Physician Assistant vs Registered Nurse salary
In Canada, a physician assistant earns about 111% more than a registered nurse — $184,960 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
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$184,960/yr
- Monthly
- $15,390
- Hourly
- $89
- Range
- $135,049–$246,025
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician Assistant | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $135,049 | $63,889 |
| 25th | $159,970 | $75,749 |
| Median | $184,960 | $87,538 |
| 75th | $215,458 | $102,011 |
| Senior (90th) | $246,025 | $116,412 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician assistant or registered nurse earn more in Canada?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $262,000 per year vs $124,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 111% ($138,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A physician assistant typically earns $191,300–$348,500, 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 physician assistant averages about $21,800 and a registered nurse about $10,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a physician assistant earns about $191,300 while a registered nurse earns about $90,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a physician assistant earns about $348,500 while a registered nurse earns about $164,900 per year.
- Are physician assistant 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.