Physician vs Registered Nurse salary
In Canada, a physician earns about 211% more than a registered nurse — $272,499 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$272,499/yr
- Monthly
- $22,732
- Hourly
- $131
- Range
- $174,371–$392,370
- 10-yr outlook
- +3%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $174,371 | $63,889 |
| 25th | $223,435 | $75,749 |
| Median | $272,499 | $87,538 |
| 75th | $332,434 | $102,011 |
| Senior (90th) | $392,370 | $116,412 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician or registered nurse earn more in Canada?
- A physician earns more, at about $386,000 per year vs $124,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 211% ($262,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A physician typically earns $247,000–$555,800, 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 averages about $32,200 and a registered nurse about $10,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a physician earns about $247,000 while a registered nurse earns about $90,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a physician earns about $555,800 while a registered nurse earns about $164,900 per year.
- Are physician 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.