What is the average Canadian salary in 2025, and how much can employees in Canada expect to earn across different occupations and sectors? With wage statistics shifting annually, understanding average wages and how they vary significantly by job type, experience level, and education is crucial. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced worker, knowing what you can earn per hour or annually helps you make informed financial and career decisions.
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, average income levels depend on multiple factors including occupation, full-time versus part-time status, and post-secondary qualifications. In many sectors, professionals with a strong track record and higher education tend to see higher wages and salary growth. Meanwhile, individuals on the lower end of the pay scale or working fewer hours may earn less, even in sectors that offer job opportunities.
Average annual salaries also differ based on important factors that determine take-home pay, such as cost of living, hourly wage standards, and the total number of work hours. From median income trends to employment insurance eligibility, the wage landscape continues to evolve for people in Canada. Discover which jobs offer higher salaries, how wages compare across Canadian provinces and territories, and where earners can expect the highest average income.
What is the Average Salary in Canada for 2025?
Based on data from December 2024 to April 2025, the average salary in Canada has shown a slight but steady increase, reflecting overall stability in the labour market. In April 2025, the average hourly wage for all employees aged 15 and over was $36.13, up from $35.83 in December of the previous year.
This translates to an annual average salary of approximately $75,150 CAD for a full-time employee working 40 hours per week. Wages varied across sectors, with the utilities industry leading at $55.72 per hour (about $115,898 annually) and accommodation and food services at the lower end with $20.88 per hour (approximately $43,430 annually).
Compared to the previous year, the data indicates a continuation of sector-based wage trends, with goods-producing industries like forestry, mining, and oil and gas offering high compensation, averaging $51.24 per hour in April 2025. The services-producing sector remained stable, increasing modestly to $35.63 per hour.
Certain industries, such as finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing ($43.75/hour) and professional, scientific and technical services ($47.14/hour), also maintained high wage levels, reinforcing the value of specialized skills and professional training. This wage breakdown provides valuable insight into employment trends, helping Canadians and newcomers alike make informed career decisions.
How Do Salaries Differ Across Canada’s Provinces and Territories?
Recent data reveals that average weekly earnings across different provinces and territories in Canada have reached $1,285.91 as of November 2024, which amounts to about $66,867 annually. While this marks an overall 5.0% increase in earnings compared to last year, not all regions have experienced the same growth.
The disparity between the highest and lowest earners is significant, and continues to widen. The northern territories lead the country with the highest earnings, reflecting the unique economic conditions of remote living and increased living costs. Below is a detailed look at the average weekly and annual earnings across Canada’s provinces and territories.
Northwest Territories
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,988.54
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $103,404
Nunavut
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,763.69
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $91,712
Yukon
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,471.77
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $76,532
Alberta
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,344.47
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $69,912
Ontario
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,329.43
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $69,130
British Columbia
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,290.38
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $67,100
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,273.60
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $66,227
Saskatchewan
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,232.50
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $64,090
Quebec
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,229.18
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $63,917
New Brunswick
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,162.33
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $60,441
Manitoba
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,151.58
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $59,882
Nova Scotia
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,151.32
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $59,869
Prince Edward Island
- Average Weekly Earnings: $1,093.98
- Equivalent Annual Earnings: $56,887
What Factors Contribute to Variations in Canadian Salary Across Different Regions?
Salaries in Canada vary across provinces and territories due to numerous contributing factors, including the cost of living, industry demands, and government policies. Regions like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary experience higher wages due to their strong economies and specific economic drivers. To understand these differences, it’s essential to look at the key regional factors that affect salaries.
1. Cost of Living
Higher living costs in cities like Toronto and Vancouver result in higher wages to compensate for housing, transportation, and other daily expenses. In contrast, smaller cities or rural regions tend to offer lower salaries but with a reduced cost of living.
2. Industry Demand and Location:
Natural resources in Alberta and Calgary, and tech industries in Toronto and Vancouver drive up salaries in those regions. High demand for skilled workers in certain industries leads to salary premiums in these sectors.
3. Educational Attainment and Skills
Areas with more highly educated populations, especially in fields like technology, healthcare, and finance, tend to offer higher salaries. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, higher education qualifications significantly impact salary offers.
