Are you wondering what the average salary is in Vancouver, Canada? Understanding income levels in Metro Vancouver is crucial, especially given the city’s rising cost of living and housing expenses. By examining data on wages per hour and average yearly salary, you can get a clearer estimate of what to expect when working in this vibrant Canadian city.
The average household income in Vancouver varies significantly depending on the sector and experience level. Entry-level positions start with wages close to the minimum wage, while experienced workers and seniors in specialized roles, such as health care, often earn much higher salaries. Using a cost of living calculator alongside income statistics helps workers and households better understand how their earnings match local expenses.
This overview of average salaries in Vancouver will explore wages per hour, month, and year, providing insight into the city’s job market. Whether you’re a worker starting out or a senior employee, knowing these numbers is key to planning your financial future. Let’s take a closer look at the detailed data on Vancouver’s job wages to understand what constitutes a good salary in this city.
Average Salary in Vancouver, BC
The average salary in Vancouver, BC is approximately $69,512 per year, or about $33.42 per hour. However, wages vary significantly depending on experience and job type. While many workers earn near the median, experienced workers make considerably more, with salaries often reaching or exceeding $84,000 annually. The table below highlights this range along with hourly, weekly, and monthly wage estimates to provide a comprehensive view of earnings in Vancouver.
Vancouver Salary Breakdown (in CAD)
- Average Annual Salary: $69,512
- Hourly Wage: $33.42
- Weekly Wage: $1,336
- Monthly Salary: $5,792
- 25th Percentile Salary: $53,250
- 75th Percentile Salary / What Experienced Workers Make: $84,000
What Affects Salary Expectations in Vancouver?
Salary expectations are shaped by several key factors, and in a competitive job market like Vancouver, it’s important to understand what contributes to these variations. While the average Vancouver salary offers a helpful benchmark, what you actually earn in a given year in Canada can vary significantly based on the following elements.
Industry and Occupation
Different industries pay differently. Roles in tech, finance, and healthcare in Vancouver generally pay more than jobs in retail or hospitality. This variation affects how closely your income aligns with or surpasses the average Vancouver salary.
Experience and Qualifications
The more experience and qualifications you bring to a role, the higher your earning potential. Entry-level positions may fall well below the Canadian average salary, while senior-level roles often exceed it.
Education Level
Education plays a critical role in salary expectations. In Vancouver, candidates with post-secondary degrees or specialized training are more likely to earn above the average salary, particularly in sectors that require technical expertise or certifications.
Company Size and Type
Larger companies and government employers in Vancouver often offer salaries above the local average. By contrast, smaller businesses may not match the average Vancouver salary, though they may offer flexibility or career growth in other ways.
Location Within Vancouver
Even within the city, pay can vary. Jobs located in central business districts or tech hubs may come with compensation that exceeds the average salary, while those in more residential or outlying areas may pay slightly less.
Demand and Supply in the Job Market
When demand for certain skills is high and qualified candidates are few, wages tend to increase. This dynamic plays a big role in determining whether a job pays above or below the average salary in Canada or the average Vancouver salary.
Unionization and Employment Contracts
Unionized roles often provide structured pay scales that are predictable and can be higher than non-union wages. These contracts may ensure pay aligns with or exceeds the average salary, depending on the sector and role.
Highest Paid Jobs in Vancouver, BC 2025
Vancouver, BC is home to some of the highest paying careers in Canada, with salaries measured in CAD. From healthcare and finance to technology and law, wages can vary widely depending on your role and industry. Whether you’re entering the workforce or aiming for an executive position, this list of top-paying jobs in Vancouver offers insights into sectors that offer strong income potential.
Top Earning Jobs in Vancouver
Surgeon
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $478,000 CAD
- Job Description: Performs complex surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Judge
- Sector: Legal
- Average Annual Salary: $402,000 CAD
- Job Description: Presides over court proceedings and delivers rulings based on law and evidence.
Medical Director
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $327,000 CAD
- Job Description: Oversees clinical operations and ensures medical standards across healthcare units.
Lawyer
- Sector: Legal
- Average Annual Salary: $325,000 CAD
- Job Description: Advises clients on legal issues and represents them in court or negotiations.
Bank Manager
- Sector: Finance
- Average Annual Salary: $306,000 CAD
- Job Description: Manages branch operations, financial products, and team performance.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Sector: Executive
- Average Annual Salary: $287,000 CAD
- Job Description: Leads the company’s overall strategy, operations, and growth initiatives.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Sector: Executive
- Average Annual Salary: $268,000 CAD
- Job Description: Directs a company’s financial planning, risk management, and reporting.
Orthodontist
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $258,000 CAD
- Job Description: Specializes in diagnosing and correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues.
Construction Manager
- Sector: Construction
- Average Annual Salary: $220,000 CAD
- Job Description: Supervises construction projects, budgets, timelines, and safety regulations.
Pilot
- Sector: Aviation
- Average Annual Salary: $191,000 CAD
- Job Description: Operates aircraft to transport passengers or cargo safely and efficiently.
Marketing Director
- Sector: Marketing
- Average Annual Salary: $172,000 CAD
- Job Description: Develops and oversees marketing strategies to grow brand presence and sales.
Dentist
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $152,465 CAD
- Job Description: Provides dental care including exams, treatments, and oral health advice.
Production Planner
- Sector: Manufacturing
- Average Annual Salary: $110,739 CAD
- Job Description: Coordinates production schedules to meet customer demand and efficiency goals.
Software Architect
- Sector: Technology
- Average Annual Salary: $110,000 CAD
- Job Description: Designs high-level software structures and ensures scalable architecture.
