The average salary in Canada is approximately $67,000–$70,000 per year in 2026, but that number tells only part of the story. Because a relatively small group of very high earners — surgeons, executives, senior lawyers — pulls the average upward, the median salary of roughly $57,000 is a more useful benchmark for most Canadians. Half of all workers earn above the median, and half earn below it.
Salaries in Canada vary enormously by province, industry, age, education, and occupation. A registered nurse in Alberta earns substantially more than one in New Brunswick. A software engineer in Toronto earns more than a teacher. And a recent graduate earns less than half of what their counterpart with fifteen years of experience brings home. This guide breaks down each of those dimensions with current 2026 data.
Data on this page is based on Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey figures, Employment and Social Development Canada occupational wage data, and industry salary surveys. Numbers represent pre-tax annual earnings for full-time employment unless otherwise noted.
Average vs. median: why the distinction matters
Before reading any salary table, it helps to understand why averages can be misleading.
The average (mean) salary adds up all wages and divides by the number of workers. Because a small number of people earn extremely high incomes — $500,000 or $1,000,000+ — the average gets pulled upward significantly, making it higher than what most workers actually earn.
The median salary is the midpoint: exactly half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not affected by extreme values at either end and gives a much clearer picture of what a “typical” Canadian earns.
As a practical example: if ten people earn $40,000 each and one person earns $1,000,000, the average salary is $127,000 — but nine out of eleven workers earn far less than that. The median would be $40,000, accurately reflecting what most people in that group earn.
Rule of thumb: Use the median when asking “what do most Canadians earn?” Use the average when comparing your salary against total wage data or government statistics.
Average salary by province (2026)
Provincial salary differences are driven by several factors: industry mix (oil and gas in Alberta, finance and tech in Ontario), cost of living, minimum wage legislation, unionization rates, and local labour demand.
| Province | Average salary | Median salary | Est. after-tax (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $72,000 | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Ontario | $67,000 | $58,000 | $50,500 |
| British Columbia | $65,000 | $56,000 | $49,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $63,000 | $54,000 | $48,500 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $58,000 | $50,000 | $44,000 |
| Manitoba | $58,000 | $50,000 | $44,500 |
| Quebec | $57,000 | $49,000 | $42,500 |
| Nova Scotia | $55,000 | $47,000 | $41,000 |
| New Brunswick | $53,000 | $45,000 | $40,000 |
| Prince Edward Island | $52,000 | $44,000 | $39,000 |
Alberta leads on paper but cost of living complicates the comparison. Alberta’s high average is heavily influenced by the oil and gas sector — engineers, technologists, and tradespeople in that industry regularly earn $90,000–$150,000. However, housing in Calgary and Edmonton, while cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver, has increased significantly. After accounting for living costs, the real income advantage of Alberta vs. Saskatchewan or Manitoba is narrower than the raw numbers suggest.
Quebec’s lower average does not mean lower living standards. Quebec has significantly lower housing costs than Ontario or BC, heavily subsidized childcare ($10/day daycare), and lower private healthcare costs. A family earning $57,000 in Montreal can live comparably to a family earning $70,000 in Toronto once childcare and housing are factored in.
The after-tax column shows take-home pay for a single person with no dependants and standard deductions — see what is net income in Canada for a full breakdown of what gets deducted from gross pay. Provincial income tax rates vary significantly — Alberta’s flat tax structure means Albertans often keep more of each additional dollar than workers in provinces with higher marginal rates. Use the salary calculator to model take-home pay for any province.
Average salary by age and career stage
Wages follow a fairly predictable curve over a career: low at entry, rising steadily through the thirties and forties, peaking in the late forties to mid-fifties, then declining slightly as workers approach retirement (some choose part-time work, others move into lower-stress roles).
| Age group | Average salary | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 15–24 | $32,000 | $28,000 |
| 25–34 | $58,000 | $52,000 |
| 35–44 | $72,000 | $63,000 |
| 45–54 | $76,000 | $65,000 |
| 55–64 | $70,000 | $60,000 |
| 65+ | $48,000 | $38,000 |
The 15–24 group includes large numbers of part-time workers, students working minimum wage jobs, and recent graduates in their first role. These numbers do not reflect the trajectory of a career — they reflect a highly varied group.
The jump from 25–34 to 35–44 is the steepest in the table and largely reflects two things: years of experience compounding, and workers who pursued professional or graduate credentials entering the workforce in their mid-to-late twenties at a higher starting point.
Peak earning years are 45–54 across nearly all occupations and industries. Workers in this cohort have accumulated seniority, have typically reached senior or management-level roles, and have the negotiating leverage that comes from an established track record.
