New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, strategically positioned as the land bridge between Quebec and the Maritime provinces. With a population of approximately 800,000, the province offers a unique combination of English and French economic opportunities, though incomes remain below the national average. The economy has transformed significantly from its resource-dependent past toward services, transportation, and specialized manufacturing.
The province’s economic activity is divided among three distinct urban centers: Fredericton (the capital), Moncton (the commercial hub), and Saint John (the industrial center). Each city has developed specialized roles that complement rather than compete with each other. Outside these urban areas, rural New Brunswick faces persistent economic challenges, with aging populations and limited employment opportunities driving ongoing outmigration to urban centers and other provinces.
New Brunswick shares with other Atlantic provinces the challenge of demographic change—an aging population and youth outmigration have constrained workforce growth. However, the province has been more successful than PEI or Newfoundland at attracting immigrants, particularly French-speaking newcomers who find value in the bilingual environment. Recent years have also seen an influx of remote workers attracted by the province’s affordability, particularly in Moncton and surrounding areas.
New Brunswick income percentile table
The table below shows what income is needed to reach each percentile in New Brunswick. These thresholds are derived from Statistics Canada census data and tax filer information, reflecting all persons aged 15+ with employment income.
| Percentile | Individual Income | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $4,000 | 90% earn more |
| 20th | $10,000 | Part-time workers |
| 25th | $14,000 | Lower quartile |
| 30th | $18,000 | |
| 40th | $25,000 | |
| 50th (Median) | $34,000 | Half earn more, half earn less |
| 60th | $43,000 | |
| 70th | $53,000 | |
| 75th | $60,000 | Upper quartile |
| 80th | $68,000 | |
| 90th | $92,000 | Top 10% |
| 95th | $125,000 | Top 5% |
| 99th | $190,000+ | Top 1% |
Based on Statistics Canada data. Includes all persons aged 15+ with income.
New Brunswick income statistics
| Metric | Individual | Household |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $34,000 | $62,000 |
| Average Income | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Top 10% Threshold | $92,000 | $145,000 |
| Top 1% Threshold | $190,000 | $300,000 |
The gap between New Brunswick’s median ($34,000) and average ($44,000) individual income—approximately 29%—reflects moderate income inequality. This gap is slightly smaller than the national average (32%), reflecting fewer extremely high earners. The Irving family’s wealth, while substantial, represents ownership rather than employment income for most residents. High earners include physicians, senior government officials, and business executives, while the median reflects the more typical service sector and manufacturing wages.
Historical income trends in New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s economic history reflects the challenges of transitioning from resource extraction to a modern service economy.
Resource era (1900-1970)
For much of the 20th century, New Brunswick’s economy depended on:
- Forestry: Pulp and paper mills in numerous communities
- Mining: Coal, potash, and base metals
- Fishing: Lobster, crab, and groundfish
- Agriculture: Potatoes in the upper Saint John River valley
The Irving family began building their industrial empire during this period, eventually becoming the province’s dominant private employer.
Industrialization and Irving dominance (1971-2000)
| Decade | Development | Income Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Irving Oil refinery expansion | Industrial wage growth |
| 1980s | Potash mining (Sussex) | Moderate growth |
| 1990s | Call center boom began | Service sector jobs |
| Late 1990s | Forestry decline accelerated | Rural job losses |
By 2000, the Irving companies (oil, forestry, shipping, media) employed approximately 8% of the provincial workforce directly and influenced many more jobs through contracts and suppliers.
Modern economy (2001-present)
| Year | Median Individual Income | Unemployment Rate | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $22,000 | 10.0% | Post-recession recovery |
| 2005 | $24,000 | 9.7% | Steady growth |
| 2010 | $27,000 | 9.3% | Recession impact |
| 2014 | $30,000 | 10.0% | Slow recovery |
| 2019 | $33,000 | 8.0% | Pre-pandemic improvement |
| 2020 | $33,500 | 9.8% | COVID impact |
| 2022 | $34,000 | 7.2% | Recovery |
| 2024 | $34,000 | 7.5% | Current |
New Brunswick has closed some of the income gap with the rest of Canada over the past decade, but progress has been slow. The call center industry that once promised economic transformation has partially automated, and replacement industries have been slow to emerge.
Income by major New Brunswick cities
| City | Median Individual | Median Household | Top 10% | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredericton | $38,000 | $72,000 | $100,000 | Government, UNB, hospitals |
| Moncton | $35,000 | $65,000 | $95,000 | Call centers, retail, CN Rail |
| Saint John | $34,000 | $62,000 | $92,000 | Irving, refinery, port |
| Dieppe | $36,000 | $68,000 | $98,000 | Growing Francophone suburb |
| Miramichi | $30,000 | $55,000 | $80,000 | Forestry, fishing |
| Bathurst | $29,000 | $52,000 | $76,000 | Mining (declining), services |
| Edmundston | $32,000 | $60,000 | $85,000 | Cross-border commerce, forestry |
Fredericton’s income advantage reflects government concentration. The capital region benefits from stable public sector employment with wages averaging 15-20% above provincial norms.
