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Career & Salary Guide Canada 2026 | Salaries by Profession, Negotiation & Income Data

Updated

Whether you’re starting your career, switching jobs, or trying to figure out if you’re paid fairly — this guide covers everything about earning income in Canada. Salaries by profession, income data by province and city, negotiation tactics, and calculators.

Average Salary in Canada

MetricAmount (2026)
Average salary (full-time)~$60,000–$63,000
Median salary (full-time)~$55,000
Median household income~$75,000–$80,000

Full data: Average Salary Canada

Household data: Average Household Income Canada

Where you rank: Income Percentile Calculator

National overview: Median Income Canada

Salaries by Profession

Healthcare

ProfessionAverage Salary
Doctors$200,000–$400,000+
Dentists$150,000–$250,000+
Pharmacists$95,000–$130,000
Nurses$70,000–$100,000
Physiotherapists$70,000–$90,000
Optometrists$100,000–$150,000
Psychologists$80,000–$120,000
Midwives$80,000–$100,000
Radiographers$70,000–$90,000

Technology & Engineering

ProfessionAverage Salary
Software Engineers$85,000–$140,000
Data Scientists$80,000–$130,000
Engineers (general)$75,000–$120,000
Architects$65,000–$100,000

Trades & Skilled Labour

ProfessionAverage Salary
Electricians & Plumbers$60,000–$100,000
Welders$50,000–$85,000
Mechanics$45,000–$75,000
Construction Workers$45,000–$80,000
Trades Workers (general)$50,000–$90,000

Business & Professional

ProfessionAverage Salary
Lawyers$80,000–$200,000+
Accountants$55,000–$100,000
Managers$70,000–$130,000
Real Estate Agents$40,000–$150,000+ (commission)

Public Service & Emergency

ProfessionAverage Salary
Police Officers$70,000–$110,000
Firefighters & Paramedics$65,000–$105,000
Military$45,000–$100,000+
Government Workers$55,000–$100,000
Teachers$55,000–$100,000
Social Workers$50,000–$80,000

Transport & Creative

Income by Province

Income by City

Income Percentiles by City & Province

See where your income ranks compared to others in your area:

Salary Negotiation

How to Negotiate Your Salary

  1. Research — Know the market rate for your role, experience level, and city
  2. Quantify your value — Have specific achievements and metrics ready
  3. Time it right — During a job offer, annual review, or after a major win
  4. Practice — Rehearse your pitch out loud
  5. Get it in writing — Always confirm the agreed compensation in writing

Calculators