The 55–64 decline is partial and reflects a mix of forces: some high earners retire early, some workers scale back hours, and industries shift underneath people with specialized skills. Workers in unionized sectors or public service roles often see less decline.
The 65+ figure reflects that most high earners have retired and the remaining workforce in this cohort is dominated by part-time work, consulting, and seasonal roles.
Average salary by occupation
High-paying occupations
Canada’s highest-paying occupations require significant education, licensing, or both. These salaries are for established professionals — entry-level numbers are considerably lower, especially in medicine (residency) and law (articling students).
| Occupation | Average salary | Entry level | Senior / experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician (family) | $230,000+ | $80,000 (residency) | $320,000+ |
| Physician (specialist) | $350,000+ | $100,000 (residency) | $500,000+ |
| Dentist | $180,000 | $120,000 | $300,000+ |
| Lawyer | $130,000 | $70,000 | $250,000+ |
| Pharmacist | $115,000 | $95,000 | $140,000 |
| Software engineer | $110,000 | $72,000 | $175,000+ |
| Engineering manager | $140,000 | $90,000 | $200,000+ |
| Data scientist | $105,000 | $72,000 | $155,000+ |
| Actuary | $120,000 | $65,000 | $200,000+ |
| Commercial pilot | $130,000 | $50,000 | $250,000+ |
| Investment banker | $150,000 | $85,000 | $300,000+ |
Physician salaries in Canada represent gross billings for most specialists, not a salary in the traditional sense — most physicians are incorporated. The effective take-home after practice expenses varies significantly.
Mid-range occupations
These occupations require professional education, skilled training, or significant experience, and form the core of Canada’s middle-income workforce.
| Occupation | Average salary | Entry level | Senior level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $82,000 | $65,000 | $105,000 |
| Teacher (K–12, public) | $75,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Accountant (CPA) | $78,000 | $52,000 | $125,000 |
| Electrician (journeyman) | $78,000 | $45,000 | $105,000 |
| Police officer | $92,000 | $60,000 | $125,000 |
| Project manager | $95,000 | $60,000 | $140,000 |
| Marketing manager | $87,000 | $52,000 | $135,000 |
| Financial analyst | $77,000 | $55,000 | $115,000 |
| HR manager | $85,000 | $55,000 | $130,000 |
| Plumber (journeyman) | $75,000 | $42,000 | $100,000 |
Skilled trades are increasingly competitive with white-collar roles. An experienced journeyman electrician or plumber in Alberta or BC regularly earns $85,000–$110,000, comparable to many university-educated professionals — with significantly lower student debt and earlier labour market entry.
Entry-level and administrative occupations
| Occupation | Average salary | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative assistant | $46,000 | $38,000–$56,000 |
| Customer service representative | $42,000 | $35,000–$52,000 |
| Retail store manager | $52,000 | $42,000–$68,000 |
| Bank teller | $40,000 | $35,000–$48,000 |
| Medical office assistant | $46,000 | $38,000–$56,000 |
| Junior software developer | $62,000 | $50,000–$78,000 |
| Dental assistant | $48,000 | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Early childhood educator | $42,000 | $35,000–$54,000 |
Tech industry salaries in Canada (2026)
Canada’s technology sector — concentrated in Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Ottawa, and Montreal — pays among the highest salaries in the country. For a broader look at which cities offer the best employment opportunities and wage levels, see best cities in Canada for jobs. The table below shows total base salary; total compensation at larger companies can be significantly higher once bonuses and equity (RSUs or options) are included.
| Role | Vancouver | Toronto | Ottawa / Waterloo | Remote (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior developer (0–2 yrs) | $65,000 | $72,000 | $68,000 | $65,000 |
| Intermediate developer (3–5 yrs) | $95,000 | $105,000 | $98,000 | $95,000 |
| Senior developer (6–10 yrs) | $130,000 | $145,000 | $135,000 | $130,000 |
| Staff / Principal engineer | $170,000+ | $185,000+ | $175,000+ | $170,000+ |
| Engineering manager | $160,000 | $175,000 | $165,000 | $160,000 |
| Product manager | $120,000 | $135,000 | $125,000 | $120,000 |
| Data scientist | $102,000 | $115,000 | $108,000 | $102,000 |
| DevOps / Platform engineer | $112,000 | $125,000 | $115,000 | $112,000 |
| UX / Product designer | $90,000 | $105,000 | $95,000 | $90,000 |
Large US tech companies with Canadian offices (Shopify, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Meta) typically pay 30–60% above these benchmarks through a combination of higher base salaries, annual bonuses (10–25%), and equity grants. A senior engineer at one of these companies in Toronto or Vancouver can earn $200,000–$350,000+ in total annual compensation.
