Pediatric Nurses in Canada Are Earning Unbelievable Salaries in 2025 – See the Full Breakdown
If you’ve ever wondered whether nursing, especially in pediatrics is worth the long hours, emotional strength, and years of education, here’s your answer: Pediatric nurses in Canada are earning unbelievable salaries in 2025, making this one of the most rewarding healthcare careers both emotionally and financially. With an average base salary that’s climbing well past CA$85,000 per year, and many specialists earning over CA$120,000, the pediatric nursing field in Canada has become a financial game-changer for both new graduates and experienced RNs. In fact, 2025 marks a major shift in how pediatric nurses are valued—both in hospitals and in the larger healthcare ecosystem.
But what’s behind this salary surge? Why are pediatric RNs being paid so well? And most importantly, how can you tap into this high-paying, high-impact career path? This guide breaks down the full story: average earnings, top-paying provinces, how experience affects your income, and the high-demand specialties that are skyrocketing nurse paychecks across the country.
Why Pediatric Nursing Is Booming in Canada
There’s no denying it—Canada’s pediatric nursing workforce is in high demand. With a growing pediatric population, chronic nursing shortages, and increased complexity in child health care needs, healthcare facilities are offering competitive salaries and bonus incentives to attract and retain skilled pediatric RNs. As of 2025, more hospitals than ever are offering signing bonuses, relocation packages, and flexible schedules for pediatric nurses—especially in urban centers like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
And it’s not just the pay that’s catching attention. Pediatric nursing offers an incredibly purpose-driven career, where you’re supporting children and their families through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Combine that emotional reward with a six-figure earning potential, and it’s no surprise this field is exploding in popularity.
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2025 Salary Snapshot: What Pediatric Nurses Really Make
The phrase “unbelievable salaries” isn’t just a marketing hook—it’s a data-driven truth in 2025. According to recent national reports and nursing job platforms, the average pediatric nurse salary in Canada is CA$85,000 per year, with senior nurses easily earning CA$100,000 to CA$120,000+, especially in specialized areas like pediatric intensive care (PICU), neonatal intensive care (NICU), and pediatric oncology.
Some travel pediatric nurses and those working in remote or high-need northern regions are reportedly earning up to CA$130,000 annually, not including housing or travel stipends. That’s a massive step up from average RN salaries just a few years ago—and it highlights just how much the healthcare system now values pediatric nursing talent.
New Grads Are Earning More Than Ever
One of the most exciting trends in 2025 is how much early-career pediatric nurses are earning right out of school. Nurses with just 1–4 years of experience are pulling in CA$70,000 to CA$80,000, depending on their location and qualifications. That’s a significant jump compared to what entry-level RNs were making even three years ago.
If you’re a newly registered nurse considering a pediatric specialty, or a nursing student deciding which path to pursue, the financial upside has never been more promising. With further training and specialization, your income can double within five years—especially if you pursue certifications in PICU, pediatric emergency, or neonatal care.
Pediatric Specializations with Big Paychecks
In 2025, some of the highest-paying pediatric nursing roles in Canada include:
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Pediatric ICU (PICU) Nurses – average CA$105,000+
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Neonatal ICU (NICU) Nurses – up to CA$110,000
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Pediatric Oncology Nurses – over CA$115,000
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Emergency Pediatric Nurses – CA$90,000–CA$100,000
These nurses work in high-pressure environments, caring for critically ill or injured children. Their training and expertise not only save lives—but also command top-tier salaries from hospitals that recognize their value.
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Top Provinces Paying Pediatric Nurses the Most
Pediatric nurses in Canada are earning unbelievable salaries in 2025
The salary boom isn’t spread evenly across the country. Pediatric nurses in certain provinces are seeing bigger paychecks than others. In 2025, these provinces lead the pack:
| Province | Average Pediatric RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Alberta | CA$95,000 – CA$115,000+ |
| British Columbia | CA$90,000 – CA$110,000 |
| Ontario | CA$88,000 – CA$105,000 |
| Saskatchewan | CA$80,000 – CA$95,000 |
| Quebec | CA$75,000 – CA$92,000 |
If you’re open to relocation or travel nursing, working in these provinces can dramatically boost your earnings—often with added benefits like relocation support, housing stipends, and retention bonuses.
More Than Just Money: Why Pediatric Nurses Are Valued
So why are salaries rising so quickly for pediatric RNs in 2025?
Severe nursing shortages across Canada have pushed employers to increase pay.
