While salaries vary, Australia often offers slightly higher average pay for nurses compared to Canada, though Canada provides strong earning potential with significant regional differences, and both countries rank high globally for nurse compensation, balancing income with quality of life and strong healthcare systems. Australian nurses see average RN salaries around AUD $80,000-$90,000+, while Canadian RNs average closer to CAD $70,000-$85,000, but factors like experience, location (e.g., Alberta in Canada, specific states in Australia), and cost of living heavily influence actual earnings.
People working as a registered nurse in Canada usually earn between $28.00/hour and $50.00/hour. The average nurse salary in Australia is $87,750 but will vary from state to state and city to city.
What are the highest-paid nurses in the world? Nurses in Switzerland are the highest-paid nurses in the world. They make an average annual salary of 107,487 in USD.
SALARY: According to Canada JobBank, the updated salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) in Canada per hour is 42 CAD, which is equivalent to £22.53. Compared to the UK, according to NHS Employers using the pay scale for 2025/26, the same nurse is paid GBP 15.88 per hour.
Is Australia More Expensive Than Canada? Yes, Australia usually costs more. Housing, food, and utilities take a bigger bite out of your budget. Canada has lower prices in many areas, though salaries in Australia are higher.
Is Australia cheaper to live in Canada? The answer is no. Overall, Canada is generally cheaper to live in than Australia. Housing costs, including rent, are typically lower in Canada, with rent prices about 11% cheaper on average.
Canada ranks in the top 20 of the world's highest salaries at number 13. Wages tend to be higher in Australia compared to Canada. This starts with the minimum wage at AUD 23,23 per hour or AUD 882,80 per week. The average Australian annual income is $60 355.
Australian vs UK Salary Comparison. Australian nurses earn significantly more than UK counterparts. The average UK nurse earns £27,000-£38,000 (AUD 52,000-73,000), whilst Australian nurses earn AUD 70,000-90,000 (£36,000-47,000).
Average Salary for Nurses in Canada
The Numbers: In Canada, the average annual salary for a registered nurse (RN) is approximately CAD 75,000. However, this figure can vary significantly based on factors such as location, level of experience, and specialization.
So, is a $100,000 salary good in Canada? In short, yes – it's still above Canada's average individual and household salary, so there's no doubt it's a good income.
The highest-paid nurses in Australia are typically Nurse Practitioners (NPs), due to their advanced training and authority to diagnose and treat patients, with salaries potentially exceeding $150,000 annually, followed by senior roles like Nurse Unit Managers, Clinical Nurse Consultants, and Nurse Educators, with higher earnings often found in public sector or remote roles like Remote Area Nurses (RANs).
The best countries for nursing jobs abroad include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, the UAE, Luxembourg, and Italy. These countries have a high demand for nurses due to aging populations and healthcare shortages.
The average salary for an enrolled nurse in Australia is around $70,000, and $88,000 for a registered nurse – but it will vary from state to state and city to city. Most of all, it varies by experience.
You will be required to complete coursework to prepare you for the Canadian health system, transitional practice experience, and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN regulatory exam before you are eligible for practising registration.
The average salary in Toronto is $62,050, which is 14% higher than the Canadian average salary of $54,450. A person making $70,000 a year in Toronto makes 12.8% more than the average working person in Toronto and will take home about $53,272.
Sydney remains one of the best paying cities for nurses in Australia. On average, registered nurse salaries in Sydney range from AUD 80,000 to 100,000 per year, depending on experience and role.
High-Stress Environment:
Canadian nurses often work in high-pressure situations, dealing with emergencies and critical patient care. The emotional toll of caring for sick or dying patients can lead to burnout if not appropriately managed.
The highest-paid profession in the world, not just in Canada, belongs to certified registered nurse anaesthetists, who make an average income of around $202,000 per year, or about $97 per hour.
New nurses in entry-level positions can start earning an average of $41,396 while experienced nurses can make an average of $95,704. Overtime and holiday shifts can increase those earnings; in addition, employers often offer staff bonuses when short-staffed or during extremely busy periods.
Key takeaways
The country that pays the highest salary for nurses is Switzerland with an average annual income of US$94,869 (£71,196/€83,033).
As we have previously detailed, an entry-level Registered Nurse can expect to earn around $1084.10 per week, which is enough for a single person to easily cover living costs and leave a little leftover for savings. Obviously, as you progress through your career, things will become more comfortable.
Yes, $100k is generally considered a strong salary in Australia, placing you above the average (which hovers around $90k-$108k for full-time, but median is lower) and allowing for a comfortable life, though its impact depends heavily on location (major city vs. regional) and personal expenses like housing and dependents, as high living costs in cities like Sydney can stretch this income further than in regional areas.
Choosing between Canada and Australia for immigration depends on individual preferences and priorities. Both countries offer excellent opportunities and high standards of living. Canada might be the better choice for those who prefer a more inclusive immigration policy and multicultural environment.
Both Australia and Canada present excellent opportunities for Nepali nurses looking to work abroad in 2024. Australia offers a faster registration process and a relaxed lifestyle, while Canada's welcoming immigration policies and diverse provinces make it attractive for long-term settlement.
Canada: Tuition is somewhat lower, but pathways to work and permanent residency have become more competitive. Australia offers affordable tuition, manageable living costs, and excellent post-study work options, making it a strong value proposition for Indian students.