4. Employment Opportunities and Job Market
Larger cities with more job opportunities, like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, often offer higher salaries due to demand for skilled workers and the competition among companies to attract talent. Smaller regions or areas with fewer job openings typically offer lower wages.
5. Minimum Wage Standards
Provincial minimum wage laws directly affect salary floors. For example, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have higher minimum wage rates, which helps raise overall wages across various sectors.
6. Regional Economic Growth
Economic conditions in each province impact salary levels. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have thriving economies, leading to higher wages, while other provinces with slower economic growth may offer lower salaries.
7. Wage Growth and Trends
Wage growth is often more prominent in provinces with rapidly developing sectors, such as technology in Ontario or the energy sector in Alberta. Areas experiencing significant economic expansion tend to see faster increases in salary levels.
8. Labor Market Demand and Shortages
Labor shortages in certain regions and industries, like in Calgary’s oil sector or Vancouver’s tech industry, force employers to offer higher salaries to fill vacant positions. The scarcity of skilled workers in certain fields leads to salary increases.
9. Unionization and Collective Bargaining
Provinces with stronger union representation, such as Ontario, often see higher wages in unionized sectors like healthcare, public service, and transportation. Unionized workers may earn higher wages due to collective bargaining agreements.
10. Government Policies and Regulations
Provincial policies on business incentives, taxation, and labour laws affect salaries. For instance, regions that support growth in certain industries or have favourable policies for businesses might see increased salary levels due to heightened demand for skilled labour.
11. Geographic Location and Accessibility
Remote or less accessible regions, such as parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, may offer higher wages to attract workers to areas with more challenging living conditions or fewer amenities.
12. Sector-Specific Variations
Salaries often vary significantly depending on the sector. For example, professionals in high-paying sectors like accounting, engineering, and finance in major cities like Toronto tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in other regions with less demand for such specialized skills.
13. Work Experience and Age Group
Your work experience and age group can also affect your salary. In general, experienced workers command higher wages, especially in more specialized industries. Additionally, the number of Canadians in a particular field can influence salary levels, with more competition potentially driving wages down, particularly for younger, less experienced workers.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada (2025)
Canada offers a wide range of lucrative career opportunities across various sectors, and 2025 promises to bring even more high-paying roles for skilled professionals.
Whether you’re looking to enter the healthcare, technology, or executive fields, certain jobs are known for their ability to offer substantial salaries. Understanding these top-paying professions can help guide career decisions, from educational paths to choosing the right industry to boost your earning potential in Canada.
- Anesthesiologist – $341,668 (Healthcare)
- Cardiologist – $316,765 (Healthcare)
- Psychiatrist – $307,500 (Healthcare)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – $300,000–$500,000+ (Executive Leadership)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – $250,000–$400,000+ (Finance)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – $200,000–$350,000+ (Technology)
- Orthodontist – $209,373 (Healthcare)
- Software Engineering Manager – $133,966 (Technology)
- Construction Manager – $93,526 (Construction)
- Cardiologists – $338,909 (Healthcare)
- Surgeons – $376,130 (Healthcare)
- Orthodontists – $343,456 (Healthcare)
- Psychiatrists – $299,760 (Healthcare)
- Physicians – $292,407 (Healthcare)
- Cloud Architects – $138,063 (Technology)
- Cloud Systems Engineers – $118,648 (Technology)
- IT Project Managers – $115,774 (Technology)
- Business Intelligence Analysts – $96,742 (Technology / Business)
- Full Stack Developers – $94,365 (Technology)
- Construction Project Managers – $93,526 (Construction)
- Chief Marketing Officers (CMO) – $185,322 (Business / Marketing)
- Dentists – $169,958 (Healthcare)
- Accountants – $61,156 (Finance / Business)
- Finance Professionals – $60,531 (Finance)
- Mining, Oil, and Gas Extraction Workers – $113,506 (Natural Resources)
- Airline Pilots – $35,233 to $146,274 (Aviation)
Final Thoughts
The average salary in Canada for 2025 reflects a dynamic job market where wages vary based on industry, region, education, and experience. Understanding regional disparities and sector-specific trends is crucial for both employees and job seekers looking to make informed career decisions.
By considering factors like location, industry demand, and educational qualifications, individuals can better navigate their financial and professional paths. With ongoing wage growth in key sectors, Canada presents numerous opportunities for individuals to increase their earning potential and achieve long-term career success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does income in entry-level positions vary across different industries in Canada?
