Job outlooks for Nurse practitioners

Discover the employment prospects for your dream job across Canada, or compare different occupations.

Occupation

nurse practitioner (31302)

Location

All regions across Canada

Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2024-2026. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

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  • Newfoundland and LabradorGood

    The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador:

    • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 88%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 12%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 93% compared to 83% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • 83% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 13% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 87% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 14% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 88% compared to 7% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Avalon Peninsula Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Avalon Peninsula region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Avalon Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 84%
        • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 16%

  • Prince Edward IslandVery good

    The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Prince Edward Island for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Prince Edward Island:

    • Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 51%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 49%
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: n/a
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 89% compared to 8% for all occupations

  • Nova ScotiaUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

    • Halifax Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • New BrunswickUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • QuebecGood

    The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Quebec for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Quebec:

    • Approximately 750 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 62%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 32%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 91% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 65% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 35% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 7% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 93% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 92% compared to 11% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Capitale-Nationale Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Capitale-Nationale region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Capitale-Nationale region:

      • Approximately 80 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Estrie Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Laurentides Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Laurentides region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Laurentides region:

      • Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Laval Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region:

      • Approximately 390 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montréal Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

      • Approximately 390 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montérégie Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Montérégie region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Montérégie region:

      • Approximately 170 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Outaouais Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Outaouais region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Outaouais region:

      • Approximately 80 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

  • OntarioGood

    The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Ontario for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    What Types of Employers Are Out There?

    • The majority are employed in health care, notably in hospitals; offices of physicians and out-patient care centres are also key employers

     

    What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

    • Increased need for health-related services to support the growing and aging population in Ontario
    • Greater demand on the health care system because of the backlog of medical procedures and patient care needs
    • Major investments in health care facilities

     

    What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

    • Nurse practitioners are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario and the role is open to registered nurses (RNs) who have additional education and experience

     

    What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

    • Generally, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Ontario:

    • Approximately 3,950 people work in this occupation.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 52%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 39%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 87% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 78% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 5% of nurse practitioners are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 8% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 92% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 24% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 92% compared to 13% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 440 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 92%

    • Kingston–Pembroke Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Kingston - Pembroke region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Kingston - Pembroke region:

      • Approximately 210 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 87%
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 13%

    • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

      • Approximately 330 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 91%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 5%

    • London Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the London region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the London region:

      • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Muskoka–Kawarthas Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Muskoka - Kawarthas region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Muskoka - Kawarthas region:

      • Approximately 130 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Northeast Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Northeast region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Northeast region:

      • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 90%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 7%

    • Northwest Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Northwest region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Northwest region:

      • Approximately 140 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 87%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 13%

    • Ottawa Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Ottawa region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Ottawa region:

      • Approximately 220 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 80%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 11%

    • Stratford–Bruce Peninsula Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be moderate for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Stratford - Bruce Peninsula region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Stratford - Bruce Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Toronto Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Toronto region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Toronto region:

      • Approximately 1,250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 95%

    • Windsor-Sarnia Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Windsor - Sarnia region:

      • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 90%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%

  • ManitobaModerate

    The employment outlook will be moderate for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Manitoba for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Manitoba:

    • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 47%
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 43%
      • Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 10%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 88% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 82% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 18% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 14% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 86% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 92% compared to 8% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • North Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Winnipeg Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Winnipeg region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Winnipeg region:

      • Approximately 120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 90%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 10%

  • SaskatchewanVery good

    The employment outlook will be very good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Saskatchewan for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Saskatchewan:

    • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 67%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 19%
      • Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 7%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 62% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 12% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 88% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 18% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 67% compared to 7% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

  • AlbertaGood

    The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in Alberta for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Alberta's population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next decade, contributing to demand for this occupation.
    • Alberta's Budget 2024 allocates $26.2 billion for health services in 2024-25, an increase of $1.1 billion or 4.4% from 2023-24.
    • Budget 2024 also includes $15 million towards the development of a compensation model for nurse practitioners.
    • Alberta is in the process of reforming health care services into four separate health agencies, which may have implications for job seekers.


    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in Alberta:

    • Approximately 600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 70%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 19%
      • Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 7%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 83% compared to 80% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 17% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • 79% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 5% of nurse practitioners are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 11% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 89% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 93% compared to 9% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Calgary Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Calgary region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Calgary region:

      • Approximately 180 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 94%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 6%

    • Edmonton Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Edmonton region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Edmonton region:

      • Approximately 290 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 91%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 9%

  • British ColumbiaGood

    The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in British Columbia for the 2024-2026 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    New urgent and primary care centres have been announced or opened in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Williams Lake, Vernon, and other communities throughout the province. Most of these facilities will require nurse practitioners.


    There continues to be acute labour shortages, affecting the delivery of health care services in various parts of the province, especially in rural areas.

    Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in British Columbia:

    • Approximately 650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 66%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 28%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 87% compared to 78% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • 70% of nurse practitioners work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 19% of nurse practitioners are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 6% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 94% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: n/a
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 93% compared to 12% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Cariboo Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

      • Approximately 380 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Nechako Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Thompson–Okanagan Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Thompson - Okanagan region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Thompson - Okanagan region:

      • Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 86%
        • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 14%

    • Vancouver Island and Coast Region Good

      The employment outlook will be good for Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2024-2026 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about Nurse practitioners in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:

      • Approximately 140 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Nurse practitioners mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

  • Yukon TerritoryUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Northwest TerritoriesUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • NunavutUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

Related links

Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Labour Market Information Survey
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