Nurse Salary in Vancouver in 2026

Registered Nurse Salary in Vancouver by Hourly Wage

Nursing wages in Vancouver are commonly advertised as hourly rates. To compare them with annual salaries, it is useful to calculate an approximate yearly equivalent.

The following table uses the Job Bank's reported regional wage levels and assumes 37.5 working hours per week over 52 weeks, equivalent to 1,950 hours annually.

Annual amounts are mathematical illustrations, not official annual salary scales. They assume 37.5 paid hours every week for 52 weeks and do not account for overtime, unpaid leave, premiums, pension contributions or changes in employment status.

Current Vancouver Coastal Health RN Salary Example

Vancouver Coastal Health is one of the major healthcare employers in the region. Its recruitment listings provide a useful example of actual advertised nursing pay.

A 2026 recruitment listing for internationally educated registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses gives an hourly salary range of:

• Starting advertised rate: CAD $41.42 per hour
• Higher advertised rate: CAD $55.91 per hour

The listing includes different employment statuses and work areas. The actual salary step and eligibility depend on the position and the candidate's circumstances.

A separate Vancouver Coastal Health registered nurse recruitment listing for new graduates also advertises the same hourly range.

Sources:

• Vancouver Coastal Health – Internationally Educated Nurses
• Vancouver Coastal Health – New Graduate Registered Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Vancouver

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a different regulated nursing designation from a Registered Nurse (RN) in British Columbia. LPNs provide nursing care within their professional scope and work in hospitals, long-term care, community healthcare and other clinical settings.

Government of Canada Job Bank wage information for Licensed Practical Nurses in the Lower Mainland–Southwest region reports the following figures:

*Annual equivalents assume 37.5 paid hours per week for 52 weeks. Actual LPN compensation depends on the employer, experience, position, employment status and applicable wage agreement.

The LPN figures should not be confused with registered nurse wages. The two professional designations have different education, registration and practice requirements.

View the Government of Canada LPN Wage Report for Vancouver .

Registered Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Vancouver

Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) work in mental health and psychiatric care settings. Their responsibilities can include patient assessment, therapeutic interventions, treatment planning and supporting people with mental health conditions.

British Columbia has a separate professional pathway for registered psychiatric nursing. Salary depends on the employer, position, professional experience and applicable employment agreement.

The Government of Canada's Job Bank publishes wage information for registered psychiatric nurses in the Vancouver area. Its reported Lower Mainland–Southwest regional wage figures include a low of approximately CAD $34.00 per hour, a median of CAD $47.54 and a high of CAD $57.00.

View Registered Psychiatric Nurse Wages Near Vancouver .

Nurse Salary by Nursing Specialization in Vancouver

Nurses in Vancouver can work in many clinical specialties. Their compensation may depend on the position's salary grade, employer, professional designation, experience and additional responsibilities.

Common nursing specializations include:

This table describes career areas rather than separate salary bands. There is no reliable single Vancouver-wide salary range for every specialty. Some positions use the same underlying wage grade, while advanced roles or management positions may have different compensation structures.

ICU Nurse Salary in Vancouver

Intensive Care Unit nurses care for critically ill patients who may require continuous monitoring, complex treatment and life-support equipment.

Vancouver General Hospital is one of the major institutions offering critical care nursing opportunities in the region.

A current Vancouver General Hospital ICU registered nurse recruitment listing advertises an hourly salary range of CAD $41.42 to $55.91. The position also specifies its own clinical responsibilities and shift requirements.

This is an example of an advertised position, not a separate guaranteed ICU salary scale.

View Vancouver General Hospital ICU Nurse Recruitment .

Operating Room Nurse Salary in Vancouver

Operating room nurses support surgical teams and provide care before, during and after surgical procedures. Their responsibilities can include patient preparation, surgical safety, equipment coordination and recovery support.

Vancouver General Hospital recruits registered nurses for operating room positions. A current recruitment listing provides an advertised hourly salary range of CAD $41.42 to $55.91.

