Quebec operates under a distinct economic and social model within Canada—combining lower gross incomes with extensive social programs that significantly impact quality of life. With a population of approximately 8.8 million (2024), Quebec is Canada’s second most populous province and represents about 20% of the national economy. Understanding Quebec income percentiles requires considering this broader context of “le modèle québécois.”
Quebec income percentile table
| Percentile | Individual Income |
|---|---|
| 10th | $10,700 |
| 20th | $19,300 |
| 25th | $22,200 |
| 30th | $24,900 |
| 40th | $32,100 |
| 50th | $39,900 |
| 60th | $47,900 |
| 70th | $57,400 |
| 75th | $63,600 |
| 80th | $70,600 |
| 90th | $93,200 |
| 95th | $127,300 |
| 99th | $150,000+ |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 98-10-0064, 2020 income year (2021 Census). Values are interpolated from published $5,000-wide income brackets, not exact published percentiles. StatCan’s own published median for the same population is $40,800, versus this table’s interpolated $39,900, a normal margin for bracket interpolation. The 99th percentile reflects the floor of the open-ended “$150,000 and over” bracket, not a precise estimate.
Quebec income statistics
| Metric | Individual |
|---|---|
| Median Total Income | $46,100 |
| Average Total Income | $57,200 |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0238, 2024 tax year.
| Metric | Household (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Median Income | $66,000 |
| Top 10% Threshold | $160,000 |
| Top 1% Threshold | $380,000 |
Household figures and top-earner thresholds are planning estimates, not yet sourced from a StatCan pipeline.
The gap between Quebec’s median ($46,100) and average ($57,200) individual income, about 24%, is somewhat lower than other large provinces, reflecting less extreme income inequality due to Quebec’s stronger social safety net and more compressed wage distribution.
Historical income trends in Quebec
Quebec’s economic evolution over the past century has shaped its current income distribution and social model.
The Quiet Revolution and modernization (1960-1980)
Before 1960, Quebec was largely agricultural and dominated by anglophone business interests. The Quiet Revolution (Révolution tranquille) transformed the province:
- Education nationalization: Quebec took control of education from the Catholic Church
- Hydro-Québec creation: Nationalization of electricity in 1963 created a powerful Crown corporation
- Language laws: Bill 101 (1977) established French as the language of business
- Public sector expansion: Healthcare, education, and social services became major employers
This era established the “Quebec model”—a larger public sector, stronger unions, and more redistributive policies than other provinces.
Economic challenges and adjustments (1980-2000)
| Period | Key Economic Events | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1976-1985 | First PQ government, Quebec referendum 1980 | Business uncertainty, some departures |
| 1990 | Meech Lake failure | Second sovereignty movement |
| 1995 | Quebec referendum (49.4% Yes) | Peak uncertainty, business migration |
| 1995-2000 | Deficit reduction, economic stabilization | Recovery and return of confidence |
The 1970s-1990s saw significant anglophone and corporate departures from Montreal, shifting Canada’s financial center to Toronto. Montreal’s population growth stalled while Toronto grew rapidly.
The aerospace and technology renaissance (2000-present)
Quebec’s economy has diversified and strengthened significantly in the 21st century:
| Sector | Employment 2000 | Employment 2024 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | 35,000 | 45,000 | +29% |
| Video games | 3,000 | 15,000 | +400% |
| AI/Machine learning | 500 | 15,000 | +2,900% |
| Film/VFX | 8,000 | 20,000 | +150% |
| Life sciences | 25,000 | 40,000 | +60% |
Montreal has emerged as a global leader in artificial intelligence, video game development, and visual effects—industries that didn’t exist at scale in the 1990s.
Income trend analysis (2000-2024)
| Year | Median Individual | Real Growth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $28,000 | – | Post-referendum recovery |
| 2005 | $31,000 | +6% | Stable growth |
| 2010 | $34,000 | +5% | Weathered 2008 recession well |
| 2015 | $35,500 | +2% | Slow growth period |
| 2019 | $37,000 | +4% | Tech sector boom |
| 2024 | $37,000 | -1% | Inflation impact |
Quebec’s income growth has been slower than the national average, but real purchasing power has been protected by lower housing costs and social programs.
