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.
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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.
