If you’re thinking about working or building a life in Canada, you’ve probably already asked yourself the big question: How much do people actually make here? Whether you’re job-hunting, planning a move, or just trying to set realistic expectations, knowing the score on average salaries can make your transition smoother and your budgeting a whole lot easier.
Recent insights from Statistics Canada show steady wage growth across the country, and that’s great news if you’re looking to build a stable future. At Remitly, we know that financial security is a big part of feeling at home. So here’s our guide to help you understand how salaries vary by region, industry, and experience in Canada, so it’s easier to plan your next step and ensure your hard work pays off.
What is the projected average salary in Canada for 2025?
If you’re working full-time in Canada this year, the average salary lands around $67,000 CAD depending on the province and the job, based on recent data showing a 4.4% year-over-year rise in average weekly earnings.
Wages are creeping upward as employers compete for skilled workers, especially in sectors like tech, healthcare, and construction. Though we can’t forget that the cost of living is also rising, many workers are at least seeing gradual improvements to their take-home pay.
How salaries in Canada have grown since 2020
A lot has changed since 2020. Not just the way we work, but where we work—after the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid jobs became the norm and remote work opened up opportunities beyond big cities. Employers had to step up their pay to stay competitive, and be a bit more flexible about working from home.
So there’s been a considerable boost to the average salary compared to pre-pandemic levels. Sure, costs have risen too, but overall, Canadians are earning more, and in many cases living more flexibly than before.
You might be looking to crunch code in Vancouver, manage energy projects in Calgary, or start fresh in Montreal—pretty much regardless of your sector, Canada’s job market is still full of opportunity. And it’s paying better than it used to.
Average salary by province and territory
Canada is a big, beautiful, and economically varied country. The average salary can change a lot depending on where you are, and the industry you work in.
Average salaries also vary, with local factors skewing the figures. For example, the prevalence of seasonal or part-time work in rural regions like Saskatchewan and Alberta, or high-cost-of-living allowances in Vancouver, Toronto and other expensive cities. So a dollar earned in Alberta might not go as far as one earned in Nova Scotia or Quebec.
Why do salaries vary so much across Canada?
That big variation is because Canada isn’t just one economy; it’s more like a patchwork of mini-economies stitched together from coast to coast. Ontario and British Columbia lead in finance, healthcare, and technology, for example, while Alberta’s oil and gas industry offers some of the country’s highest wages.
On the flip side, a province like New Brunswick might have lower average salaries, but it makes up for it with a lower cost of living and a slower, more relaxed pace of life, not to mention some of the most spectacular coastline you’ll ever see.
So Canada’s economy is deeply regional, and that’s part of the nation’s charm—and why there are such varied opportunities for newcomers.
Which industries offer the highest salaries?
Now that we’ve looked at the national picture, let’s zoom in on which industries in Canada offer bigger paycheques. In 2025, fields like tech, healthcare, finance, engineering, and energy continue to lead the way. Employers are still competing hard for the best people, especially as digital transformation and labour shortages for skilled roles reshape Canada’s economy.
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
If you’re comfortable getting your hands dirty, resource industries can be incredibly rewarding. In provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland, specialized technicians and engineers in extraction or maintenance roles can earn between $100,000 and 120,000 CAD.
These jobs often require physical endurance and can mean you’ll have to live in quite a remote area, but they also come with strong benefits and long-term security. As Canada moves toward greener energy, there’s a lot of demand for experts who are confident with tech and can blend traditional industrial know-how with modern, sustainable practices. If that sounds like your skill set, this is definitely a sector worth exploring.
Finance and insurance
From investment advisors to underwriters and fintech analysts, this sector rewards precision and problem-solving. Average salaries range between $70,000 to 80,000 CAD, with senior professionals often earning six figures.
Toronto is the country’s financial heart, but other cities like Montreal and Calgary are catching up fast. The rise of digital banking and crypto regulation also means new, tech-savvy roles are popping up every year. If you’re a numbers person, you could do very well in Canada.
Professional, scientific, and technical services
If you can work in tech, law, or engineering, you’ll be joining one of Canada’s most dynamic industries. Roles in software development, data science, and consulting offer strong growth and pay to match. Salaries in 2025 are expected to range from $90,000 to 125,000 CAD, but senior specialists and project leads often earn far more.
This sector’s appeal isn’t just the salary; it’s the flexibility. Remote work and hybrid setups are now pretty standard, letting professionals live outside the most expensive cities so they can make the most of their income.
Utilities
Utilities might not sound glamorous, but they’re steady, reliable, and can be well-paid. Managers of Canada’s water and power infrastructure can expect salaries between $90,000 and 110,000 CAD. With the global economy pretty volatile right now, stability matters—and this industry quietly offers some of the most secure and balanced careers in Canada.