Actual compensation depends on the position, salary grade, qualifications and applicable employment conditions.

View Operating Room Nursing Opportunities at Vancouver General Hospital .

Nursing Salary in Vancouver: Gross vs Net Salary

The salary figures shown on this page are gross wages, meaning they are before payroll deductions.

A nurse earning CAD $90,000 per year does not receive the full amount in their bank account. The final take-home pay depends on several deductions and personal circumstances.

Common payroll deductions in British Columbia can include:

• Federal income tax
• British Columbia provincial income tax
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions
• Employment Insurance (EI) premiums
• Occupational pension contributions, where applicable
• Other employment-related deductions or benefit contributions

Your net income also depends on tax credits, other income, family circumstances and the applicable tax year.

For a broader comparison of income and living costs in Vancouver, see:

• Canadian Salary to Net Salary Calculator
• Monthly Expenses in Vancouver
• Rent Prices in Vancouver

Does Nursing Experience Increase Salary in Vancouver?

Professional experience can influence a nurse's salary, particularly in healthcare organizations that use structured wage grids.

In unionized healthcare positions, salary progression may depend on recognized nursing experience and the applicable wage schedule. The number of recognized years and the salary step assigned to an employee should be confirmed with the employer.

For example, Vancouver Coastal Health nursing vacancies commonly identify a salary grade and hourly wage range. The precise rate offered depends on the position and the employee's applicable salary step.

Do not assume that every employer uses the same salary progression or that every additional year of experience automatically produces the same increase.

What Factors Affect a Nurse's Salary in Vancouver?

• Professional designation: RN, LPN or registered psychiatric nurse
• Years of recognized nursing experience
• Canadian or internationally recognized qualifications
• Employer and healthcare organization
• Clinical specialization
• Position and salary grade
• Full-time or part-time employment
• Regular, temporary or casual employment status
• Night, weekend and holiday shifts
• Overtime and additional hours
• Supervisory and management responsibilities
• Additional professional education and training
• Applicable collective agreement

Do Nurses Earn More With Night and Weekend Shifts?

Nursing schedules can include evenings, nights, weekends and statutory holidays. Depending on the employer and applicable collective agreement, these working hours may qualify for shift premiums or other compensation.

Overtime may also affect annual earnings where additional hours are worked and approved under the applicable employment rules.

Two nurses with the same basic hourly wage can therefore receive different total annual compensation because their working schedules and additional payments are different.

When comparing job offers, ask the employer about:

• Evening and night shift premiums
• Weekend and statutory holiday compensation
• Overtime rules
• Guaranteed weekly hours
• Vacation and sick leave
• Pension and extended health benefits

Nurse Salary in Vancouver vs British Columbia

Vancouver is part of the Lower Mainland–Southwest economic region. It is important to understand the difference between Vancouver city, the wider Metro Vancouver area and the rest of British Columbia when comparing salaries.

Government of Canada Job Bank wage data reports the following registered nurse figures:

Hourly wages. These are the published Job Bank figures for the respective regions, based on the reference period shown in the wage report. They are not individual employer salary offers.

A higher salary should also be evaluated alongside housing, transportation, taxes and other living expenses. Vancouver's housing costs can have a significant effect on how far a nursing salary goes.

Where Can Nurses Work in Vancouver?

Vancouver has a broad healthcare sector, with employment opportunities across hospitals, specialist clinics, community healthcare and residential care.

Nurses may find opportunities in:

• Acute-care hospitals
• Emergency departments
• Intensive care units
• Operating rooms and surgical departments
• Rehabilitation centres
• Mental health and psychiatric services
• Long-term care facilities
• Community health services
• Home healthcare organizations
• Primary care clinics
• Public health services
• Specialist medical centres

Major Healthcare Employers in Vancouver

The Vancouver region has several major healthcare organizations. Nurses should check their official career pages for current vacancies, job requirements and salary information.

Nursing Jobs in Vancouver for Foreigners

Vancouver is an international city, and British Columbia has pathways for internationally educated nurses who want to practise in the province. However, nursing is a regulated profession.

