Nursing Assistant Salary in Canada

Current salary ranges and regional differences

Nursing assistant salary in Canada varies by province, employer, experience and job title (PSW, HCA, nursing attendant). As of 2024, typical hourly wages range roughly from CAD 15 to CAD 28: lower-paid regions and smaller long-term care homes often pay CAD 15–18/hr, while larger hospitals and private facilities in high-cost areas pay CAD 20–28/hr. Annual full-time earnings commonly fall between CAD 30,000 and CAD 55,000. Regions with higher wages include Alberta, British Columbia and parts of Ontario; Quebec and Atlantic provinces tend to be toward the lower end. For example, in Ottawa nursing assistants often see wages close to the Ontario average—frequently in the CAD 20–26/hr range—due to mixed hospital and long-term care employers and local demand for healthcare workers.

Key factors that affect pay and benefits

Several influences determine a nursing assistant’s pay: employer type (hospital vs. long-term care vs. home care), unionization, certifications, years of experience, and shift patterns. Hospitals generally offer higher base pay, stronger benefits and more predictable hours; long‑term care homes may offer lower base pay but sometimes provide shift premiums for nights and weekends. Unionized roles typically yield higher wages, better benefits and pay scales tied to seniority. Additional certifications or training—medication administration, dementia care, or IV support where allowed—can translate into higher pay. Location matters: urban centers like Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver often pay a premium to cover higher living costs. Finally, overtime, weekend differentials and on-call pay can significantly boost take-home income.

How to increase your nursing assistant salary and career prospects

There are practical steps to raise your earnings and move up the ladder. Pursue recognized certifications (PSW certificates, specialized dementia or palliative care training) and track continuing education—these make you more competitive and eligible for higher-paid roles. Seek positions in hospitals or community care agencies that pay more and offer benefits. Join a union if available, and research collective agreements to understand pay scales. Consider shift choices: evening, night and weekend shifts often include premiums. Gain experience and document competencies to negotiate raises or apply for senior aide roles, team lead positions, or bridge programs to become an LPN/RPN or RN. Finally, network with local employers in Ottawa or your city, use job boards and contact staffing agencies—demand is high in many regions, so timing and persistence can lead to better-paying opportunities