Healthcare and life sciences
Canada’s healthcare system isn’t just essential; it’s massive, employing millions nationwide. From registered nurses and physicians to lab technologists and healthcare administrators, this is one of the country’s most stable and well-paying industries. In 2025, the average salary in healthcare typically ranges from $65,000 to 95,000 CAD, depending on specialization—if you’re a surgeon, for example, you’d earn a lot more than that.
The life sciences sector (pharmaceuticals, biotech, and research) is also booming, particularly around Toronto and Montreal, where experienced professionals can easily earn $100,000 CAD or more.
Average salary by education level
All the figures we’ve given above depend on your seniority, specialisation, and location. It’s another indicator of the fact that, in Canada, your education can open doors, but it’s certainly not the only thing that determines your income. We can, though, provide some general figures for your academic level:
| Education Level | Approximate average salary (CAD, 2025) |
| Bachelor’s degree | $68,000 |
| Master’s degree | $84,000 |
| Doctorate | $100,000+ |
Figures may vary by province, industry, and level of experience.
How education shapes your career options
While Canadian employers value education, they value transferable skills just as much—or even more. A degree might help you get your foot in the door, but it’s often your adaptability, communication and problem-solving skills that determine how far you climb.
If you’ve studied outside of Canada, one of the smartest first steps you can take is credential recognition. This process officially validates your degree or diploma in Canada and can be a game-changer for landing a job that matches your qualifications. Organisations like World Education Services (WES) or provincial credential bodies can help make this happen.
Trades and certifications are highly respected
While university degrees often get most of the spotlight, Canada has a deep respect for skilled trades, and they can pay just as well. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians regularly earn between $70,000 and $100,000 CAD, with strong job security and attractive benefits.
Trade careers are in huge demand across the country, too. Many provinces even offer immigration pathways or training incentives to fill these roles. So if you’ve got one or more of these skills, there are plenty of opportunities for you.
If you think you fit the profile for any of the jobs that Canada is looking to fill, take a look at the Government of Canada Job Bank. It’s a free tool that shows salary ranges, job outlook, and demand by region.
How to increase your earning potential
If you’re a newcomer to Canada, setting out your career path might take a little time, but every step counts. One common hurdle is the phrase “Canadian experience required.” If you see that, don’t let it discourage you—there’s still plenty you can do to improve your chances.
Volunteering, freelancing, or taking short-term contracts can help fill that gap while showing employers that you’re motivated and adaptable. Some other moves you can consider:
- Network actively
Some jobs never even make it to public listings. Join local meetups, LinkedIn groups, or immigrant support programs and keep your eyes and ears open. - Polish your language skills
Strong English (or French) communication skills can make a big difference. - Showcase your international experience
Don’t downplay what you’ve done abroad; frame it as global expertise that adds value. - Look for mentoring programs
Organisations like ACCES Employment and Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) offer career mentorship to help newcomers find their footing.
Salary vs. quality of life: striking a balance
It’s easy to focus on the number on your paycheque, and of course that’s extremely important. But life in Canada isn’t only about what you make.
Benefits and work-life balance
Canadians take pride in having a healthy work-life balance. Full-time employees typically work around 37–40 hours a week, and many companies now offer flexible schedules, remote work options, and usually three weeks’ vacation time if you have more than five years’ service, so you can enjoy Canada’s great outdoors.
Healthcare coverage, parental leave, and retirement savings plans are quite common perks, adding real value beyond your monthly salary. Many employers also include extended health benefits like mental health programs.
Comparing lifestyles across regions
We’ve touched on the differences in the cost of living in different parts of Canada. It’s certainly true that not all cities stretch paycheques the same way. The most popular cities will have salaries that cover the essentials but might leave little wiggle room once rent, groceries, and transit costs kick in.
Meanwhile, the same income in cities like Halifax, Winnipeg, or Calgary could fund a comfortable lifestyle and leave you some money to spare for savings.
That said, big-city living comes with perks too: more job opportunities, cultural diversity, and endless things to do. It’s all about finding your balance. Some newcomers start in larger urban centres to build their careers, then relocate later for a slower pace and lower expenses.
When you’re ready to dive deeper, the Government of Canada Job Bank, which we linked to earlier, can help you find what’s available and where. You can search by keywords like a job title, by location, by language and a lot more besides, which is ideal for comparing options before you make your next move. Good luck!
FAQs
What is a good salary in Canada for a single person in 2025?
It varies considerably from one region to another. A comfortable income will depend on the city and your lifestyle. Check out our guide above for more.
Which province in Canada has the highest average salary?
Alberta and the northern territories tend to lead, with averages above $75,000 CAD, driven by energy and resource industries.
How do I calculate take-home pay?
Use the Canada Revenue Agency’s payroll calculator to estimate what you’ll earn after taxes and deductions based on your province.
What’s the average hourly wage in 2025?
Expect roughly $33–35 CAD per hour, though it varies a lot depending on the industry and your experience.
Do newcomers earn less than Canadian-born workers?
At first, this can be the case, often due to credential or experience recognition. But many immigrants close the gap quickly by upskilling, networking, and proving their value. There’s no reason you shouldn’t do the same.