Canada, like most other countries, always needs accountants. Accounting salary growth in the country shows that businesses of all sizes are looking for people who can adapt to new tech, keep on top of changing tax rules, and meet sustainability goals. So right now, skilled accountants are in high demand in Canada.
At Remitly, we know how exciting (and scary) it can be to start or restart your career in a new country. It doesn’t matter if you’re a recent grad, an experienced CPA chasing your next promotion, or a newcomer building your career in Canada—knowing what accountants really earn can help you plan your next move.
So we’ve broken down what a Canadian accountant salary could look like in 2026, the sectors and regions where pay is rising, and how you can thrive in accountancy in the nation.
Current state of accounting salaries in Canada
Accounting in Canada has stayed pretty steady lately, even when other industries have hit bumps in the road. Let’s take a look at some of the figures.
Average accountant salaries
Typically, accountants in Canada are earning an average of around $65,000 CAD per year. New grads and junior accountants usually start closer to $52,000 CAD. If you’ve got more experience or CPA certification to your name, that number could rise into the $85,000–100,000 CAD range.
Canada’s accounting pay stacks up well globally, too. You might not hit the same numbers as you would in the US, but once you factor in Canada’s lower education costs, work-life balance, and strong demand for certified pros, Canada is a pretty good choice for people looking to build a long-term accountancy career.
Provincial salary snapshot
Of course, where you live makes a big difference. Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia tend to lead the pack when it comes to pay. This is no surprise, since that’s where you’ll find the biggest players in the energy, finance, and tech sectors.
Accountants in Alberta can often make around $86,000 CAD or more, while those in Ontario average closer to $63,500 CAD. In the Atlantic provinces, average salaries are a little lower, around $59,000 CAD.
If you’re just getting started or moving to Canada, don’t overlook smaller cities. Many newcomers find that mid-sized markets like Halifax or Winnipeg offer that sweet spot between solid salaries and affordable living. Plus, you’ll have less competition for top roles and maybe a bit more room for career growth.
What do salaries mean in everyday life?
A salary of $85,000 CAD in Toronto sounds great on paper. But once you factor in rent, transit, and $7 CAD lattes, it might not stretch as far as you think. Meanwhile, that same job in Halifax or Saskatoon with a smaller paycheque might actually leave you with more cash in your account at the end of the month.
For newcomers in Canada, this is worth keeping in mind when choosing where to settle. The “highest salary” isn’t always the “best deal.” Consider that the real win might be in finding that balance between career opportunity, cost of living, and quality of life.
What to expect in 2026
Across Canada, accountant salaries are on the rise—and not just because of inflation. Companies are scrambling to find and keep skilled finance pros who understand the numbers, the modern tech that helps crunch and interpret them, and their own value.
Salary range forecasts
In the last couple of years, accountants’ salaries have climbed by around 7–8%, which is higher than inflation was over the same period. With demand for skilled accountants still high, that kind of momentum could continue into 2026. If you’re leading a team or overseeing financial strategy, your salary could even reach $120,000 CAD, maybe even more in some sectors like oil and gas—and that’s before bonuses.
Factors shaping 2026 salaries
Canada’s labour shortage in finance isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Experienced accountants, especially CPAs, are in short supply. The cost of living keeps nudging companies to adjust compensation to stay competitive.
Technology is transforming the field, too. Employers are looking for accountants who can handle more than just ledgers: they want data-savvy problem-solvers who can use digital tools to inform business decisions. That means if you can bridge the gap between accounting and analytics, or you’ve mastered cloud-based platforms and automation tools, you’re in good shape to compete for the best jobs.
Regional salary breakdown: where accountants earn the most
As we’ve mentioned, where you live makes a huge difference in what you earn and how far that money actually goes.
Top-paying cities in Canada
Toronto takes the crown when it comes to accountant salaries. With its large number of finance firms, global companies, and start-ups, accountants in the city can expect to earn around 4.3% more than the national average. Vancouver and Calgary aren’t far behind, at around 4–4.5% above average.
Montreal is next, offering average salaries around 2% above average. But remember what we said about smaller cities, too: places like Saskatoon and Winnipeg are quietly becoming great options for professionals who want good pay without sky-high living costs.
Industry-based salary comparison
If you’re looking for an accountancy job in Canada, you’ll find that industry matters just as much as geography, with finance, insurance, and technology usually seeing the highest paycheques. Public accounting tends to pay a little less but comes with great benefits, while government and non-profit roles trade a slightly lower salary for stability and work-life balance.