Income by age group in New Brunswick
| Age Group | Median Individual | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | $11,000 | $18,000 | $28,000 |
| 25-34 | $34,000 | $48,000 | $68,000 |
| 35-44 | $40,000 | $58,000 | $82,000 |
| 45-54 | $42,000 | $62,000 | $90,000 |
| 55-64 | $38,000 | $58,000 | $85,000 |
| 65+ | $25,000 | $40,000 | $58,000 |
Peak earning years (45-54) show lower absolute incomes than national averages, reflecting limited high-paying professional opportunities. Many high-achieving New Brunswickers relocate to Toronto, Ottawa, or Alberta for career advancement, contributing to brain drain concerns.
Income by gender in New Brunswick
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median income | $38,000 | $30,000 | 21% |
| Average income | $50,000 | $38,000 | 24% |
| Top 10% threshold | $105,000 | $80,000 | 24% |
New Brunswick’s gender pay gap (21% median) is below the national average (27%), among the lowest in Canada. Contributing factors include:
- Large public sector with standardized pay scales
- Healthcare employment (female-dominated) relatively well paid
- Limited male-dominated resource industries compared to western provinces
- Bilingual service sector values language skills held by both genders
Progress continues as women increase representation in management and professional roles.
Key industries driving New Brunswick incomes
Irving Industries
The Irving family companies represent a unique economic force:
| Company | Primary Business | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Irving Oil | Refining, retail | 6,000+ |
| J.D. Irving | Forestry, shipbuilding, hardware | 15,000+ |
| Irving Tissue | Consumer products | 800+ |
| Brunswick News | Media | 500+ |
Irving Oil’s Saint John refinery is Canada’s largest, processing over 300,000 barrels daily. J.D. Irving operates extensive forest lands and the Halifax Shipyard (building federal naval vessels). Combined, Irving companies directly employ approximately 22,000 New Brunswickers—roughly 6% of the workforce.
Average Irving wages vary significantly: refinery workers earn $85,000-$120,000, while retail and forestry positions pay closer to $35,000-$50,000.
Government and public services
The provincial government and federal presence provide stable employment:
| Employer | Employment | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Government | 11,000+ | $62,000 |
| Federal Government | 8,000+ | $70,000 |
| Horizon Health Network | 13,000+ | $55,000 |
| Vitalité Health Network | 7,500+ | $55,000 |
| UNB/other universities | 4,000+ | $65,000 |
Government and healthcare together employ roughly 25% of New Brunswickers, providing economic stability but also fiscal challenges as health costs rise with an aging population.
Call centers and customer service
Moncton became Canada’s “call center capital” in the 1990s, attracted by:
- Bilingual workforce (English/French)
- Low wages relative to central Canada
- Central time zone (Atlantic Time) allowing coverage of eastern markets
Major employers include:
- Assumption Life: Insurance services
- Medavie Blue Cross: Healthcare administration
- Outbound call centers: Various national companies
Call center wages average $35,000-$45,000, below provincial median for full-time workers. Automation has reduced employment from peak levels, though bilingual positions remain in demand.
Manufacturing
Diverse manufacturing base including:
| Sector | Major Employers | Avg. Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food processing | McCain Foods, Cooke Aquaculture | $42,000 |
| Forestry products | Irving mills, twin paper mills | $55,000 |
| Aerospace | Magellan Aerospace | $65,000 |
| Shipbuilding | J.D. Irving (Halifax Shipyard contracts) | $70,000 |
McCain Foods, headquartered in Florenceville-Bristol, is the world’s largest frozen potato producer—a rare global headquarters in rural New Brunswick.
Transportation and logistics
Moncton’s location—roughly equidistant from Halifax, Quebec City, and the US border—has made it a distribution hub:
- CN Rail: Major intermodal facility
- Purolator/UPS/FedEx: Regional distribution centers
- Trucking companies: Armour Transportation, Day & Ross
Logistics jobs pay $45,000-$65,000 for drivers and warehouse workers, with management positions higher.
New Brunswick vs national income comparison
| Percentile | New Brunswick | Canada | Difference | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $4,000 | $5,000 | -$1,000 | -20% |
| 25th | $14,000 | $18,000 | -$4,000 | -22% |
| Median (50th) | $34,000 | $40,500 | -$6,500 | -16% |
| 75th | $60,000 | $70,000 | -$10,000 | -14% |
| 90th | $92,000 | $110,000 | -$18,000 | -16% |
| 99th | $190,000 | $250,000 | -$60,000 | -24% |
New Brunswick incomes lag national averages by 14-24% across all percentiles. The gap is largest at the bottom (limited minimum wage jobs) and at the very top (few high-paying finance or tech positions).
