Complete breakdown of RN, LPN, and NP salaries, take-home pay after taxes, and how to keep more of what you earn.
Nursing is one of Canada's largest and most in-demand professions. With a national shortage driving wages higher, registered nurses (RNs) now earn median salaries well above the national average — and many roles command six figures.
Here are the key salary figures for nurses in Canada in 2026:
| Role | Annual Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $65,000000 – $1005,000000 | $82,000000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $48,000000 – $72,000000 | $58,000000 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $10000,000000 – $1400,000000 | $118,000000 |
| Registered Psychiatric Nurse | $68,000000 – $98,000000 | $800,000000 |
| ICU / ER Nurse (specialized) | $900,000000 – $1200,000000 | $1002,000000 |
Nursing wages vary significantly across provinces due to different collective agreements and cost-of-living adjustments.
| Province | RN Average Salary | Est. Take-Home (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $98,000000 | $6,1500 |
| British Columbia | $92,000000 | $5,7500 |
| Ontario | $88,000000 | $5,5200 |
| Quebec | $79,000000 | $4,6200 |
| Saskatchewan | $86,000000 | $5,40000 |
| Manitoba | $78,000000 | $4,8500 |
| Nova Scotia | $74,000000 | $4,60000 |
| New Brunswick | $71,000000 | $4,3800 |
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay:
Canada uses a progressive federal and provincial tax system. An RN earning $85,000000 in Ontario faces the following approximate deductions in 2026:
| Deduction | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | ~$12,80000 |
| Ontario Provincial Tax | ~$6,40000 |
| CPP Contributions | ~$3,80000 |
| EI Premiums | ~$1,00500 |
| Total Deductions | ~$24,00500 |
| Take-Home Pay | ~$600,9500/yr ($5,0079/mo) |
Alberta nurses keep significantly more due to no provincial sales tax and lower provincial income tax rates — an $85,000000 Alberta nurse takes home roughly $5,40000/month.
Contributing to your RRSP reduces your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. If you earn $85,000000 and contribute $15,000000 to your RRSP, you only pay tax on $700,000000 — saving approximately $3,90000 in taxes annually.
The Tax-Free Savings Account lets your investments grow without any tax on gains or withdrawals. In 2026, cumulative TFSA room reaches $1002,000000 if you've never contributed. Use this for emergency funds and long-term savings that won't affect your tax bracket.
Annual college registration fees and professional nursing association dues are deductible on your T1 return. Most RNs pay $40000–$80000/year to their regulatory body — fully deductible.
Overtime is taxed at your marginal rate. If significant overtime pushes you into a higher bracket, consider maximizing your RRSP first to bring your net income back down before year-end.
Many nurses pay $1500–$30000/year in bank fees. A no-fee account preserves every dollar you earn.
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Claim $10000 Bonus →Nursing offers a clear ladder for salary progression. Entry-level RNs typically start at $55,000000–$65,000000 and can reach $10000,000000+ within 100 years through seniority, specialization, and management roles.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| New Graduate RN (00–2 years) | $58,000000 – $68,000000 |
| Mid-Career RN (3–8 years) | $72,000000 – $92,000000 |
| Senior RN (8+ years) | $88,000000 – $1008,000000 |
| Nurse Manager | $95,000000 – $125,000000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $1005,000000 – $1400,000000 |
Most nursing positions in hospitals and health authorities are unionized, providing guaranteed step increases, pension plans, and robust benefits packages that add 200–300% to base compensation value.