Nurse Salary in Québec in 2026
How much does a nurse earn in Québec? Nursing is one of the major healthcare professions in Québec, and registered nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, community healthcare, home care, education, research and management.
The latest available wage data provides two useful ways to understand Québec nurse salaries. Job Bank reports a provincial wage range of approximately $27 to $50 per hour, with a $40 per hour median. Separately, the Québec public health and social services network has an official salary scale for nurses that runs from $30.62 to $49.09 per hour from April 1, 2026.
This guide explains Québec nurse salaries, hourly and annual pay, experience, public-sector salary steps, nursing qualifications, foreign-trained nurse recognition, French requirements and nursing career opportunities.
💰 Average Nurse Salary in Québec
There is no single salary that applies to every nurse in Québec. Pay depends on employer, sector, recognized experience, position, education, specialization, work schedule and other employment conditions.
For the broad Québec labour market, Job Bank's latest published wage data for Registered Nurse (R.N.) reports:
| Québec Registered Nurse Wage | Hourly Pay | Approx. Annual Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Low | $27.00/hour | ~$52,650 |
| Median | $40.00/hour | ~$78,000 |
| High | $50.00/hour | ~$97,500 |
*Annual equivalents are simple illustrations using 37.5 hours per week and 52 weeks per year. Actual annual earnings depend on hours worked, vacation, overtime, premiums, employment percentage and other conditions.
The Job Bank wage figures were updated November 19, 2025 and are based on 2023–2024 Labour Force Survey data.
Québec Public-Sector Nurse Salary in 2026
For nurses employed in Québec's public health and social services network, the official salary nomenclature provides a detailed step-based salary scale. The regular nurse position is identified as employment title 2471 – Infirmier ou infirmière.
The position has a standard workweek of 37.5 hours and requires membership in the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).
Effective April 1, 2026, the published salary scale ranges from $30.62 to $49.09 per hour.
| Salary Step | 2026 Hourly Rate | Approx. Annual Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $30.62 | ~$59,709 |
| Step 2 | $31.52 | ~$61,464 |
| Step 3 | $32.49 | ~$63,356 |
| Step 4 | $33.47 | ~$65,267 |
| Step 5 | $34.47 | ~$67,217 |
| Step 6 | $35.53 | ~$69,284 |
| Step 7 | $36.60 | ~$71,370 |
| Step 8 | $37.71 | ~$73,535 |
| Step 9 | $38.83 | ~$75,719 |
| Step 10 | $39.64 | ~$77,298 |
| Step 11 | $40.80 | ~$79,560 |
| Step 12 | $42.06 | ~$82,017 |
| Step 13 | $43.34 | ~$84,513 |
| Step 14 | $44.43 | ~$86,639 |
| Step 15 | $45.53 | ~$88,783 |
| Step 16 | $46.71 | ~$91,085 |
| Step 17 | $47.89 | ~$93,385 |
| Step 18 | $49.09 | ~$95,726 |
*Annual equivalents are calculated at 37.5 hours per week × 52 weeks. They are not guaranteed annual earnings and do not include overtime, premiums, bonuses or other compensation.
Registered Nurse Salary in Québec
The Canadian occupational title is generally Registered Nurse (R.N.), corresponding to NOC 31301. In Québec, nurses are regulated professionals and must meet the requirements of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) to practise as nurses.
The latest Job Bank data gives the following Québec wage reference:
- Low wage: $27.00 per hour
- Median wage: $40.00 per hour
- High wage: $50.00 per hour
These figures are based on labour-market data rather than a specific employer's salary scale.
Infirmière Salary in Québec
Searches such as "infirmière salaire Québec", "infirmier salaire Québec" and "salaire infirmière Québec 2026" generally refer to the compensation of nurses working in Québec.
For the public health and social services network, the 2026 salary scale for the regular nurse position is:
- Starting step: $30.62/hour
- Highest listed step: $49.09/hour
- Standard workweek: 37.5 hours
- 2026 annualized range: approximately $59,700–$95,700 before deductions
Nurse Salary in Québec by Experience
Experience can affect where a nurse falls within an employer's salary structure. However, there is no universal private-sector experience-to-salary table covering every nurse in Québec.