Income by major Quebec cities
| City | Median Individual | Median Household | Top 10% | Top 1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | $45,000 | $65,000 | $105,000 | $245,000 |
| Quebec City | $51,400 | $75,000 | $110,000 | $220,000 |
| Gatineau | $45,000 | $85,000 | $115,000 | $235,000 |
| Laval | $36,000 | $68,000 | $100,000 | $210,000 |
| Sherbrooke | $34,000 | $60,000 | $92,000 | $185,000 |
| Trois-Rivières | $33,000 | $58,000 | $88,000 | $175,000 |
| Saguenay | $35,000 | $62,000 | $90,000 | $180,000 |
| Drummondville | $34,000 | $65,000 | $88,000 | $170,000 |
Quebec City shows the highest median incomes primarily due to government employment—over 25% of workers in the capital region work for the provincial government or related agencies. Gatineau benefits from proximity to Ottawa’s federal government jobs while maintaining Quebec’s lower cost of living.
Income by age group in Quebec
| Age Group | Median Income | Average Income |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 24 years | $15,200 | $19,900 |
| 25 to 34 years | $52,700 | $57,700 |
| 35 to 44 years | $66,200 | $75,600 |
| 45 to 54 years | $69,200 | $82,100 |
| 55 to 64 years | $52,700 | $66,100 |
| 65 years and over | $36,000 | $47,700 |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0239, 2024 tax year, total income (all sources), excluding individuals with zero income.
Quebec’s age-income pattern is similar to other provinces, with peak earnings in the 45-54 age range. However, the compression is notable—the gap between 25th and 75th percentile workers is smaller than in Ontario or Alberta, reflecting Quebec’s more unionized workforce and public sector influence.
Income by gender in Quebec
Quebec has a below-average gender pay gap on total income (16.9%), partly due to strong policies and sector composition:
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median total income | $52,000 | $43,200 | 16.9% |
| Average total income | $65,100 | $52,200 | N/A |
| Median full-year full-time employment income | $72,200 | $61,700 | 14.5% |
Source: Statistics Canada Tables 11-10-0239 and 11-10-0240, 2024 tax year. Total income includes all income sources for anyone with a positive income; full-year full-time employment income compares only workers employed full-time for the full year, a cleaner apples-to-apples comparison since it controls for hours and weeks worked.
Historical progress on gender gap
| Year | Women’s Median as % of Men’s |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 55% |
| 1990 | 62% |
| 2000 | 68% |
| 2010 | 72% |
| 2020 | 75% |
| 2024 | 76% |
Quebec’s policies supporting women in the workforce—particularly subsidized daycare—have contributed to closing the gap faster than other provinces.
Key industries driving Quebec incomes
Aerospace
Montreal is one of the world’s top three aerospace hubs, alongside Seattle and Toulouse:
| Company | Employees | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Bombardier | 11,000 | Business jets |
| Pratt & Whitney | 8,000 | Aircraft engines |
| CAE | 5,000 | Flight simulators |
| Bell Textron | 1,500 | Helicopters |
| Airbus | 500 | Engineering |
The industry directly employs 45,000 people and supports another 75,000 indirect jobs. Average aerospace salaries exceed $85,000.
Video games and entertainment software
Quebec is a global video game capital, competing with California and Tokyo:
| Studio | Notable Titles | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Ubisoft Montreal | Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry | 5,000 |
| Eidos-Montréal | Deus Ex, Guardians of Galaxy | 500 |
| Behaviour Interactive | Dead by Daylight | 1,000 |
| Warner Bros. Games | (multiple) | 350 |
Average salaries in game development range from $70,000 for junior roles to $150,000+ for leads and directors.
Artificial Intelligence
Montreal has become a global AI research hub, anchored by:
- Mila (Quebec AI Institute): World’s largest academic AI research lab
- Element AI (now ServiceNow): Major AI startup ecosystem
- Google Brain Montreal: Deep learning research
- Meta AI Research: Facebook’s AI lab
- Microsoft Research: Machine learning focus
AI researchers and engineers in Montreal earn $100,000-$200,000, with top researchers exceeding $500,000.
Government and public sector
Quebec has a larger public sector than most provinces:
| Sector | Employment | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial government | 75,000 | $68,000 |
| Healthcare (public) | 280,000 | $58,000 |
| Education (public) | 200,000 | $62,000 |
| Municipal | 85,000 | $58,000 |
| Crown corporations | 35,000 | $72,000 |
Public sector union agreements ensure relatively high wages with excellent job security and pension benefits.
Manufacturing
Quebec maintains a strong manufacturing sector:
| Subsector | Employment | Average Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food processing | 65,000 | $42,000 |
| Aluminum (Rio Tinto, etc.) | 12,000 | $75,000 |
| Pharmaceutical | 25,000 | $72,000 |
| Plastics/chemicals | 35,000 | $52,000 |
| Wood/paper | 45,000 | $55,000 |
Cheap hydroelectric power gives Quebec competitive advantages in energy-intensive manufacturing.
