Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
Computer programming vs Practical nursing (RPN)
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, Computer programming is ahead by year 10 ($466k against $448k), because it pays more per year once you are working. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. Practical nursing (RPN) gets to a real paycheque first (about 2 years). Practical nursing (RPN) costs $3,400 less to get into. Job Bank rates demand higher for Practical nursing (RPN) in Ontario right now.
| Measure | Computer programming | Practical nursing (RPN) |
|---|---|---|
| Route | College diploma | College diploma |
| Credential | Ontario College Advanced Diploma | Ontario College Diploma |
| Years to finish | 3 | 2 |
| First real paycheque | About 3 years | About 2 years |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $13,300 | $9,900 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $16,700 | $16,700 |
| Earnings, first years | $52,000 | $49,000 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $75,000 | $60,000 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $466k | $448k |
| Demand in Ontario | Limited | High |
| Time in a classroom | 70% | 60% |
Earnings by year, roughly
Before tax. Years in school show as "school". Medians rise from the starting figure to the year-5 figure, then stay flat.
Computer programming
A day looks like: Coding, testing, working in small teams. Co-op terms matter enormously.
What stops people: Getting the first job; entry-level tech hiring has tightened since 2023.
Downside: Employers increasingly expect a degree or a strong portfolio. AI tools are changing what junior developers do.
Practical nursing (RPN)
A day looks like: Hands-on patient care in hospitals and long-term care. Clinical placements start in first year.
What stops people: Competitive admission; strong Grade 12 biology and English needed.
Downside: Twelve-hour shifts, nights and weekends. The RPN-to-RN bridge takes another two to three years if you want the higher ceiling.
Quick answers
Which pays more, computer programming or practical nursing (rpn)?
By year five, Computer programming is about $75,000 and Practical nursing (RPN) about $60,000 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, Computer programming nets roughly $466k and Practical nursing (RPN) roughly $448k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
Computer programming: about 3 years. Practical nursing (RPN): about 2 years.
What does each cost?
Computer programming: $13,300 in tuition and fees, typical debt $16,700. Practical nursing (RPN): $9,900, typical debt $16,700.
What is the downside of each?
Computer programming: Employers increasingly expect a degree or a strong portfolio. AI tools are changing what junior developers do. Practical nursing (RPN): Twelve-hour shifts, nights and weekends. The RPN-to-RN bridge takes another two to three years if you want the higher ceiling.
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Figures are Ontario medians and typical costs from Job Bank, Statistics Canada, Skilled Trades Ontario and institution fee pages; the data page lists every source and date. Switch province on either pathway page for BC, Alberta or Quebec figures.