Having a nursing diploma or professional licence from another country does not automatically authorize someone to practise as a nurse in British Columbia.

Internationally educated applicants must meet the applicable requirements of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) before receiving the registration needed to practise in their nursing designation.

Foreign Nursing Qualification Recognition

BCCNM assesses internationally educated nurses according to their education, professional history and ability to meet the knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment expected of a nurse educated to the applicable Canadian standard.

The process can involve:

• Submitting an application for assessment
• Providing nursing education documents
• Verifying previous nursing registration and employment
• Demonstrating English language proficiency
• Completing a competency assessment where required
• Completing additional education if required
• Meeting examination and registration requirements

BCCNM provides different application instructions depending on the country where the applicant received their nursing education and initial registration.

For example, eligible registered nurses educated and registered in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom may qualify for a specific application pathway. Other applicants generally follow the applicable internationally educated nurse process.

Official information:

• BCCNM – Internationally Educated Nurses
• BCCNM – Applicants Educated in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US

Do Foreign Nurses Need English to Work in Vancouver?

Yes. English proficiency is an important requirement for safe nursing practice in British Columbia.

Internationally educated applicants must demonstrate the required English-language proficiency before receiving registration where the applicable BCCNM rules require it.

Accepted language assessment options and minimum scores depend on the registration pathway and current regulatory requirements.

BCCNM publishes information about accepted evidence and language tests, including IELTS Academic and the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN).

Check BCCNM English Language Proficiency Requirements .

Do Foreign Nurses Need a Canadian Work Permit?

Professional registration and immigration authorization are two separate requirements.

Even if your nursing qualification is accepted and you meet the professional registration requirements, you must also have legal authorization to work in Canada.

Depending on your circumstances, this may involve a work permit, permanent residence or another eligible immigration status.

For official immigration information, consult:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) .

RN, LPN and Psychiatric Nurse: What Is the Difference?

British Columbia recognizes different nursing designations. Understanding these differences is important when comparing salaries and applying for jobs.

These are distinct professional designations. Their education, registration requirements, scopes of practice and compensation structures should not be treated as interchangeable.

For official information about nursing registration in British Columbia, visit the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives .

How to Find a Nursing Job in Vancouver

If you want to work as a nurse in Vancouver, preparing your professional documents and understanding the registration process can make your job search more effective.

1. Identify the nursing designation you intend to practise under: RN, LPN or RPN.
2. Check the BCCNM registration requirements for your education and licensing history.
3. Arrange the required credential and language assessments.
4. Check whether additional education or competency assessment is required.
5. Confirm your Canadian immigration and work authorization status.
6. Prepare a professional Canadian-style nursing resume.
7. Include your clinical experience, qualifications and professional registration details.
8. Search official healthcare employer career pages.
9. Compare hourly wages, employment status, benefits and shift conditions.
10. Confirm your registration and employment requirements before starting clinical work.

You can also explore our related guide:

Jobs in Vancouver for Foreigners

How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Month in Vancouver?

Using the Job Bank median registered nurse wage of CAD $47.54 per hour, a nurse working 37.5 hours per week would earn approximately:

• Weekly gross pay: CAD $1,782.75
• Monthly average gross pay: CAD $7,458
• Annualized gross pay: CAD $92,703

These calculations assume consistent full-time employment for 52 weeks and do not include overtime, premiums or unpaid leave.

The actual monthly payslip can differ depending on the employer's payroll schedule, working hours and deductions.

How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Year in Vancouver?

The annual income of a nurse in Vancouver depends on the hourly wage and the number of paid hours worked.

Using the Lower Mainland–Southwest Job Bank registered nurse wage estimates and an illustrative 37.5-hour working week:

• Lower wage estimate: approximately CAD $66,300 annually
• Median wage: approximately CAD $92,703 annually
• Higher wage estimate: approximately CAD $111,150 annually

These annual amounts are calculated equivalents, not official employer salary bands.

