Registered Nurse vs Surgeon salary
In Canada, a surgeon earns about 335% more than a registered nurse — $381,216 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 | Registered Nurse | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $63,889 | $243,978 |
| 25th | $75,749 | $312,597 |
| Median | $87,538 | $381,216 |
| 75th | $102,011 | $465,083 |
| Senior (90th) | $116,412 | $548,951 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a registered nurse or surgeon earn more in Canada?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $540,000 per year vs $124,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 335% ($416,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A registered nurse typically earns $90,500–$164,900, while a surgeon earns $345,600–$777,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a registered nurse averages about $10,300 and a surgeon about $45,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a registered nurse earns about $90,500 while a surgeon earns about $345,600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a registered nurse earns about $164,900 while a surgeon earns about $777,600 per year.
- Are registered nurse and surgeon 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.