Dental Hygienist
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $98,000 CAD
- Job Description: Provides preventive dental care and educates patients on oral hygiene.
Pharmacist
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $88,000 CAD
- Job Description: Dispenses medications and provides drug-related advice to patients and physicians.
Registered Nurse
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $85,467 CAD
- Job Description: Delivers patient care, administers treatments, and supports recovery processes.
Physiotherapist
- Sector: Healthcare
- Average Annual Salary: $85,155 CAD
- Job Description: Helps patients regain mobility and manage pain through physical therapy techniques.
Social Worker
- Sector: Social Services
- Average Annual Salary: $81,671 CAD
- Job Description: Supports individuals and families facing social, emotional, or financial challenges.
Developer
- Sector: Technology
- Average Annual Salary: $81,194 CAD
- Job Description: Builds and maintains software applications across various platforms and systems.
These salary figures reflect averages and can vary based on your experience, employer, and specific responsibilities. Consider upgrading your qualifications or shifting industries if you’re aiming for the upper end of the salary spectrum in Vancouver.
What Is Considered a Good Salary in Vancouver?
A good salary in Vancouver means earning enough to cover living expenses, manage savings, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Because of the city’s high cost of living, a salary of $75,000 or more per year is typically considered good.
Vancouver’s Average Salary as a Benchmark
The average annual salary in Vancouver is approximately $69,512, which equals about $33.42 per hour. Earning above this amount puts you in a stronger financial position compared to the median income level in the city.
Single vs. Family Income Expectations
A salary between $70,000 and $85,000 is usually sufficient for a single person living in Vancouver. For couples or families, especially those with children or mortgage commitments, a combined income of $100,000 or more is often necessary to meet monthly expenses and maintain savings goals.
Impact of Living Costs in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. High rent, transportation costs, and day-to-day expenses significantly influence what is considered a “good” salary. The current minimum wage in British Columbia is $17.40 per hour, which may not be sufficient for most individuals living in Vancouver without additional income support.
Other Factors That Define a Good Salary
Beyond just covering basics, a good salary should allow room for discretionary spending, debt repayment, investment, and emergency savings. Your perception of a good salary may vary depending on lifestyle expectations, financial obligations, and long-term goals.
Final Thoughts
In a city as dynamic and expensive as Vancouver, knowing the average salary is essential for making informed career and financial decisions. Salaries vary widely depending on factors such as industry, experience, education, and job location within the city.
A good salary not only covers living expenses but also allows room for savings, investments, and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle despite Vancouver’s high cost of living. Understanding these trends helps individuals and families plan their financial future and navigate the city’s job market with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence the average salary in Vancouver compared to other cities in British Columbia?
The average salary in Vancouver is influenced by several key factors, including:
Economic concentration: Vancouver’s diverse economy, with strong sectors like technology, film, and finance, tends to offer higher wages than smaller BC cities.
Population and job market competitiveness: Larger urban centres like Vancouver have more competition for skilled roles, often pushing salaries upward.
Cost of living: The higher expenses in Vancouver compared to other BC locations usually lead to increased salary levels to help offset living costs.
Industry demand: Certain industries prevalent in Vancouver require specialized skills, influencing salary ranges accordingly.
Local labour supply: Areas with a shortage of qualified workers tend to offer more attractive salaries to fill open positions.
How does the cost of living in Metro Vancouver impact the salary expectations for various job positions?
Cost of living in Metro Vancouver affects salary expectations in several ways:
Housing costs: Expensive housing increases employees’ living expenses, raising their salary demands.
Transportation and daily expenses: Higher costs for commuting, food, and services influence the overall compensation expectations.
Employer adjustments: To remain competitive, employers may offer higher salaries or enhanced benefits to offset the increased living costs.
Variation by position: Roles requiring specialized skills or management responsibilities often see larger salary adjustments tied to cost-of-living pressures.
Employee retention: Adequate compensation aligned with living costs helps retain talent in a high-expense metro area.
In what ways do salary ranges in Vancouver vary depending on the type of job or position held?
Salary ranges in Vancouver vary depending on job characteristics, such as:
Industry sector: Different sectors like healthcare, technology, or retail have distinct pay scales reflecting market demand.
Level of responsibility: Entry-level positions generally have lower salaries compared to managerial or executive roles.
Skill specialization: Jobs requiring advanced skills or certifications typically command higher wages.
Full-time vs. part-time: Salary expectations differ based on employment type and hours worked.
Experience and education: More experienced and highly educated candidates tend to earn higher salaries within the same position.
How does the average salary in Vancouver compare to salaries in other parts of Canada?
The average salary in Vancouver compares to other Canadian regions based on factors such as:
Regional economic strength: Vancouver’s strong and diverse economy can offer competitive salaries relative to other metropolitan areas.
Cost of living differences: Higher living expenses in Vancouver often lead to salary adjustments not seen in regions with lower costs.
Industry presence: The availability of certain industries in Vancouver versus other cities affects the overall salary landscape.
Labour market dynamics: Supply and demand for talent vary across provinces, influencing wage levels.
Quality of life considerations: Salary packages may be influenced by lifestyle and amenities unique to each city.
What should professionals consider about monthly expenses in BC when evaluating salary per month in Vancouver?
When evaluating monthly salary offers in Vancouver, professionals should consider:
Housing costs: Rent or mortgage payments often make up the largest portion of monthly expenses.
Transportation: Costs related to commuting, vehicle ownership, or public transit impact overall budgeting.
Utilities and groceries: Essential living costs vary and should be factored into salary adequacy.
Taxes and deductions: Provincial and federal taxes affect take-home pay and monthly budget.
Lifestyle choices: Personal spending on entertainment, dining, and other discretionary expenses influence how far a salary goes.