In the public health and social services network, nurses are paid according to an established salary scale with multiple steps. Recognition of previous experience can affect salary placement under applicable rules and agreements.
| Career Stage | Useful 2026 Salary Reference |
|---|---|
| New / Early Career | Public-sector scale begins at $30.62/hour |
| Developing Experience | Salary progresses through the applicable salary steps |
| Experienced Nurse | Higher salary steps can reach $40+/hour |
| Top Public-Sector Nurse Step | $49.09/hour |
| Québec Labour-Market High Wage | $50.00/hour according to Job Bank |
Actual placement depends on the applicable employer, collective agreement, recognized experience and employment status.
How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Month in Québec?
Using a 37.5-hour workweek, the 2026 public-sector nurse salary scale corresponds approximately to:
| Hourly Salary | Approx. Gross Monthly Equivalent* |
|---|---|
| $30.62 | ~$4,974/month |
| $35.53 | ~$5,775/month |
| $40.80 | ~$6,630/month |
| $45.53 | ~$7,398/month |
| $49.09 | ~$7,978/month |
*Calculated as hourly wage × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months. These are gross equivalents before income tax, Québec Pension Plan contributions, employment insurance and other deductions.
How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Year in Québec?
Using the 37.5-hour public-sector workweek, the 2026 regular nurse salary scale corresponds approximately to:
- Step 1: about $59,700 gross annually
- Step 5: about $67,200 gross annually
- Step 10: about $77,300 gross annually
- Step 15: about $88,800 gross annually
- Step 18: about $95,700 gross annually
The broad Québec labour-market Job Bank data gives an annualized median of roughly $78,000 using 37.5 hours per week and a high of approximately $97,500 using the same calculation.
💵 Gross Salary vs Net Salary for Québec Nurses
The salary figures on this page are gross salary figures. A nurse does not receive the full gross amount in their bank account.
Payroll deductions can include:
- Québec income tax
- Federal income tax
- Québec Pension Plan (QPP) contributions
- Employment Insurance contributions
- Other applicable deductions
- Employer or union benefit-related deductions where applicable
- Pension contributions under an applicable pension plan
Actual take-home pay depends on annual income, tax situation, family situation, deductions, benefits and employment conditions.
🏥 Where Can Nurses Work in Québec?
Nurses work throughout Québec in a wide range of healthcare settings. The OIIQ identifies employment opportunities in:
- Hospitals
- CLSCs
- CHSLDs and residential care
- Medical clinics
- Healthcare centres
- Community healthcare
- Home care
- Education
- Research
- Healthcare management
Employment opportunities are available in both major cities and regional Québec. The location of the job can affect commuting requirements, especially for home-care positions.
🏙️ Nursing Jobs in Montréal
Montréal has a large healthcare sector and several major hospitals, university health centres, clinics and healthcare organizations.
Nurses may find opportunities in areas including:
- Hospital nursing
- Emergency care
- Intensive care
- Surgical nursing
- Mental health
- Community healthcare
- Home care
- Research
- Education
Salaries should be compared with Montréal housing and transportation costs when evaluating a job offer.
🏥 Nursing Jobs in Québec City
Québec City is another major healthcare employment centre, with hospitals, healthcare institutions, clinics and educational institutions.
Nurses can find opportunities across hospital care, community services, specialized care, elderly care and other healthcare areas.
🌎 Nursing Jobs in Other Québec Regions
Nursing employment is not limited to Montréal and Québec City. Nurses work throughout Québec, including in regional and remote communities.
Regional employment can be particularly relevant for people interested in community healthcare, home care, regional hospitals and long-term care.
Before accepting a regional position, check transportation, housing, relocation costs and the availability of local services.
👩⚕️ Nurse Salary by Nursing Specialization
Nurses can specialize in different areas of healthcare. Specialization may affect career opportunities and, depending on the position and employer, compensation.
- Intensive care nursing
- Emergency nursing
- Operating room nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Psychiatric and mental-health nursing
- Geriatric nursing
- Community health nursing
- Home healthcare
- Perinatal and maternal care
- Oncology nursing
- Public health nursing
- Clinical nursing
- Nurse practitioner and advanced nursing roles
There is no single Québec-wide salary premium that applies to every specialization. Compensation depends on the position, employer, collective agreement and required qualifications.