Income in entry-level positions in Canada can differ significantly depending on the industry. The primary factors that influence entry-level pay include the demand for skills, the sector’s profitability, and the qualifications required.
Goods-Producing Sector: Industries like mining, oil and gas, and utilities tend to offer higher wages for entry-level workers. For example, in construction or manufacturing, entry-level wages can range from $35 to $40 per hour.
Service-Producing Sector: Entry-level roles in service sectors like wholesale, retail trade, and accommodation typically offer lower wages. Wages in these sectors can range from $20 to $30 per hour.
Specialized Fields: Professions such as technology, finance, and healthcare tend to offer competitive starting salaries. For instance, in professional, scientific, and technical services, entry-level wages may start around $40 per hour.
How does the pay across different regions in Canada compare?
Pay rates across Canada can vary significantly due to regional differences in the cost of living, industry presence, and labor market demands.
Higher Salaries: Provinces such as Alberta and Ontario tend to offer higher wages due to the presence of more high-paying industries like energy, finance, and technology. For example, workers in Alberta’s oil and gas sector may earn significantly more than those in other regions.
Lower Salaries: Regions such as the Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, etc.) often offer lower average wages due to the smaller size of industries and a lower cost of living.
Cost of Living Factor: While salaries may be higher in large urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, the cost of living is also higher. In contrast, smaller cities may offer lower wages, but the cost of living can also be lower, balancing out the overall financial picture.
What role does the sector play in determining the average Canadian salary?
The sector plays a significant role in determining salaries in Canada. Different industries have varying levels of profitability, demand for labor, and skill requirements, which all affect wage levels.
High-Paying Sectors: Industries such as oil and gas, finance, and technology typically offer higher salaries due to the need for specialized skills and the higher value they place on experienced workers. For example, professionals in the technology sector often command higher wages than those in service-oriented fields.
Lower-Paying Sectors: On the other hand, industries like retail, hospitality, and agriculture tend to offer lower average salaries, as they often require fewer specialized skills and may have higher turnover rates.
Public vs. Private Sector: Public sector roles, such as those in education or public administration, often offer stable salaries with benefits, while private sector positions, particularly in competitive fields like finance and tech, can offer higher base salaries with performance-based bonuses.
How does the minimum wage in Canada impact overall salary expectations?
The minimum wage in Canada has a significant impact on salary expectations, especially in industries that rely on hourly labor.
Influence on Entry-Level Pay: Minimum wage laws set the baseline for hourly wages in many sectors, particularly in retail, hospitality, and agriculture. These industries are more likely to pay at or near the minimum wage for entry-level positions, affecting overall salary expectations.
Regional Variations: Minimum wage rates differ across provinces and territories, influencing salary expectations in various regions. For instance, minimum wage in Ontario or British Columbia is higher than in certain other provinces, which affects the starting pay in entry-level positions.
Impact on Wage Growth: While minimum wage increases can boost entry-level pay, they may also affect employers’ ability to offer raises and benefits. In the long term, this can limit salary growth in certain sectors that rely heavily on minimum wage workers.
What factors influence salary growth for workers with 5 to 10 years of experience in Canada?
Salary growth for workers with 5 to 10 years of experience in Canada is influenced by a variety of factors beyond just tenure in a position.
Industry Demand: Sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare tend to offer more significant salary growth due to the high demand for skilled professionals. For instance, a software engineer or a healthcare specialist may experience faster pay increases due to the growth of these industries.
Skill Development: Gaining new skills, certifications, or advanced qualifications often leads to higher-paying opportunities. For example, earning a management certification or completing a specialized program in a technical field can open doors for promotion and higher wages.
Company Performance and Benefits: Salary growth is also tied to the company’s financial success and policies. In companies that perform well, workers may benefit from bonuses or higher salary increases, while organizations facing economic challenges might offer more modest raises.
Geographic Location: Pay growth can also vary depending on location, as wages tend to be higher in cities with higher living costs. A worker in Toronto, for instance, may see greater salary advancement compared to someone in a smaller city or rural area.
Job Role Evolution: Workers moving into more senior roles or management positions generally experience higher salary growth, as leadership positions typically offer higher compensation compared to individual contributor roles.