Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
Early childhood education vs Practical nursing (RPN)
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, Practical nursing (RPN) is ahead by year 10 ($448k against $316k), because it pays more per year once you are working. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. Early childhood education costs $400 less to get into.
| Measure | Early childhood education | Practical nursing (RPN) |
|---|---|---|
| Route | College diploma | College diploma |
| Credential | Ontario College Diploma | Ontario College Diploma |
| Years to finish | 2 | 2 |
| First real paycheque | About 2 years | About 2 years |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $9,500 | $9,900 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $16,700 | $16,700 |
| Earnings, first years | $34,000 | $49,000 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $43,000 | $60,000 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $316k | $448k |
| Demand in Ontario | High | High |
| Time in a classroom | 55% | 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.
Early childhood education
A day looks like: Working with children under six in daycares and kindergartens; planning play-based learning.
What stops people: Placements require police checks and immunisation records; otherwise accessible.
Downside: Low pay ceiling despite high demand. Many leave for teaching or move into administration.
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, early childhood education or practical nursing (rpn)?
By year five, Early childhood education is about $43,000 and Practical nursing (RPN) about $60,000 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, Early childhood education nets roughly $316k and Practical nursing (RPN) roughly $448k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
Early childhood education: about 2 years. Practical nursing (RPN): about 2 years.
What does each cost?
Early childhood education: $9,500 in tuition and fees, typical debt $16,700. Practical nursing (RPN): $9,900, typical debt $16,700.
What is the downside of each?
Early childhood education: Low pay ceiling despite high demand. Many leave for teaching or move into administration. 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.