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Salaries in Canada by Profession: 2026 Guide

Updated

Knowing what your profession pays — and how to negotiate — is one of the highest-impact personal finance skills. This hub compiles Canadian salary data across all major professions, provincial comparisons, and strategies for maximizing your income.

Average salaries in Canada: overview

MetricAmount (2024–2025)
Median employment income~$62,900/year
Average household income~$100,000/year
Median hourly wage~$31/hour
Low-income threshold (LICO)~$22,000–$32,000 (family size dependent)
Middle-income range$50,000–$100,000
High income (top 10%)$100,000+
Top 1% threshold~$250,000+

Incomes vary significantly by province, city, sector, and years of experience. See: Average Salary in Canada | Median Income Canada | Income Percentile Calculator

Top 20 professions by typical pay range

ProfessionTypical annual pay range
Physician$250,000-$400,000+
Dentist$150,000-$300,000
Lawyer$100,000-$300,000+
Pilot$80,000-$250,000
Software Engineer$95,000-$180,000+
Data Scientist$95,000-$160,000
Pharmacist$105,000-$140,000
Engineer (P.Eng.)$80,000-$160,000
Financial Manager$90,000-$160,000
Optometrist$120,000-$200,000
Accountant (CPA)$65,000-$130,000
Architect$75,000-$130,000
Veterinarian$80,000-$130,000
Midwife$80,000-$120,000
Train Conductor$75,000-$115,000
Nurse (RN)$75,000-$105,000
Electrician$65,000-$100,000
Police Officer$65,000-$100,000
Teacher$60,000-$100,000
Truck Driver$55,000-$85,000

For deeper role-by-role coverage, use the profession guides listed below.

Provincial median employment income snapshot

ProvinceMedian employment income (approx.)
Alberta$70,000
British Columbia$64,000
Ontario$63,000
Saskatchewan$62,000
Manitoba$60,000
Quebec$58,000
Newfoundland and Labrador$60,000
Nova Scotia$54,000
New Brunswick$53,000
Prince Edward Island$52,000

Salary by profession

Healthcare

ProfessionMedian Annual (Canada)
Physician (GP)$250,000–$350,000
Dentist$150,000–$280,000
Pharmacist$105,000–$140,000
Nurse (RN)$75,000–$105,000
Physiotherapist$70,000–$95,000
Optometrist$120,000–$200,000
Psychologist$80,000–$130,000
Radiographer$70,000–$95,000
Midwife$80,000–$120,000
Veterinarian$80,000–$130,000

Technology & engineering

ProfessionMedian Annual (Canada)
Software Engineer$95,000–$160,000
Data Scientist$95,000–$160,000
Engineer (P.Eng.)$80,000–$140,000
Architect$75,000–$130,000
IT Manager$95,000–$155,000
Project Manager (PMP)$85,000–$140,000
HR Manager (CPHR)$80,000–$140,000
Marketing Manager$75,000–$130,000
Graphic Designer$50,000–$85,000

Law, finance & business

ProfessionMedian Annual (Canada)
Lawyer$90,000–$250,000+
Accountant (CPA)$65,000–$130,000
Financial Advisor$60,000–$200,000+
IT Manager$95,000–$155,000
Project Manager$85,000–$140,000
HR Manager$80,000–$135,000
Marketing Manager$75,000–$125,000
Financial Manager$90,000–$160,000
Financial Advisor / CFP$60,000–$200,000+
Real Estate Agent$50,000–$120,000 (variable)

Trades & skilled work

ProfessionMedian Annual (Canada)
Electrician$65,000–$100,000
Plumber$65,000–$95,000
Welder$55,000–$85,000
Mechanic$55,000–$80,000
Construction Worker$50,000–$90,000 (varies by trade)
Truck Driver$55,000–$85,000
Train Conductor$75,000–$115,000

Public sector & other

ProfessionMedian Annual (Canada)
Teacher (K-12)$60,000–$100,000
Police Officer$65,000–$100,000
Firefighter/Paramedic$65,000–$100,000
Military (Regular Force)$50,000–$120,000 (rank-dependent)
Government Worker$60,000–$100,000+
Pilot (Commercial)$80,000–$220,000
Social Worker$55,000–$80,000
Chef$40,000–$75,000
Journalist$45,000–$80,000

Salary negotiation: key principles

Before you accept any offer:

  1. Research salary ranges using Job Bank Canada, industry surveys, and peer networks
  2. Know your minimum acceptable number before the conversation starts
  3. Let the employer move first — avoid anchoring too low yourself
  4. Counter with a specific number 10–20% above the offer, with a brief justification
  5. Negotiate the full package: signing bonus, benefits, vacation, flexibility

See: How to Negotiate Salary in Canada | How to Ask for a Raise | Counter Offer Guide

If part of your compensation depends on overtime, model that separately before comparing roles: Overtime Calculator.

Evaluating a job offer

Base salary is only one piece. Before you accept:

ComponentQuestions to Ask
RRSP/pension matchHow much does employer match? When does it vest?
VacationHow many days? Is unused vacation paid out?
BenefitsDental, vision, extended health? Family or individual?
Bonus structureDiscretionary or formula-based? Target amount?
Remote workRequired in-office days? Travel requirements?
Equity/stockGrant size, vesting schedule, strike price (for stock options)
Professional developmentBudget for courses, conferences, designations?

See: How to Evaluate a Job Offer | Total Compensation vs Salary | Negotiating a Benefits Package

Salary articles

National averages & benchmarks

Profession-specific guides

Calculators

Negotiation & career

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