Quebec vs national income comparison
| Percentile | Quebec | Canada | Difference | % Higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $10,700 | $7,700 | +$3,000 | +39% |
| 25th | $22,200 | $21,200 | +$1,000 | +5% |
| Median (50th) | $39,900 | $39,500 | +$400 | +1% |
| 75th | $63,600 | $67,000 | -$3,400 | -5% |
| 90th | $93,200 | $103,000 | -$9,800 | -10% |
| 99th | $150,000+ | $150,000+ | N/A | N/A |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 98-10-0064, 2020 income year (2021 Census), interpolated from published income brackets. The 99th percentile is the floor of the open-ended “$150,000 and over” bracket for both geographies, so no meaningful difference can be computed at that row.
Contrary to the perception that Quebec incomes trail the rest of Canada across the board, the real data shows Quebec actually leads the national figures through the lower half of the distribution, likely reflecting a smaller share of very-low-income earners thanks to Quebec’s stronger income supports and minimum wage floor. The pattern reverses in the upper half: Quebec falls behind nationally by the 75th and 90th percentiles, consistent with fewer high-paying finance and executive roles than Ontario or Alberta.
The Quebec social model: Quantifying the benefits
Quebec’s higher taxes fund social programs that functionally increase the value of each dollar earned. Here’s an analysis of the major programs:
Subsidized daycare
| Metric | Quebec | Ontario | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily cost | $9.65 | ~$50-$100 | $40-$90/day |
| Monthly cost | $185 | $1,000-$2,200 | $815-$2,015 |
| Annual cost | $2,200 | $12,000-$26,000 | $9,800-$23,800 |
For a family with two children in daycare, Quebec’s program saves $20,000-$48,000 per year. This represents the single largest benefit of the Quebec social model for young families.
University tuition
| Province | Annual Tuition (Quebec resident) |
|---|---|
| Quebec | $3,500 |
| Ontario | $7,500 |
| Alberta | $6,500 |
| British Columbia | $6,500 |
Over a four-year degree: $16,000 savings for Quebec residents.
Prescription drug coverage
Quebec’s universal pharmacare covers all residents regardless of employment:
| Drug Cost Scenario | Quebec (annual) | Ontario (no private plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic prescriptions | $0-$1,100 max | $0-$5,000+ |
| Chronic conditions | $0-$1,100 max | $2,000-$10,000 |
| Specialty drugs | $0-$1,100 max | $10,000+ |
Parental leave (QPIP vs Federal EI)
| Benefit | QPIP | Federal EI |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement rate | 70-75% | 55% |
| Maximum benefit | $1,200/week | $668/week |
| Weeks available | 55 weeks | 40 weeks |
| Self-employed | Eligible | Not eligible |
For a parent earning $80,000, QPIP provides approximately $15,000 more over parental leave than federal EI.
Total value calculation
For a dual-income family ($80,000 + $60,000) with two young children:
| Benefit | Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Subsidized daycare (2 kids) | $25,000 |
| Parental leave premium | $5,000 (amortized) |
| Drug coverage | $500-$2,000 |
| Lower tuition (eventual) | $4,000 (amortized) |
| Total program value | $34,500-$36,000 |
This explains why a $140,000 household income in Quebec may provide a comparable lifestyle to a $175,000+ household income in Ontario—particularly during the child-rearing years.
Cost of living comparison
Quebec generally offers substantially lower costs, especially for housing:
Housing costs
| City | Average Home Price | Average Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | $550,000 | $1,700 |
| Quebec City | $350,000 | $1,200 |
| Sherbrooke | $300,000 | $1,100 |
| Trois-Rivières | $250,000 | $950 |
| Toronto | $1,100,000 | $2,800 |
| Vancouver | $1,200,000 | $3,000 |
Real purchasing power comparison
How far does $100,000 go in Quebec compared to other locations?
| City | $100K Equivalent Purchasing Power |
|---|---|
| Montreal | $100,000 (baseline) |
| Quebec City | $112,000 |
| Sherbrooke | $118,000 |
| Toronto | $78,000 |
| Vancouver | $75,000 |
| Calgary | $95,000 |
A $100,000 income in Montreal provides roughly equivalent purchasing power to $128,000 in Toronto—28% more real value.
Quebec taxes: The trade-off
Quebec’s generous social programs are funded by Canada’s highest provincial tax rates:
Combined federal and provincial tax rates (2024)
| Taxable Income | Federal Rate | Quebec Rate | Combined | Ontario Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$51,780 | 15% | 14% | 29% | 20% |
| $51,780-$103,545 | 20.5% | 19% | 39.5% | 30% |
| $103,545-$126,000 | 26% | 24% | 50% | 37% |
| $126,000+ | 29-33% | 25.75% | 54.75-58.75% | 46-53% |
Quebec’s top marginal rate approaches 59%—the highest in North America.
