Nigerian Travel Nurse in Canada Reveals $54K Earnings in Four Months
A young Nigerian woman residing in Canada has publicly shared her total earnings as a travel nurse over a four-month period, sparking widespread reactions and discussions on social media platforms. Eniola, who migrated to Canada and became a nurse at the age of 19, detailed her income in a viral TikTok post from 2025, providing a transparent look into the financial aspects of her profession.
Breakdown of Earnings and Deductions
In her TikTok video, Eniola revealed that she earned a gross total of $54,033.23, equivalent to approximately N74.7 million in Nigerian currency, during her four-month stint as a travel nurse. After accounting for various deductions, her net income amounted to $31,216.22, or about N43.1 million. The deductions included $18,769.14 in income tax, $3,150.91 for Canada Pension Plan contributions, and $896 in Employment Insurance premiums.
Eniola explained: "I made $54,033.23, and I have $18,769.14 of income tax deducted and $3,150.91 in CBP contribution, and I also had $896 in EI premiums. So, here is the total amount I made after the taxes and deductions - $31,216.22."
She noted that she received a significant tax refund later, as she had overpaid some deductions, which mitigated the initial impact. Eniola also mentioned that she worked as an employed travel nurse rather than an independent contractor, citing personal financial management concerns, though others in the field often recommend the contractor route for higher take-home pay.
What Is a Travel Nurse in Canada?
A travel nurse in Canada is typically a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or nurse practitioner who undertakes short-term contracts, usually lasting eight to 13 weeks, at hospitals or clinics facing staffing shortages. This role allows for flexibility and often higher compensation compared to permanent positions, but it comes with variable tax implications and benefits.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The disclosure of Eniola's earnings triggered a flurry of reactions online, with opinions divided on whether the salary was substantial or modest given the deductions. Some commenters praised the earnings, while others criticized the high taxes or compared it to other nursing roles.
- Mr and Mrs Ikechukwu commented: "Nice, but it's quite low because you can make that and more as a registered nurse."
- Ife said: "Girl, I started travelling this year and the taxes should be illegal! Hoping for a big refund come tax season though."
- Sweet2it asked: "How many years of experience did you have before you became a travel nurse?"
- Divine remarked: "$19,000 in taxes? Do you get that back after you file for the next year or are they just allowed to keep robbing you like that?"
- ammiee240 noted: "That’s low after taxes. A full-time RN in Alberta and British Columbia makes that after taxes. Were you part-time?"
- YourTechBro said: "Even software developers don’t make this in five months! Damn, I should go study nursing."
- Faith__ added: "The pay was low??!! What are you guys saying, come to the UK then you’ll know what is low."
Broader Context of Nursing Salaries
This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about healthcare salaries globally. In a related context, other nurses have shared their earnings experiences, such as a nurse who relocated abroad and disclosed earning significantly less in Nigeria, highlighting the disparities in pay and working conditions across different regions. For instance, one nurse reported earning a take-home pay of 45,000 naira per month in Nigeria, with exhausting work schedules, underscoring the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in some countries.
The story of Eniola not only sheds light on the financial realities of travel nursing in Canada but also fuels broader conversations about career choices, taxation, and the economic opportunities available to Nigerian professionals in the diaspora. As more individuals share their experiences online, it provides valuable insights for others considering similar paths in the healthcare sector or abroad.