Remote work has narrowed regional gaps. Canadian companies hiring nationally often use national or Toronto-benchmark pay scales for remote workers, which benefits workers in lower-cost cities who previously had to accept regional discounts. See average income by city in Canada for a full city-by-city salary breakdown.
Salary by education level
Higher education in Canada generally yields higher lifetime earnings, but the relationship is not simple — field of study matters enormously, and trades credentials often outperform college diplomas and even some degrees in dollar terms.
| Education level | Average salary | vs. high school diploma |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | $38,000 | −24% |
| High school diploma | $50,000 | Baseline |
| Trades certificate (Red Seal) | $65,000 | +30% |
| College diploma (2–3 year) | $58,000 | +16% |
| Bachelor’s degree | $75,000 | +50% |
| Master’s degree | $91,000 | +82% |
| Professional degree (MD, JD, DDS) | $125,000+ | +150%+ |
| PhD | $97,000 | +94% |
A few important nuances:
The degree premium depends heavily on field. A computer science or engineering degree commands a much larger premium than a general arts degree. According to Statistics Canada data, STEM graduates consistently out-earn humanities and social science graduates at the bachelor’s level — often by $20,000–$30,000/year within the first five years of graduation.
Trades outperform college diplomas on average. The stigma around skilled trades is not reflected in income data. A Red Seal electrician, plumber, or gas fitter in Alberta or BC regularly earns $80,000–$110,000 with no student debt and four to five years of work experience by the time a university graduate starts their career.
PhDs earn less than professional degrees. Academic careers are highly competitive and often start with years of postdoctoral work at modest stipends. The $97,000 average for PhDs reflects those who transition to industry (data science, consulting, pharma, tech) rather than academia.
The gender pay gap in Canada
The gender pay gap is a persistent feature of the Canadian labour market. On average, women earn approximately 83 cents for every dollar earned by men — a gap of roughly 17%.
| Group | Average salary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Men | $70,000 | — |
| Women | $58,000 | −17% |
The gap is real but also complex. It is partly explained by:
- Occupational sorting: Women are over-represented in lower-paying fields (education, social work, healthcare support) and under-represented in higher-paying fields (engineering, technology, finance leadership)
- Industry concentration: Women are under-represented in the highest-paying industries (oil and gas, construction, finance)
- Part-time work: Women are more likely to work part-time, often due to caregiving responsibilities
- Career interruptions: Time taken for parental leave — which in Canada is still predominantly taken by women — reduces years of accumulated experience
However, studies controlling for occupation, industry, hours worked, and education still find an unexplained gap of approximately 5–10%, suggesting that discrimination and negotiation differences play a role beyond career choices alone.
The gap narrows significantly in the public sector, unionized environments, and at higher education levels. Female physicians and lawyers earn close to parity with male peers in many provinces, particularly early in their careers.
What is a “good” salary in Canada? (by city)
“Good” is relative. The table below reflects income levels that support a comfortable lifestyle for a single person — modest savings, occasional dining out, reasonable housing without extreme financial stress. Family income thresholds are roughly double for couples and higher for those with children.
| City | Comfortable single | Comfortable family of 4 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $85,000+ | $165,000+ | One of North America’s most expensive cities |
| Toronto | $80,000+ | $155,000+ | Housing and childcare drive costs |
| Calgary | $65,000+ | $120,000+ | No provincial income tax; lower housing than Van/TO |
| Ottawa | $68,000+ | $130,000+ | Strong public sector; childcare costs significant |
| Montreal | $58,000+ | $105,000+ | Lower housing, subsidized childcare reduces costs |
| Edmonton | $62,000+ | $115,000+ | No provincial tax; more affordable than Calgary |
| Winnipeg | $52,000+ | $95,000+ | Lowest housing costs of major cities |
| Halifax | $55,000+ | $100,000+ | Growing costs; historically affordable |
| Saskatoon/Regina | $55,000+ | $98,000+ | Affordable; limited job market breadth |
“Comfortable” in this context means: covering housing, food, transportation, and utilities with some capacity for savings and discretionary spending. It does not mean wealth accumulation or mortgage paydown on expensive property.
The income percentile context: At $70,000, you earn more than approximately 60% of Canadian workers. At $100,000, you are in the top 20% — see is $100,000 a good salary in Canada? At $150,000, you are in the top 10% — see is $150,000 a good salary? The income percentile calculator shows exactly where a specific income falls nationally and by province.
