Salary levels in Canada

Salary levels in Canada

We discuss minimum and average salaries in Canada, income for in-demand jobs, and tax rates.

In Canada, there's a minimum wage you'll earn even for the simplest, low-skilled jobs. However, qualified professionals with experience typically earn much more.

The minimum wage varies by region. In 2024, the highest hourly rates are in Nunavut (CAD $19.00) and Yukon (CAD $17.59), while the lowest is in Saskatchewan (CAD $14.00), which will increase to CAD $15.00 on October 1, 2024. The average salary for Canadians in 2023 was CAD $61,900 per year or CAD $5,158 per month.

Wages in Canadian Provinces and Territories

The table below shows the minimum and average wages across Canadian regions:

Province/Territory Minimum Hourly Rate, CAD Average Hourly Rate, CAD
Alberta $15.00 $29.50
British Columbia $17.40 $28.10
Manitoba $15.30 $24.50
New Brunswick $15.30 $23.50
Newfoundland and Labrador $15.60 $25.60
Northwest Territories $16.05 $38.70
Nova Scotia $15.20 $23.20
Nunavut $19.00 $36.50
Ontario $16.55 $27.70
Prince Edward Island $15.40 $23.00
Quebec $15.75 $26.50
Saskatchewan $14.00 $26.80
Yukon $17.59 $35.50

As you can see from the table, minimum and average wages can differ significantly. For example, in Alberta, workers on minimum wage earn about CAD $2,400 per month (CAD $15 per hour). However, the average salary in the province is CAD $5,116 per month (CAD $29.50 per hour).

Still, we don't recommend expecting a high salary right after moving. Often, immigrants have to start with lower-paying jobs before building a good career and earning more.

Salaries by Profession

Besides regions, incomes also vary depending on the specific profession. The highest-paid jobs in Canada are doctors, dentists, and IT specialists, who can earn over CAD $100,000 per year. However, many professions will have lower pay rates.

Below are the annual salaries for 15 of the most in-demand professions in Canada in 2024 (in CAD):

  • Accounting Specialist — $51,200
  • Business Systems Analyst — $82,000
  • Customer Support Representative — $40,500
  • Digital Marketing Coordinator — $64,000
  • HR Manager — $88,300
  • Production Manager — $69,500
  • Sales Associate — $39,200
  • Welder — $64,500
  • Administrative Assistant — $48,800
  • Construction Project Manager — $92,700
  • Software Developer — $76,000
  • Driver — $51,000
  • Mechanical Engineer — $78,500
  • Registered Nurse — $89,500
  • Warehouse Worker — $39,500

You can use the Glassdoor website to find average salaries for your profession in Canada or in a specific region.

Taxes

Salaries in Canada are higher than in many countries, but they're usually quoted before taxes. The exact amount of taxes you'll pay is hard to determine — it depends on your income and the province you live in.

Federal tax rates for 2024:

  • 15% on annual income up to CAD $55,000
  • 20.50% on income from CAD $55,000 to $110,000
  • 26% on income from CAD $110,000 to $170,000
  • 29.32% on income from CAD $170,000 to $235,675
  • 33% on income over CAD $235,675

Provincial tax is added to the federal income tax. For example, if you earned CAD $60,000 per year in Ontario, you'd take home about CAD $43,600 after taxes. To get a more accurate tax estimate, you can use this tax calculator. Just enter your income and the Canadian region.

Want to immigrate to Canada to build a career in a developed country and earn a good salary? Book a consultation with our company, and we'll help you move.

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