Cost of living and purchasing power
Housing costs
New Brunswick offers Canada’s most affordable housing:
| Area | Average Home Price | Median Rent (2BR) | Price-to-Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moncton (2020) | $220,000 | $950 | 3.4x |
| Moncton (2024) | $320,000 | $1,350 | 4.9x |
| Saint John | $280,000 | $1,200 | 4.5x |
| Fredericton | $310,000 | $1,400 | 4.3x |
| Toronto | $1,100,000 | $2,800 | 13.8x |
| Rural NB | $180,000 | $900 | 3.3x |
Housing prices increased significantly (45%+ in Moncton since 2020), partly due to interprovincial migration. Still dramatically more affordable than major urban centers.
Purchasing power comparison
| City | $60,000 Equivalent Purchasing Power |
|---|---|
| Moncton | $60,000 (baseline) |
| Saint John | $62,000 |
| Toronto | $45,000 |
| Vancouver | $43,000 |
| Halifax | $55,000 |
| Calgary | $58,000 |
A Moncton resident earning $60,000 enjoys purchasing power equivalent to roughly $80,000 in Toronto after housing costs.
Income inequality in New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s Gini coefficient is approximately 0.29—meaningfully below Canada’s 0.31, indicating less income inequality than the national average.
| Quintile | NB Share | National Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom 20% | 6.2% | 5.5% |
| Second 20% | 12.0% | 11.0% |
| Middle 20% | 17.0% | 16.0% |
| Fourth 20% | 24.0% | 23.5% |
| Top 20% | 40.8% | 44.0% |
The top quintile captures less income in New Brunswick than nationally, while lower quintiles capture more. This compressed distribution reflects:
- Strong public sector presence
- Fewer extremely high earners
- Limited high-growth industries
- Effective social programs
Irving wealth concentration
While the Gini coefficient is low, wealth is highly concentrated. The Irving family’s net worth (estimated $7-10 billion) represents substantial wealth concentration, though this appears in wealth statistics rather than income statistics. The family’s economic influence on jobs, politics, and media exceeds what income data alone reveals.
Future outlook for New Brunswick incomes
Positive factors
- Immigration growth: Provincial Nominee Program attracting workers
- Bilingual advantage: French-English skills valued nationally
- Remote work: Attracting workers from high-cost provinces
- Energy projects: Small modular reactors, tidal power development
- Healthcare investments: New facilities addressing capacity
- Lower costs: Attractive for businesses relocating operations
Challenges
- Aging population: Highest median age in Atlantic Canada
- Fiscal pressures: Healthcare costs straining provincial budget
- Irving dependence: Concentrated economic power creates risks
- Rural decline: Continuing population loss outside urban areas
- Competitiveness: Higher taxes than many provinces
- Brain drain: Young professionals leaving for larger markets
Most economists expect New Brunswick incomes to grow modestly, roughly tracking inflation. The province is unlikely to close the income gap with the national average without significant new industry development or structural changes.
How to improve your income percentile in New Brunswick
High-demand occupations
| Occupation | Median Salary | Demand Level | Training Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $72,000 | Very High | 4-year BScN |
| Bilingual Customer Service | $42,000 | High | Language proficiency |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $60,000 | High | Technical training |
| Software Developer | $75,000 | High | Degree or bootcamp |
| Electrician | $65,000 | High | 4-year apprenticeship |
| Truck Driver (Class 1) | $55,000 | Very High | Weeks-long training |
Education pathways
- University of New Brunswick: Engineering, nursing, computer science, forestry
- Université de Moncton: French-language programs, business administration
- NBCC/CCNB: Technical programs throughout province (English/French)
- Trade certification: Growing demand for skilled trades
Bilingual advantage
New Brunswick’s bilingualism creates opportunities:
- Service Canada jobs: Bilingual positions pay 10-15% premium
- Call centers: French-English positions more stable than English-only
- Healthcare: Bilingual healthcare workers in demand across Canada
- Federal government: Bilingual positions abundant in NB federal offices
For English speakers, French proficiency can add $5,000-$10,000 to annual earnings.
Related pages
- Income Percentile Calculator — Calculate your exact percentile
- New Brunswick Income Tax Calculator — Calculate your NB taxes
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — What can you afford?
- Rent Affordability Calculator — Rental budgeting
- Salary Calculator — Convert between pay frequencies
- Net Worth by Age — See how your wealth compares