Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ontario Per Hour 2025

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who play a crucial role in healthcare systems by diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, managing patient care, and educating patients. In Ontario, NPs are highly valued for their specialized skills and ability to provide high-quality care across various settings, from hospitals and clinics to community health centers and private practices. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the salary for nurse practitioners in Ontario, exploring factors that influence their hourly wage, and offering insights into the overall job outlook for NPs in the province.

Nurse Practitioner Role in Ontario

Nurse practitioners in Ontario are licensed to practice at an advanced level, with a scope of practice that includes diagnosing diseases, interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and providing patient education. To become an NP in Ontario, individuals must have a Master’s degree in nursing, pass a certification exam, and be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

Ontario is one of the provinces in Canada that allows nurse practitioners to work with a high level of independence, particularly in primary care and specialty areas. This autonomy allows NPs to take on key responsibilities in patient care, making them an essential part of the healthcare system.

Average Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ontario Per Hour

The salary for nurse practitioners in Ontario is competitive, reflecting their advanced skills and the growing demand for healthcare professionals. As of the most recent data, the average hourly wage for nurse practitioners in Ontario ranges from approximately CAD 50 to CAD 60 per hour. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including experience, specialization, location, and the work setting.

Also Read: Nurse Practitioner Salary In US Per Hour

According to the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Health, the starting salary for an NP typically falls within the lower range of this scale, while experienced NPs, especially those with specialized training or leadership roles, can earn wages at the higher end. In many cases, nurse practitioners in Ontario earn between CAD 95,000 and CAD 115,000 annually, translating to an average hourly rate of approximately CAD 50 to CAD 55 for full-time work.

Factors Affecting Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Ontario

Several key factors influence the hourly wage of nurse practitioners in Ontario. These include specialization, experience, geographic location, and the work setting. Below, we explore these factors in more detail:

1. Specialization Nurse practitioners can specialize in a variety of fields, including family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and acute care. Specializing in a high-demand area, such as psychiatric-mental health, cardiology, or oncology, can lead to higher salaries. For example, NPs working in specialized roles like anesthesia or critical care tend to earn more than those in general family practice or primary care.
2. Experience and Education Experience plays a significant role in determining a nurse practitioner’s salary. NPs with many years of experience, particularly those in leadership or management positions, typically earn higher wages. Nurse practitioners with advanced certifications or specialized education, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), are also likely to earn more due to their advanced skill set and expertise. As NPs gain more experience in their field, they are entrusted with more complex cases and responsibilities, which justifies higher compensation.
3. Geographic Location Geographic location is another critical factor in determining an NP’s salary. In larger cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga, the demand for nurse practitioners is higher, and the cost of living is greater. As a result, nurse practitioners working in these urban areas often earn higher wages compared to those in rural or smaller communities. In some cases, rural areas may offer additional incentives, such as higher pay rates or relocation allowances, to attract healthcare professionals to underserved regions.
4. Work Setting Nurse practitioners in Ontario can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centers, private practices, and long-term care facilities. The work setting can significantly impact salary. For instance, nurse practitioners working in hospitals or specialized medical centers may earn more than those working in outpatient clinics or primary care practices due to the complexity of the cases they manage. Additionally, NPs who work in leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or directors, may have higher salaries due to their added responsibilities.
5. Public vs. Private Sector Nurse practitioners in Ontario can work in both public and private sectors. Those employed by publicly funded healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, health units, and government agencies, may receive a salary based on a specific pay scale established by the provincial government. These public sector roles may also come with benefits such as healthcare coverage, pension plans, and paid time off. On the other hand, NPs employed in private practices or private healthcare organizations may earn higher wages, but their positions may not always offer the same benefits as public sector jobs.

Nurse Practitioner Salary by Region in Ontario

1. Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Nurse practitioners in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Toronto, Markham, and Mississauga, tend to earn some of the highest salaries in Ontario. The demand for healthcare professionals is high in these urban centers, and the cost of living is elevated, which drives up wages. Nurse practitioners in the GTA can earn between CAD 55 and CAD 65 per hour, depending on their level of experience, specialization, and the specific healthcare setting in which they work.
2. Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Nurse practitioners working in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, and other parts of Eastern Ontario generally earn slightly lower wages than those in the GTA but still enjoy competitive compensation. The average hourly rate for nurse practitioners in this region ranges from CAD 50 to CAD 60 per hour. However, the demand for healthcare professionals in Ottawa is expected to grow, particularly in the fields of family medicine and geriatrics, which may lead to higher salaries in the future.
3. Northern Ontario Nurse practitioners working in Northern Ontario, in cities like Sudbury and Thunder Bay, may earn slightly less compared to those in urban centers but often receive additional incentives to compensate for the lower salary levels. Rural and remote areas may offer relocation bonuses or higher pay rates to attract NPs to these underserved regions. The average hourly salary in Northern Ontario typically ranges between CAD 50 and CAD 55 per hour, but this can vary depending on the specific location and demand for healthcare services.

Job Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Ontario

The job outlook for nurse practitioners in Ontario is highly positive, with the province experiencing a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, the role of nurse practitioners is expected to expand over the coming years due to an aging population, increased demand for primary care, and the need for healthcare providers in rural and underserved areas.

Nurse practitioners in Ontario also benefit from the province’s healthcare policies, which allow NPs to practice with a higher degree of autonomy compared to other provinces. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, there will likely be an increasing need for nurse practitioners in both urban and rural settings, contributing to job security and opportunities for salary growth.

# Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ontario Per Hour