Example take-home pay (Quebec vs Ontario)
| Gross Income | Quebec Take-Home | Ontario Take-Home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $36,500 | $38,500 | -$2,000 |
| $75,000 | $52,500 | $55,900 | -$3,400 |
| $100,000 | $67,000 | $73,200 | -$6,200 |
| $150,000 | $95,000 | $105,900 | -$10,900 |
At higher incomes, the tax burden difference grows substantially. However, for families with children, the daycare savings alone often exceed these tax differences.
Net position by family type
| Scenario | Quebec Advantage/Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Single, no children, $100K income | -$6,200 (Ontario better) |
| Couple, two kids in daycare, $140K combined | +$18,000 (Quebec better) |
| Retired couple, $60K combined | +$2,000 (Quebec better, healthcare) |
| High earner, single, $200K income | -$15,000 (Ontario better) |
The Quebec model most benefits families with young children and middle-income earners. High earners without children face a net tax disadvantage.
Income inequality in Quebec
Quebec’s Gini coefficient is approximately 0.29—the lowest of any major Canadian province and reflecting the most equal income distribution in Canada.
Income distribution analysis
| Share of Total Income | Quintile |
|---|---|
| 5.5% | Bottom 20% |
| 11.5% | Second quintile |
| 17% | Middle quintile |
| 24% | Fourth quintile |
| 42% | Top 20% |
The top 20% of Quebecers earn 42% of all income—lower than Ontario (45.5%), BC (47%), and the national average (44%). Quebec’s policy mix of strong unions, higher minimum wages, and progressive taxation creates a more compressed distribution.
Poverty rates
Quebec’s approaches to social supports have produced lower poverty rates:
| Demographic | Quebec Rate | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall poverty | 9.8% | 11.5% |
| Child poverty | 8.5% | 12.2% |
| Single-parent families | 22% | 28% |
| Seniors | 7.2% | 8.5% |
The subsidized daycare program is credited with dramatically reducing child poverty and enabling single parents to work full-time.
Language and income in Quebec
Language remains relevant to income patterns in Quebec:
| Language Status | Median Individual Income |
|---|---|
| French only | $36,000 |
| English only | $42,000 |
| Bilingual (French-English) | $45,000 |
Bilingual workers earn approximately 25% more than unilingual French speakers, reflecting both the value of English in international business and the concentration of bilingual workers in Montreal’s higher-paying industries.
Future outlook for Quebec incomes
Positive factors
- AI leadership: Continued investment in artificial intelligence positions Montreal as a global hub
- Clean energy: Cheap hydro power attracts energy-intensive industries
- Quality of life: Affordable cities attractive to remote workers
- Aerospace recovery: Post-COVID travel rebound supports industry growth
- Immigration: Francophone immigration targets attract skilled workers
Challenges
- Demographic decline: Lower birth rates and aging population strain workforce
- Tax competitiveness: High rates may deter some high earners
- Language barriers: French requirements limit some talent attraction
- Manufacturing losses: Traditional industries face automation and offshoring
- Climate change: Northern infrastructure vulnerable to permafrost thaw
Most economists expect Quebec incomes to grow modestly (1-2% real growth annually) with continued compression of the distribution due to policy choices.
Improving your income percentile in Quebec
High-demand occupations (2024)
| Occupation | Median Salary | Demand | Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $85,000 | Very High | English often required |
| Nurse | $72,000 | Critical | French required |
| Game Developer | $80,000 | High | Varies by studio |
| Aerospace Engineer | $90,000 | High | Bilingual preferred |
| AI/ML Engineer | $110,000 | Very High | English often required |
| Electrician | $65,000 | High | French required |
Education pathways
- CEGEP system: Quebec’s unique college system provides free education before university
- French requirement: Most jobs require functional French
- McGill and Concordia: English-language options for anglophones
- Polytechnique and ÉTS: Strong engineering schools
- HEC Montréal: Top-ranked business school
Immigration considerations
For those considering Quebec:
- Quebec selects its own immigrants under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
- French language proficiency is heavily weighted in selection
- Commitment to live in Quebec is required
- Professional credential recognition can be lengthy
Related pages
- Income Percentile Calculator — Calculate your exact percentile
- Montreal Income Percentile — Detailed Montreal data
- Quebec City Income Percentile — Capital city incomes
- Quebec Income Tax Calculator — Calculate your Quebec taxes
- CCB Calculator — Calculate child benefits
- Net Worth by Age — See how your wealth compares