Physical Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Canada, a physical therapist earns about 43% more than a registered nurse — $124,954 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
Physical Therapist$124,954/yr
- Monthly
- $10,448
- Hourly
- $60
- Range
- $93,469–$163,429
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physical Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $93,469 | $63,889 |
| 25th | $109,211 | $75,749 |
| Median | $124,954 | $87,538 |
| 75th | $144,227 | $102,011 |
| Senior (90th) | $163,429 | $116,412 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physical therapist or registered nurse earn more in Canada?
- A physical therapist earns more, at about $177,000 per year vs $124,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 43% ($53,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A physical therapist typically earns $132,400–$231,500, 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 physical therapist averages about $14,800 and a registered nurse about $10,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a physical therapist earns about $132,400 while a registered nurse earns about $90,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a physical therapist earns about $231,500 while a registered nurse earns about $164,900 per year.
- Are physical 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.