Dentist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Canada, a dentist earns about 177% more than a registered nurse — $242,849 vs $87,538 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $166,323 | $63,889 |
| 25th | $204,586 | $75,749 |
| Median | $242,849 | $87,538 |
| 75th | $289,583 | $102,011 |
| Senior (90th) | $336,317 | $116,412 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or registered nurse earn more in Canada?
- A dentist earns more, at about $344,000 per year vs $124,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 177% ($220,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A dentist typically earns $235,600–$476,400, while a registered nurse earns $90,500–$164,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dentist averages about $28,700 and a registered nurse about $10,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a dentist earns about $235,600 while a registered nurse earns about $90,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a dentist earns about $476,400 while a registered nurse earns about $164,900 per year.
- Are dentist and registered nurse similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.