🚑 ICU Nurse Salary in Québec
Intensive care nursing involves specialized clinical knowledge and responsibility. ICU positions can have different requirements from general nursing positions.
Experienced ICU nurses may also work shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays. Applicable premiums and working conditions can therefore affect total compensation.
A specific ICU salary should be verified against the employer's current salary structure rather than applying a generic internet estimate.
🚨 Emergency Nurse Salary in Québec
Emergency nursing involves patient assessment, urgent care, clinical decision-making and collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Emergency nurses may work variable schedules, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Total compensation depends on the employer, salary step, shift premiums, overtime and other applicable conditions.
👩⚕️ Nurse Clinician Salary in Québec
Québec distinguishes between regular nurse positions and nurse clinician roles. The Québec government notes that a bachelor's degree is usually required for clinical nurse positions.
Nurse clinician roles can involve additional clinical responsibilities, professional development, coordination, education or specialized practice.
The applicable salary depends on the employer and position classification.
🎓 Nursing Qualifications in Québec
Nursing is a regulated profession in Québec. To practise as a nurse, a person must hold the required authorization from the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).
Québec nursing education includes college-level nursing programs and university nursing programs.
The Québec government identifies nursing programs including:
- Diploma of College Studies (DCS) in nursing
- University bachelor's degrees in nursing
- Graduate nursing programs
- Programs designed for integration into the Québec nursing profession
A bachelor's degree is usually required for positions classified as clinical nurse positions.
🌎 Can Foreign Nurses Work in Québec?
Yes. Québec welcomes foreign-trained healthcare professionals, but nursing is a regulated profession.
Foreign-trained nurses generally need to complete the applicable professional recognition process through the OIIQ before obtaining the authorization required to practise.
The exact procedure depends on where the nursing qualification was obtained and the applicant's education and professional history.
📜 Recognition of a Foreign Nursing Diploma
Nurses who obtained their nursing education outside Québec may need to request recognition of diploma or training equivalence from the OIIQ.
The OIIQ evaluates the applicant's education and training and can also consider additional education and professional experience.
Depending on the individual assessment, the applicant may be required to complete additional education or professional integration requirements.
The OIIQ states that additional training can be required in areas such as:
- Adult care and care of older adults
- Mental health
- Pediatrics
- Perinatal care
Foreign-trained nurses should therefore begin the professional-recognition process before assuming that their foreign nursing licence can be used directly in Québec.
🇫🇷 Do Nurses Need French to Work in Québec?
French is very important for nursing in Québec. The OIIQ states that nurses must have sufficient knowledge of French to perform their profession in Québec.
Applicants whose French knowledge does not initially meet the applicable requirements may have access to a temporary-permit process under the applicable rules while completing the required French examination and other requirements.
The OIIQ indicates that a temporary permit can be valid for one year and, subject to the applicable authorization and conditions, can be renewed up to three times.
🇫🇷 Nurses Trained in France
Nurses trained in France have a specific pathway because Québec and France have a mutual-recognition arrangement for professional qualifications.
The OIIQ states that a French State Diploma in Nursing can be recognized under the applicable arrangement when the required conditions are met.
The process still requires obtaining an OIIQ permit and registering with the OIIQ. The exact requirements should be checked directly with the OIIQ before applying.
📝 OIIQ Professional Examination
For applicants who need to complete the OIIQ professional examination, the exam assesses whether the candidate has the knowledge, skills and judgment necessary to practise nursing safely in Québec.
The OIIQ currently indicates that the professional examination is offered twice a year, generally in March and November, although dates can change.
Foreign-trained candidates should check the OIIQ's current examination schedule, fees and registration deadlines before making travel arrangements.
👩⚕️ Candidate to Practise Nursing in Québec
Some applicants can receive candidate status after their education or training has been recognized.
The Québec public health and social services network has a specific employment classification for a candidate to practise the nursing profession. The 2026 first-step rate for that employment title is lower than the regular licensed-nurse scale.
The official 2026 rate for the candidate classification begins at $26.92 per hour, based on the applicable 37.5-hour workweek.
