Nursing in Canada vs U.S. – which is better?

When considering moving abroad for work, nurses often wonder what nursing in Canada vs the U.S. is like. Both countries offer fantastic career opportunities and quality of life, so deciding where to move to isn’t straight forward. Before you commit, it’s crucial to understand what each country has to offer and how that aligns with your goals.

In this article, we compare the U.S. and Canada to help you decide which one is the better fit for you as a nursing professional.

Comparing nursing careers in the U.S. vs Canada

Nurse salary in Canada vs U.S.

One of the most attractive selling points of the U.S. is the higher salaries in nursing. With a competitive economy and privatised healthcare system, the United States typically offers higher levels of pay when compared to the rest of the world.

In the U.S., the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 USD. Nurses in temporary employment like per diem or locum jobs earn an average of $40.31 USD per hour. However, these figures can vary between states and hospitals, so it’s important to do your research when considering which U.S. state may be the best for you.

In comparison, in Canada, the average registered nurse salary is $50,425 USD ($72,740 CAD), while locum nurses earn an average of $29.60 USD ($42.20 CAD) per hour. Nurses in Canada work under a universal healthcare model, so each province has its own set of standardised salaries.

Nursing opportunities

Depending on the country or region, nursing can be a lucrative career. Many nurses relocate internationally to pursue better job prospects, benefits and pay.

In the U.S., there is high demand for nurses to help with the nationwide shortage of around 300,000 nurses (as of 2025). Between 2019 and 2029, the number of nurses in the United States is expected to grow by about 7%, faster than any other occupation in the country. This has led to a more competitive job market for employers, offering healthcare professionals higher salaries and more opportunities for career growth. Nurses working in the U.S. can also expect to have access to the latest healthcare technology, as the country is at the forefront of biotechnology development.

While Canada is also experiencing a nursing shortage, the demand in relation to the population is lower than in the U.S., with around 29,000 vacant RN positions in at the end of 2023. As the country operates a universal healthcare system with little private providers and pay is set by province, this demand for nurses does not necessarily lead to more competitive pay.

Becoming a nurse

There are some key differences that separate the two countries’ approaches to becoming and registering as a nurse.

U.S.

Aspiring nurses in the U.S. must have a relevant educational background and gain licensure. This process typically takes two to four years. Firstly, they must complete one of the following qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year degree course that is typically offered at community colleges.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year degree course that offers more comprehensive training.
• Accelerated BSN Programs: A course for individuals who already have a degree in a different science-related discipline.
• Master’s Entry Programs in Nursing (MEPN): For aspiring nurses who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Once nurses have completed an accredited course, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their nursing licence. Licensure is granted by individual state boards and the criteria can differ between each state.

International nurses looking to work in the United States must verify that they hold equivalent qualifications and meet language requirements before taking the NCLEX exam to gain licensure, which allows them to seek employment and apply for a work visa.

Tip: Preparing to the NCLEX-RN? Use our NCLEX practice questions and tips to sit your exam with confidence.

Canada

Canada has a universal healthcare system, so the route to becoming a registered nurse in the country is standardised and will usually take between two and four years. Nurses in Canada must complete an accredited nursing programme such as a Bachelor of Science or Associate Degree in nursing.

After completing the course, graduates need to successfully pass the NCLEX or the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Examination (CNPE) and fulfil all criteria set by the provincial regulatory authorities. Similar to the U.S., nurses must register in the province they wish to practice in.

International nurses looking to register in Canada must first have their credentials assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). They must then apply to the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where they wish to work. After meeting the educational and language proficiency requirements, candidates must pass the NCLEX exam or the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Successful completion of these steps allows them to obtain licensure and practice as registered nurses in Canada.

Quality of life and cost of living

Both countries offer a comparable quality of life and whether you’ll be better off financially in the U.S. or Canada depends on a few factors. Generally, salaries in the U.S. are higher than in Canada, this includes nursing pay. While the United States has a private healthcare system that requires people to take out insurance plans or pay out of pocket, Canada’s healthcare system is universal and funded through taxes, with very little private providers.

On taxes, the top tax rate in the U.S. is 37% and 33% in Canada. However, your overall tax bill can vary widely. In Canada, all provinces and territories raise their own tax while some U.S. states take no income tax. If you’re a higher earner, you may also be able to make tax deductions in the U.S. that wouldn’t be possible in Canada.

Whether you’re working as a nurse in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll have the opportunity to experience great work-life balance, with flexible working hours, enabling nurses like you to effectively manage their professional and personal lives.

Why become a nurse in the U.S. instead of Canada

With the high wages and quality of life the U.S. has to offer, it’s no surprise that nurses would choose to work there over Canada.

Some of the reasons why nurses would choose to move to the U.S. include:

• Higher salaries and pay rates
• Potential for lower tax bill
• More nursing vacancies and opportunities
• Strong continued demand for qualified nurses

Begin your nursing career in the U.S. with Espirita

If you’re looking for your next nursing opportunity in the U.S., Espirita is here to guide you through it all. Our relocation experts and immigration lawyers work hand in hand to offer you advice and to find you the perfect role. Register with us to discover life-changing opportunities or apply to one of our live vacancies.