So our advice if you’re job-hunting is to consider the full package, not just the number offered. In Canada, the best job might be the one that fits your lifestyle, values, and long-term goals rather than offering the highest salary.
The highest-paying accounting fields
So we’ve covered geography and industry as important factors in potential earnings. But your specialization can make a big difference too.
In-demand specializations
If you’re great with taxes, you’re already in one of the most lucrative corners of the field. Tax accountants, especially if they’re handling large corporate or international clients, can earn well over $84,000 CAD. Forensic accountants, the detectives of the finance world, also bring in top-tier pay as companies work harder to prevent fraud and stay compliant with national and international regulations.
Meanwhile, management accountants and financial analysts actually help shape business decisions, not just report on them. That makes them some of the most valued and well-compensated professionals in the market. And accountants who can combine finance with digital tools, automation, or data analytics are earning quite a bit more than traditional roles.
Professional designations and certifications
In Canada, three little letters, CPA, make a big difference. Certified accountants typically earn much more than their peers. For newcomers, getting credentials recognized through CPA Canada may take some time, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your long-term career growth.
How technology is transforming accounting careers
Accountants have been more than just number crunchers for a while already, and as automation tools become standard in finance, modern accountants must work with the latest tech in the sector.
Automation has taken over the repetitive stuff like data entry, reconciliations, and basic reporting. This has freed up time to focus on the more rewarding and productive parts like analysis, forecasting, and decision-making.
The strategic edge that comes with knowing your way around the tech doesn’t just make your work more interesting, it often comes with a higher paycheque.
The skills that’ll pay in 2026
By 2026, the best-paid accountants will be fluent in both finance and tech. Cloud-based platforms, data analytics tools like Power BI or Tableau, and AI-powered auditing systems are becoming standard parts of an accountant’s toolkit. So if you’re missing those, definitely consider adding them to your knowledge base.
Throw in skills like ESG reporting and cybersecurity awareness, and you’ll stand out in a crowded field. These abilities don’t just future-proof your career: they give you the best chance of boosting your earning potential.
Level up through continuous learning
Upskilling in general will pay off—accountants who invest in learning, whether through CPA Canada, LinkedIn Learning, or Coursera, are in a better spot to grab a promotion and haggle for a pay raise. In a world where technology evolves constantly, adaptability has become just as valuable as experience.
How to grow your accounting career (and salary) in Canada
Career growth in accounting doesn’t happen overnight, but it’ll come over time, especially if you keep learning and build your network.
Getting recognized and getting ahead
If you’ve trained abroad, you’ll need to have your credentials assessed by CPA Canada or World Education Services. Provincial CPA bodies handle final recognition, which might include some extra coursework or exams.
Many newcomers complete a CPA bridging program, usually within a year or two, and it’s worth it. After certification, salaries can jump significantly, with access to senior roles opening up too.
There’s no secret shortcut, but there are smart moves that make a difference. Keep learning new tech and leadership skills, build connections through CPA events or LinkedIn groups, and don’t be afraid to talk numbers when the time’s right. Showing the impact of your work, whether it’s saving time, improving reporting, or finding new insights in the data, is your best argument for a raise.
The future of accounting in Canada
Overall, we think the outlook for accountants in Canada in 2026 is pretty bright. New trends in sustainability, digital finance, and remote work are opening fresh opportunities across the country. The rise of ESG reporting and sustainability accounting is going to create some completely new career paths. If you’re Canadian, this goes the other way too: global recognition of the CPA designation is making it easier for Canadian-trained professionals to work abroad. Whatever your circumstances, we wish you good luck in the “Great White North!”
FAQs
What will accountants earn in Canada by 2026?
It will vary a lot, depending on your experience, where you live and any specialization you hold. Check out our guide above for some typical figures.
How much do entry-level accountants make in Canada?
Again, it’ll depend on your specific circumstances. But new graduates and early career professionals could earn from around $57,000 CAD in 2026, if salary increases stay in line with where they’ve been over the last couple of years.
Which province pays accountants the most?
Alberta and Ontario typically offer the highest salaries, especially if you’ve got CPA accreditation. Alberta leads in energy-related industries in particular.
Is accounting a good career in Canada in 2026?
Yes. Demand is strong across regions, and the profession looks like offering job security, mobility, and steady income growth going into 2026.
Will AI replace accountants?
No. At least, not yet! Automation is changing how accounting works, but human expertise in analysis and ethics is still very much in demand, so if you’re an accountant, AI hasn’t quite replaced you yet.