This can be relevant to internationally educated nurses who are progressing through the Québec professional authorization process.
📈 Does Nursing Experience Increase Salary in Québec?
Experience can increase earnings, particularly where an employer uses a formal step-based salary scale.
In the Québec public health and social services network, the regular nurse scale contains 18 salary steps in the 2026 schedule.
The difference between the first and highest published step is substantial:
- Step 1: $30.62/hour
- Step 18: $49.09/hour
However, salary progression is governed by the applicable employment and collective-agreement rules rather than simply by a universal formula based on years of experience.
💵 What Factors Affect Nurse Salary in Québec?
- Years of professional experience
- Recognized previous experience
- Employer
- Public or private sector
- Employment classification
- Educational qualifications
- Clinical responsibilities
- Specialization
- Management responsibilities
- Night shifts
- Weekend and holiday work
- Overtime
- Employment percentage
- Location and work environment
- Applicable collective agreement
🌙 Do Nurses Earn More for Night and Weekend Work?
Potentially. Nursing frequently involves schedules outside normal daytime hours. Depending on the employer and applicable collective agreement, nurses may receive premiums or other compensation for certain shifts, overtime, evenings, nights, weekends or holidays.
These additional payments can make total annual earnings different from the basic salary shown in a salary scale.
🏥 Public vs Private Nursing Jobs in Québec
Nurses can work for public healthcare institutions as well as private employers and other healthcare organizations.
| Factor | Public Healthcare Network | Other Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Salary structure | Formal salary scales and applicable collective agreements | Employer-specific compensation |
| Experience recognition | Governed by applicable rules | Depends on employer |
| Benefits | May include pension and other negotiated benefits | Depends on employer |
| Work settings | Hospitals, CLSCs, CHSLDs and other public institutions | Clinics, agencies, private facilities and other organizations |
| Premiums | May be provided under applicable agreements | Depends on employment contract |
💼 How to Find a Nursing Job in Québec
- Confirm your OIIQ eligibility.
- Begin foreign-diploma recognition if you were educated outside Québec.
- Check the French-language requirements.
- Prepare a Québec/Canadian-style résumé.
- List your nursing education and professional licences clearly.
- Document your clinical experience.
- Highlight specializations such as ICU, emergency or surgical nursing.
- Search hospitals, CLSCs, CHSLDs, clinics and healthcare organizations.
- Compare salary, benefits, schedule and location.
- Confirm the employment conditions before accepting an offer.
🌎 Nursing Jobs in Québec for Foreigners
Foreign-trained nurses can be valuable candidates for Québec healthcare employers, but immigration and professional authorization are separate issues.
A person may have a nursing diploma from another country but still need to obtain the professional authorization required to practise nursing in Québec.
Similarly, having authorization to practise professionally does not automatically provide immigration status or a work permit.
Foreign nurses should therefore plan both:
- Professional authorization: OIIQ requirements
- Immigration authorization: applicable Québec and Canadian immigration requirements
- Language: French requirements
- Employment: employer-specific requirements
🏆 Advanced Nursing Careers in Québec
Nursing can lead to several advanced career paths.
- Nurse clinician
- Specialized nurse
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse practitioner
- Nursing educator
- Research nurse
- Clinical coordinator
- Nursing manager
- Healthcare administrator
Advanced roles can require additional university education, certification or professional authorization.
🎓 Nurse Practitioner Careers
Nurse practitioners and other advanced nursing professionals have additional education and professional responsibilities compared with regular registered nurse positions.
Québec has specific professional and educational requirements for advanced nursing practice. Nurses interested in this career path should review current OIIQ requirements and the applicable university programs.
📚 Nursing Education in Québec
Québec offers nursing education at both college and university levels.
The Québec government identifies nursing programs at institutions including:
- Université de Montréal
- Université de Sherbrooke
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
- Université du Québec en Outaouais
- Université du Québec à Rimouski
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- Université Laval
- McGill University
Many Québec nursing training programs are offered in French, so prospective students should check the language of instruction before applying.
📍 Nurse Salary in Montréal vs Québec City
Nursing salaries are not necessarily determined by city alone. In the public health network, salary scales can apply across institutions according to the applicable employment classification and collective agreement.
