Occupational Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Canada, a occupational therapist earns about 41% more than a registered nurse — $123,542 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
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$123,542/yr
- Monthly
- $10,307
- Hourly
- $59
- Range
- $92,410–$161,593
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Occupational Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $92,410 | $63,889 |
| 25th | $108,011 | $75,749 |
| Median | $123,542 | $87,538 |
| 75th | $142,532 | $102,011 |
| Senior (90th) | $161,593 | $116,412 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a occupational therapist or registered nurse earn more in Canada?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about $175,000 per year vs $124,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 41% ($51,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A occupational therapist typically earns $130,900–$228,900, 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 occupational therapist averages about $14,600 and a registered nurse about $10,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a occupational therapist earns about $130,900 while a registered nurse earns about $90,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a occupational therapist earns about $228,900 while a registered nurse earns about $164,900 per year.
- Are occupational therapist 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.