Highest-Paying Nursing Career Paths

Nurses who want to develop their careers can consider specialist, advanced-practice or leadership positions.

Potential career development areas include:

• Critical care and intensive care nursing
• Emergency nursing
• Operating room nursing
• Oncology nursing
• Psychiatric and mental health nursing
• Clinical education
• Advanced nursing practice
• Nurse practitioner roles
• Clinical coordination
• Nursing leadership and management

These career paths have different education and experience requirements. Higher compensation is not automatic simply because a nurse works in a specialized department.

Before choosing a specialization, consider professional interests, additional training, clinical responsibilities, shift schedules and long-term employment opportunities.

Is Nursing a Good Career in Vancouver?

Nursing can offer a long-term professional career in Vancouver and across British Columbia. Healthcare services operate in hospitals, community settings, long-term care facilities, specialist clinics and patients' homes.

The profession also offers several career pathways, including registered nursing, practical nursing, psychiatric nursing, advanced practice and management.

However, Vancouver is known for its high housing costs. Nurses considering relocation should compare their expected gross salary with rent, transportation, taxes, food and other monthly expenses.

It is also important for internationally educated nurses to plan for the time and cost associated with professional registration and immigration requirements.

Useful resources:

• Rent Prices in Vancouver
• Monthly Expenses in Vancouver
• Moving to Vancouver Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Salaries in Vancouver

How much does a registered nurse earn in Vancouver?

Government of Canada Job Bank data for the Lower Mainland–Southwest region reports registered nurse wages of approximately CAD $34.00 to $57.00 per hour, with a median of CAD $47.54.

What is the average RN salary in Vancouver per year?

Using the regional median of CAD $47.54 per hour and an illustrative 37.5-hour working week, the annualized equivalent is approximately CAD $92,703 before deductions.

What is the starting salary for a nurse in Vancouver?

Starting salaries depend on the employer, nursing designation, qualifications and employment agreement. A current Vancouver Coastal Health new graduate RN listing advertises CAD $41.42 to $55.91 per hour. This is an advertised wage range, not a guaranteed starting rate for every new graduate.

How much does a licensed practical nurse earn in Vancouver?

Job Bank data for the Lower Mainland–Southwest region reports LPN wages of approximately CAD $28.00 to $40.38 per hour, with a median of CAD $32.04.

How much does a registered psychiatric nurse earn in Vancouver?

Job Bank regional wage information reports approximately CAD $34.00 to $57.00 per hour for registered psychiatric nurses in the Lower Mainland–Southwest region, with a median of CAD $47.54.

Can foreign nurses work in Vancouver?

Yes. Internationally educated nurses may apply for registration in British Columbia, but they must meet the applicable BCCNM professional requirements and have legal authorization to work in Canada.

Is a foreign nursing diploma automatically recognized in British Columbia?

No. BCCNM assesses international nursing education, professional experience and other requirements. Some applicants may need competency assessments, additional education or examinations.

Do nurses need English to work in Vancouver?

English proficiency is important for safe nursing practice. Internationally educated applicants must meet the applicable BCCNM language requirements for their registration pathway.

Do foreign nurses need to take the NCLEX-RN?

Examination requirements depend on the applicant's registration pathway and assessment results. Applicants should follow the specific instructions provided by BCCNM rather than assuming that every foreign-trained nurse follows exactly the same process.

Do ICU nurses earn more than general registered nurses in Vancouver?

Not necessarily. Compensation depends on the employer, salary grade, experience and applicable employment agreement. Some specialist positions may have additional requirements or different compensation arrangements, but a higher salary should not be assumed for every ICU position.

Are Vancouver nurse salaries gross or net?

The salary figures on this page are gross wages before income tax, CPP, EI and other applicable deductions.

Where can I find nursing jobs in Vancouver?

You can search official career websites for Vancouver Coastal Health, Providence Health Care, Fraser Health, BC Children's Hospital and BC Cancer. You should also verify that you meet the professional registration requirements for the position.