However, private employers can have different compensation structures.
When comparing Montréal and Québec City nursing jobs, consider:
- Gross salary
- Salary step
- Shift premiums
- Overtime opportunities
- Benefits
- Commute
- Rent
- Transportation
- Work schedule
💰 Nurse Salary vs Cost of Living in Québec
A nursing salary should always be compared with the cost of living in the specific Québec community where you plan to work.
Housing is particularly important. Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau and smaller communities can have different rental markets.
A nurse should therefore compare the complete financial picture rather than looking only at the annual salary.
- Salary
- Rent or mortgage
- Transportation
- Food
- Utilities
- Taxes
- Childcare
- Insurance
- Professional expenses
See our Monthly Expenses in Québec guide for a broader cost-of-living comparison.
❓ FAQ – Nurse Salary in Québec
How much does a nurse earn in Québec?
Job Bank's latest published Québec wage data for registered nurses shows approximately $27 per hour at the low end, $40 per hour at the median and $50 per hour at the high end.
What is the starting salary for a nurse in Québec in 2026?
The 2026 public-sector salary scale for a regular nurse begins at $30.62 per hour from April 1, 2026. Actual starting pay can differ depending on employer, recognized experience and employment sector.
What is the highest nurse salary in Québec?
The 2026 public-sector salary scale for the regular nurse position reaches $49.09 per hour at the highest listed step. Job Bank's broader Québec wage data reports a high wage of $50 per hour.
How much does a nurse earn per month in Québec?
At $30.62 per hour and 37.5 hours per week, the gross monthly equivalent is approximately $4,974. At $49.09 per hour, it is approximately $7,978. Actual monthly pay depends on hours, deductions, premiums and other factors.
How much does a nurse earn per year in Québec?
The 2026 public-sector nurse scale corresponds to approximately $59,700 to $95,700 per year when annualized at 37.5 hours per week. Job Bank's broader Québec wage data corresponds approximately to $52,650–$97,500 using the same annualization method.
Can foreign-trained nurses work in Québec?
Yes, but foreign-trained nurses must meet the applicable OIIQ requirements for professional recognition and authorization to practise.
Is a foreign nursing diploma automatically recognized in Québec?
No. Nurses educated outside Québec may need to obtain recognition of their diploma or training through the OIIQ. Additional training or professional integration requirements may apply.
Do nurses need French in Québec?
Yes. Nurses must have sufficient knowledge of French to practise in Québec. The OIIQ provides specific procedures for applicants whose French knowledge does not initially meet the applicable requirements.
Do nurses need an OIIQ licence?
Yes. Nursing is a regulated profession in Québec. The OIIQ regulates the profession and nurses must hold the applicable authorization and registration to practise.
Can nurses work in Québec hospitals?
Yes. Hospitals are one of the major employment settings for nurses. Other settings include CLSCs, CHSLDs, medical clinics, healthcare centres and community or home-care services.
Is nursing a good-paying profession in Québec?
Nursing has established salary structures in Québec's public healthcare network and the occupation has a broad provincial wage range. Actual compensation depends on experience, employer, role, schedule and other employment conditions.
Does an ICU nurse earn more than a regular nurse?
Specialized ICU positions can have different compensation and scheduling arrangements, but there is no single Québec-wide ICU salary that applies to every employer. Check the applicable employer and collective agreement.
Can I work as a nurse while completing my OIIQ process?
Some candidates may qualify for temporary or candidate-to-practise arrangements under the applicable OIIQ and Québec rules. The exact authorization depends on the applicant's status and professional-recognition process.
📌 Important Salary Disclaimer
Nursing salaries vary between employers, sectors, locations, qualifications, experience levels and employment arrangements.
The official 2026 public-sector figures on this page come from Québec's published salary nomenclature for the regular nurse employment title. Job Bank figures represent broader Québec labour-market wage data and are based on a different methodology and reference period.
Annual and monthly figures shown on this page are calculated illustrations unless explicitly identified as published salary figures.
Always confirm the current salary scale, salary step, premiums, overtime, benefits, pension arrangements and working conditions directly with the employer or applicable collective agreement.
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