The pay of registered nurses depends on many factors. Factors affecting pay are years of experience, type of nurse, specialty, and location.
Registered nurses can specialize in many areas, but in this article, we will discuss the pay for general nursing. Location is a big factor in pay ranges for nurses and can be a vital aspect to look at when taking into consideration where to practice nursing.
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make in Canada?
In Canada, 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.
Besides the average salary, looking at the hourly rate is a good thing to keep in mind. If you need to save up for a big purchase or pay off debt, there are many ways a nursing career can help with all of that. Working overtime and holidays will increase your hourly rate.
Hospitals may offer critical staffing bonuses for working when short-staffed and during unusually busy periods. Also, many hospitals will offer differentials for night shifts and weekend shifts.
Salary for Each Province
Alberta
RN pay in Alberta is among the highest among the provinces in Canada. RNs in Alberta make an average of $89,972 every year, or $42.52 per hour. Alberta is one of the highest-paid provinces in Canada for RNs. The higher-paid wages and the good outlook for nursing employment make it an appealing destination.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, RNs can expect to make $86,329 per year on average, or $40.80 per hour. Registered nurses are among the top highest-paid jobs in British Columbia.
Manitoba
The average salary for RNs in Manitoba is $78,398 each year. The hourly rate is about $37.05, but again it varies based on many factors including experience and specialty. As the province continues to grow, salary increases are favorable.
New Brunswick
RNs in New Brunswick typically make an average of $75,047 every year, or $35.47 per hour. Like many areas, New Brunswick could be facing a nursing shortage, needing more nurses over the upcoming years as more nurses retire. New Brunswick is one of the lower-paid provinces for RNs.
Newfoundland and Labrador
On average, nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador make $38.09 per hour. Nurses working in Newfoundland and Labrador will make about $80,582 yearly.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, RNs make about $80,843 each year. They make $38.21 per hour on average. New nurses can expect to make about $56,500 starting in Nova Scotia. As you can see, there is room for growth in salary with years of experience.
Ontario
Registered nurses in Ontario can expect to make $84,042 every year. RNs in Ontario average about $39.38 per hour. New graduate nurses can start out making as much as $30.17. Being Canada’s biggest province, Ontario has a lot of potential openings for nurses looking for jobs.
Prince Edward Island
On average, Prince Edward Island nurses’ yearly salary is about $81,429. Nurses make $38.49 per hour. New nurses can start out making about $27 per hour and can expect to increase over the years with experience and certifications.
Quebec
RN salary in Quebec is about $79,115 every year. They make an average of $37.39 per hour. The increase in retirements and nurse burnout has left Quebec needing new nurses to fill the gap.
Saskatchewan
Registered nurses in Saskatchewan make about $41.86 per hour. Their yearly salary is an average of $88,518. The hourly pay for nurses in Saskatchewan ranges from $37-$51.
Are Registered Nurses in Demand in Canada?
In Canada, employment prospects for nurses are good, according to the Canadian government. There will be a shortage of about 60,000 nurses in the country by 2022.
Even during times of recession, nursing jobs will still be in demand. With healthcare advancements and the lifespan increasing, people are in need of more healthcare as they get older.
Hospital nurses aren’t the only ones in demand. Nurses are also needed in private homes, clinics and offices, surgical centers, rehabilitation centers, schools, health and wellness promotions, and more.
Nursing in Canada: Is it a Good Career?
Nursing can be a great job because of job security. Healthcare will always be in demand. There are plenty of excellent reasons to look into a career in nursing in Canada.
Benefits include:
- Good pay
- Flexible schedule (working longer shifts means more days off)
- Job prestige
- Always in demand
- Rewarding
While the pay and benefits are an advantage, the desire to help people is paramount, as well as nursing skills, because the job itself comes with challenges.
Challenges include:
- Working weekends
- Holidays
- Nights
- Long shifts
Additionally, the working conditions, pay, and working environment vary greatly based on location. You may notice you fit in with one environment more than the other. It’s ok to move around to different provinces if you wish, but it’s recommended to stay in a job at least a year before moving along. It takes nurses about a year to feel comfortable at a new place, especially if you’re a newer nurse or in a new nursing role.
Conclusion
As you can see, pay ranges vary wildly based on several factors, including location. According to Indeed, registered nurses are in demand, as the age of nurses in the workforce increases and retirements are on the horizon. Take into consideration what type of nursing you want to do, as certain specialties make more on average.
Also, the location as we see here is a major factor. The pay in each province varies, but the cost of living is also a consideration to keep in mind. Look at all these factors to determine the best for you and your own personal goals.
Written by Joanne Potter
Joanne, BSN and RN, is a writer that specializes in health and wellness. She has fifteen years of experience as a Registered Nurse in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Her years working at the bedside and extensive neonatal knowledge enable her to write with a deep understanding of what patients and families want from their communities. Visit her LinkedIn page.