Salary growth and real wages
Canadian wages have grown in nominal terms over recent years, but inflation eroded real purchasing power significantly in 2021–2022. Since 2023, real wage growth has turned positive as inflation moderated.
| Period | Nominal wage growth | Inflation (CPI) | Real wage growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2021 | 2.5% | 3.4% | −0.9% |
| 2021–2022 | 3.8% | 6.8% | −3.0% |
| 2022–2023 | 4.5% | 3.9% | +0.6% |
| 2023–2024 | 4.2% | 2.8% | +1.4% |
| 2024–2025 | 3.8% | 2.3% | +1.5% |
The 2021–2022 period was the sharpest decline in real wages since the early 1990s. Workers who did not receive raises of at least 6–7% in that period experienced a meaningful reduction in purchasing power. Since then, many workers — particularly in tight labour markets like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades — have recovered ground through larger-than-usual raises and labour shortages.
Wage growth has been uneven. Workers in trades, healthcare, and unionized sectors have fared better than those in retail, food service, and administrative roles. High-income earners have generally maintained or improved their real wages through bonuses and equity gains; lower-income workers have faced more persistent real-wage erosion.
Where you stand: Canadian income percentiles
| Annual income | Approximate national percentile |
|---|---|
| $30,000 | 25th |
| $45,000 | 40th |
| $57,000 | 50th (median) |
| $75,000 | 65th |
| $90,000 | 75th |
| $100,000 | 80th |
| $150,000 | 90th |
| $250,000 | 97th |
| $400,000+ | 99th |
Use the income percentile calculator to see where a specific income falls by province and age group, not just nationally. For common reference points: is $50,000 a good salary? · is $60,000 a good salary? · is $120,000 a good salary? · is $200,000 a good salary?
Total compensation: beyond base salary
Base salary is only part of what an employer pays you. Understanding total compensation helps you compare job offers more accurately.
| Compensation component | Typical value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | — | The number in most job postings |
| Annual bonus | 5–20% of salary | Common in finance, tech, sales |
| RRSP matching | 3–6% of salary | Often employer matches your contributions |
| Group health/dental benefits | $2,000–$8,000/year | Significant for families; taxable if employer-paid for most benefits |
| Life and disability insurance | $500–$2,000/year | Employer-funded coverage |
| CPP & EI contributions | ~6–8% of salary | Mandatory deductions — see payroll deductions guide |
| Stock options / RSUs | Highly variable | Significant at startups and large tech companies |
| Pension (defined benefit) | 10–20% of salary equivalent | Most common in public sector, large unions |
| Professional development budget | $1,000–$5,000/year | Training, conferences, certifications |
| Remote work flexibility | Implicit value | Reduces commuting cost and time |
A job offering $80,000 base with strong RRSP matching, full benefits, a defined benefit pension, and flexible hours can easily be more valuable than a $95,000 base role with no benefits and a mandatory five-day-a-week office requirement.
When evaluating an offer, ask for a total compensation statement — many larger employers will provide a document showing the full value of all components.
Salary negotiation tips
Understanding where you stand in salary data is the first step; using that information effectively is what moves the needle.
Research before every conversation. Use Statistics Canada data, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi (for tech), and the Income Percentile Calculator to understand where a proposed salary sits relative to the market and your experience level. Come with numbers, not feelings.
Negotiate at the offer stage, not after you start. The highest leverage moment is between when you receive an offer and when you accept. Once you start, raises come in small annual increments. A $5,000 raise at offer is worth far more than negotiating for it a year in.
Consider total compensation. If an employer is rigid on base salary, negotiate RRSP matching, extra vacation days, a signing bonus, or a six-month salary review. These may be easier wins that still increase your total compensation.
Anchor high and give a range. When asked for a salary expectation, give a range where your actual target is the lower end — this leaves room for negotiation while ensuring the conversation starts near your real number.
Document everything. Confirm any verbal offer or salary discussion by email. If an employer backtracks on a promised raise, having written confirmation is essential.
Related tools and resources
- Income Percentile Calculator — See exactly where your income ranks nationally and by province
- Salary Calculator — Convert annual salary to hourly, weekly, or monthly take-home
- Hourly to Salary Calculator — Convert hourly wage to annual salary with taxes
- Income Tax Calculator — Calculate federal and provincial taxes on any income
- Average Income by Province — Provincial income breakdowns with more detail
- Median Income in Canada — Median vs. average income explained with full data by province and age
- Average Household Income in Canada — Family and household income vs. individual wage data
- Average Income by City in Canada — City-by-city salary breakdown across major Canadian cities
- Salary vs. Hourly: Which Is Better? — Pros and cons of each compensation structure
- Payroll Deductions Guide — CPP, EI, income tax and what comes off your paycheque
- Minimum Wage in Canada — Federal and provincial minimum wages for 2026