pay Nurse Salaries in Canada
- Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries in Canada
- Growing Demand for Nurse in Canada
- Minimum Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada
- Be Part of Evolving Canadian Healthcare With ÿմ Assistance
Nursing jobs are one of the most rewarding careers in not just Canada but all around the world. On average, thenurse salary in Canada in 2026is around CAD 90,000 - CAD 100,000 per year, with prospects for higher earning potential in provinces like Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia.
Currently, as of January 2026, there are over 11,000 nurse job vacancies in Canada, which reflects the strong demand and promising career prospects for both current and aspiring nurses in Canada. Moving further, we will explore in detail how factors like experience level, province, hospital, etc influences yournurse salary Canada 2026.
Average Nurse Salary in Canada in 2026
The average registered nurse salary in Canada is around CAD 90,000 - CAD 100,000 per year, depending on factors like education & certifications, level of experience, location, type of employer (hospital), shift work, etc.
ճaverage salary in Canadafor fresher nursesalary in Canada for experienced nurseis as follows (salary source: Indeed):
|
Experience Level |
Years of Experience |
Salary Range (in CAD) |
|
Entry-Level Nurse Salary |
1-5 years |
40,000-65,000 |
|
Mid-Level Nurse Salary |
5-10 years |
50,000-80,000 |
|
Experienced Nurse Salary |
10+ years |
60,000-130,000 |
Province-Wise Nurse Salary in Canada in 2026
NThe nurse salaries in Canada can also vary significantly based on the provinces and territories of your employment. The list of updated BSc nursing salaries in Canada, according to the Job Bank Canada, is as follows:
|
Province Name |
Average Hourly Salary (in CAD) |
|
Northwest Territories |
34 to 83 |
|
Nunavut |
34 to 83 |
|
Yukon |
41 to 54 |
|
British Columbia |
31 to 50 |
|
Alberta |
30 to 52 |
|
Saskatchewan |
36 to 49 |
|
Manitoba |
32 to 49 |
|
Ontario |
26 to 49 |
|
Quebec |
25 to 49 |
|
New Brunswick |
31 to 46 |
|
Nova Scotia |
29 to 45 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
30 to 45 |
|
Newfoundland and Labrador |
32 to 45 |
Also Read:Top Canada Provinces for Nurses
Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Canada in 2026
The scope for nurses in Canada is quite competitive among its provinces. Considering the growing shortage of nurses, the Canadian government has announced its planned investment of CAD 743 million for a program targeting enrollment and retention of nurses.
How much does a nurse make in Canada? The salary of a full-time experienced nurse in Canada ranges betweenCAD 50,000 - CAD 130,000, 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 |
Nurse Salary in Canada Based on Job Role in 2026
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 annualsalaries in Canadaare:
|
Job |
Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|
Pediatric Nurse |
104,674 |
|
Registered Nurse |
97,731 |
|
Nurse Practitioner |
92,273 |
|
Critical Care Nurse |
86,554 |
|
Licensed Practical Nurse |
64,201 |
|
Community Health Nurse |
60,483 |
*Source: Indeed
NOC Codes to Look Out for Nursing Occupations in Canada in 2026
We are aware that the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system uses specific codes for different nursing roles. The list of recognised job roles and their NOC codes includes:
- 31301: Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses
- 31302: Nurse Practitioners
- 32101: Licensed Practical Nurses
- 33102: Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
- 31300: Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors
Are you aware of the pathways of process to immigrate and work as a nurse in Canada? If not, we have specifically compiled compiled all the details asCanada immigration for nurses from India
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. |
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 |
Taxes and Net Pay Nurse Salaries in Canada
Canada follows a progressive tax structure, and the same applies to nurses, too. The taxes to be paid by nurses in Canada include federal and provincial income taxes, CPP or QPP contributions, and EI premiums, which could reduce yournet pay nurse salary Canadaby about 20% to 30%, depending on deductions applicable. The overview of applicable federal tax slabs for nurses in Canada includes:
|
Salary Range (in CAD) |
Tax Percentage Applicable |
|
0 - 55,867 |
14% |
|
55,867 - 111,733 |
20.5% |
|
111,733 - 173,205 |
26% |
|
173,205 - 246,752 |
29% |
|
246,752 and above |
33% |
Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries in Canada
So far, we have learnt about the 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’s degree in nursing typically earn more than those with a 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’s 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.
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Growing Demand for Nurse 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 geared up to offer varied and competitive opportunities for nurses. Some of the key highlights with respect to the 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 opportunities for international nurses to join thehealthcare system in Canada, simplifying nurses’move to Canada
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 registered with either the Canadian Nurses Association (CAN) or the 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)
Be Part of Evolving Canadian Healthcare With ÿմ Assistance
Nursing in Canada is a rewarding career with, 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 a 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 rolescan help maximise your earning potential. Do you also aspire to become a BSc Nurse in Canada? Seekÿմexpert assistance, tailored to meet your end-to-end requirements for Canada Immigration.
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