Lowest & Highest Paid Nurses in Canada

October 31, 2022

The salaries of nurses in Canada can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of healthcare system (public or private), the region or province in which they work, and their level of experience and education. Nurses who work in the public healthcare system in Canada may earn lower salaries than those who work in the private healthcare system. This is because public healthcare services are funded by the government, which typically has limited resources to allocate to healthcare services.

The specific groups of nurses who may earn lower salaries can vary depending on the region or province in which they work. For example, in some provinces, registered practical nurses (RPNs) may earn lower salaries than registered nurses (RNs) due to differences in education and scope of practice.

Additionally, nurses who work in certain settings, such as long-term care facilities or community health clinics, may earn lower salaries than those who work in acute care hospitals or specialized clinics.

It's important to note that although some nurses may earn lower salaries than others, all nurses play a critical role in providing high-quality healthcare services to Canadians. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team, and their skills and expertise are essential to ensuring the health and well-being of patients.

In general, the salaries of nurses in Canada tend to be higher in provinces with higher costs of living, such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. However, the specific salaries for nurses in each province can vary widely depending on factors such as collective bargaining agreements, government funding for healthcare services, and local demand for healthcare professionals.

That being said, some provinces in Canada may have lower average salaries for nurses than others. For example, in 2021, the median hourly wage for a registered nurse (RN) in Newfoundland and Labrador was $34.63, while in Quebec it was $37.00. However, it's important to note that these are median values, and individual salaries can vary widely depending on the specific profession, employer, and region.

It's also worth noting that while some provinces may offer lower salaries for nurses, they may also offer other benefits or incentives, such as student loan forgiveness programs, relocation allowances, or opportunities for career advancement. Ultimately, the decision to work as a nurse in a particular province should be based on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, career goals, and financial considerations.

According to salary reported on Indeed, below is a list of the highest paying cities for Nurses in Canada. 

  • Edmonton, Alberta: $50.76 per hour
  • London, Ontario: $37.99 per hour
  • Ottawa, Ontario: $37.97 per hour
  • Windsor, Ontario: $37.77 per hour
  • Barrie, Ontario: $36.50 per hour
  • Kitchener, Ontario: $36.08 per hour
  • Toronto, Ontario: $35.91 per hour
  • Mississauga, Ontario: $35.88 per hour
  • Guelph, Ontario: $35.64 per hour

According to the latest figures, the highest hourly average (median) wages are earned in Calgary – Alberta at $46.39 per hour and the lowest average (median) wages are earned in Montreal, Quebec at $33.50 per hour.

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