Canada is among the top 20 countries with the highest wage levels in the world. Salaries can vary depending on many factors, and in this article, you’ll get an overview of how the average salary in Canada changes by industry, region, and age.
Statistics on Average Salary in Canada
The average salary in Canada in 2023 was CAD 64,850 per year, which equates to a monthly average salary of CAD 5,404.
A report from Normandin Beaudry shows that Canadians expect an average salary increase of 2.9% in 2024, based on a survey conducted with 430 organizations across Canada.
Average Salary in Canada by Province
According to the Government of Canada, the federal minimum wage increased from CAD 16.65 to CAD 17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024. Canada introduced the federal minimum wage in 1965 at CAD 1.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the average Consumer Price Index.
However, Canada also has provincial minimum wages, with regulations and employment standards listed on the Government of Canada’s website. Below are the minimum wages by province:
| Province | Minimum Wage |
| Alberta | CAD 15 |
| British Columbia | CAD 16.75 |
| Manitoba | CAD 15.30 |
| New Brunswick | CAD 15.30 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | CAD 15.60 |
| Northwest Territories | CAD 16.05 |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 15.20 |
| Nunavut | CAD 16 |
| Ontario | CAD 16.55 |
| Prince Edward Island | CAD 15.40 |
| Québec | CAD 15.25 |
| Saskatchewan | CAD 14 |
| Yukon | CAD 17.59 |
In addition to setting provincial minimum wages, Canada has also established minimum wage regulations based on age and work sector. You can refer to these regulations on the Government of Canada’s website.
Average Salary in Canada by Age
According to Statistics Canada, average salaries vary significantly between age groups.
Young people aged 16-24, often participating in the labor force with part-time jobs, earn an average annual salary of CAD 17,300. As workers progress in their careers, their income increases significantly, with those aged 25-34 earning an average of CAD 46,900 annually, and those aged 35-44 earning CAD 63,700 annually.
The highest-earning group consists of older adults aged 45-54, with an average annual salary of CAD 66,700, reflecting their experience and leadership roles. As employees approach retirement, the average salary decreases to CAD 54,600 for those aged 55-64, and CAD 22,600 for individuals aged 65 and above.
The national average salary for all working adults is CAD 49,300 per year.
Average Salary by Education Level
Education plays a crucial role in determining a worker’s earning potential in Canada. As shown in the table below, there is a clear increase in average salary as individuals attain higher levels of education.
| Education Level | Average Salary Increase Compared to Previous Level |
| Vocational Certificate or College Diploma | 17% higher than High School Diploma |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 24% higher than Vocational Certificate or College Diploma |
| Master’s Degree | 29% higher than Bachelor’s Degree |
| PhD | 23% higher than Master’s Degree |
Average Salary by Industry
According to Statistics Canada, in 2023, the weekly wages across various industries in Canada showed significant differences.
Utilities (CAD 1,896.49); Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Quarrying, Oil, and Gas (CAD 2,138.41); and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (CAD 1,695.37) top the list of high-paying jobs. However, Accommodation and Food Services had the lowest average weekly wage (CAD 574.58). The goods-producing sector (CAD 1,431.51) stands out with a minimum wage far exceeding the national average (CAD 1,232.22).
These industries are also considered easier paths to Canadian immigration due to the high demand for labor. You can refer to the detailed salary information for various industries in the table below:
| Industry | Monthly Salary (CAD) | Annual Salary (CAD) |
| Total Employees, All Industries | 1,232.22 | 64,075.44 |
| Goods-Producing Sector | 1,431.51 | 74,438.52 |
| Agriculture | 910.49 | 47,345.48 |
| Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Quarrying, Oil, and Gas | 2,138.41 | 111,197.32 |
| Utilities | 1,896.49 | 98,617.48 |
| Construction | 1,435.21 | 74,630.92 |
| Manufacturing | 1,305.47 | 67,884.44 |
| Service-Producing Sector | 1,181.97 | 61,462.44 |
| Wholesale and Retail | 911.26 | 47,385.52 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 1,258.56 | 65,445.12 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Leasing | 1,543.12 | 80,242.24 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 1,695.37 | 88,159.24 |
| Business Support, Construction, and Other Services | 949.74 | 49,386.48 |
| Educational Services | 1,283.80 | 66,757.60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 1,105.61 | 57,491.72 |
| Information, Culture, and Recreation | 1,079.07 | 56,111.64 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | 574.58 | 29,878.16 |
| Other Services (excluding Public Administration) | 1,037.93 | 53,972.36 |
| Public Administration | 1,584.78 | 82,408.56 |