Complex pediatric conditions like congenital disorders, childhood cancers, and NICU cases require advanced expertise.
Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and child psychology skills make pediatric nurses highly specialized.
Aging nursing workforce means high demand for new, skilled pediatric nurses in urban and rural areas.
The result? Pediatric RNs are being paid more, offered better benefits, and given more career flexibility than ever before.
Pediatric nurses in Canada are earning unbelievable salaries in 2025
🇨🇦 Average Pediatric RN Salary in Canada (2025)
The median base salary for Registered Nurses in Canada with pediatric skills is CA$85,000/year, but earnings can skyrocket beyond CA$120,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications.
| Percentile | Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 10% | CA$60,000 |
| Median | CA$85,000 |
| 90% | CA$120,000+ |
Total Pay Range: CA$60,000 – CA$130,000
Bonus Pay: Up to CA$5,000 annually in major metro hospitals
Based on national data from Canadian job boards and government sources (Updated 2025)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Total Pay (CAD) | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 years (Early) | CA$72,000 | — |
| 5–9 years (Mid) | CA$95,000 | ▲ 32% |
| 10+ years (Senior) | CA$115,000+ | ▲ 60% |
The more experience you gain, the closer you get to six-figure income in pediatric nursing.
Top Specialties That Increase Pediatric RN Salaries
Some pediatric nurses boost their earnings by combining pediatric care with in-demand specialties:
| Skill/Specialty | Avg. Salary (CAD) | Pay Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) | CA$100,000+ | ▲ Strong |
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) | CA$105,000+ | ▲ High |
| Pediatric Oncology | CA$110,000 | ▲ Very High |
| Emergency Pediatric Care | CA$90,000–100,000 | ▲ Medium |
What Do Pediatric RNs Do in Canada?
Pediatric Registered Nurses in Canada play a life-changing role in children’s healthcare. They:
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Monitor and assess young patients in hospitals, clinics, and home care
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Administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments
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Support families emotionally and provide educational resources
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Collaborate with pediatricians and specialists in intensive care units and emergency departments
Work Settings: Pediatric hospitals (e.g., SickKids, BC Children’s Hospital), general hospitals, public health units, private practices, and home health services.
How to Maximize Your Pediatric RN Salary in Canada
Upgrade Your Credentials – Consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) designation
Certify in Pediatric Specialties – PICU, NICU, or Pediatric Emergency can drastically boost earnings
Work in High-Paying Provinces – Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia top the charts
Consider Travel Nursing – Pediatric travel nurses in Canada earn up to CA$130,000/year with flexible contracts
Top Provinces for Pediatric Nurse Pay in 2025
| Province | Avg. Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Alberta | CA$95,000 – CA$115,000 |
| British Columbia | CA$90,000 – CA$110,000 |
| Ontario | CA$88,000 – CA$105,000 |
| Manitoba & Saskatchewan | CA$80,000 – CA$95,000 |
| Quebec | CA$75,000 – CA$92,000 |
Urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary offer the highest rates.
Common Benefits for Pediatric RNs in Canada
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100% Health and Dental Coverage
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Generous Paid Time Off (4–6 weeks annually)
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Education Allowances & Tuition Support
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Maternity Leave + Family Benefits
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Pension & Retirement Matching Programs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In 2025, pediatric nurses in Canada earn between CA$85,000 and CA$120,000 per year. Specialized roles like NICU, PICU, or pediatric oncology can even reach CA$130,000+ annually. You can also compare nursing salaries across countries to see why Canada stands out.
Top-paying provinces include Alberta (CA$115K+), British Columbia (CA$110K+), and Ontario (CA$105K+). Northern or rural areas may offer higher salaries with added incentives to attract pediatric nursing professionals.
To work as a pediatric nurse, you must be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada. Specialized roles may require extra training or certifications. Here’s a full guide on how to become a registered nurse in Canada.
You can boost your income by:
Getting certified in pediatric critical care or neonatal care
Working in high-demand regions like Alberta or BC
Applying to bridge programs for career advancement
Explore the best nursing bridge programs for international nurses to fast-track your growth.
Yes! Internationally educated nurses can apply after credential verification and NCLEX-RN licensing. Learn about nursing jobs in Canada for foreign nurses and get access to our complete NCLEX study plan for international nurses.
Definitely. Pediatric nursing offers high job satisfaction, emotional rewards, and strong salary growth. With demand at an all-time high in 2025, it’s one of the most promising paths in Canadian healthcare.
