The Canadian job market in 2025 is dynamic, reflecting a nation with a diverse economy and distinct regional characteristics. Understanding salary trends is crucial for everyone, from job seekers negotiating offers to employees planning their career paths. This guide provides a detailed overview of work salaries in Canada for 2025, examining national averages, provincial variations, industry-specific pay scales, and the key factors that influence earning potential.
National Salary Overview: What Does the Average Canadian Earn?
In 2025, Canada's average salary has seen a notable uptick. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the average weekly earnings for full-time employees reached $1,297.44 in mid-2025 . This translates to an average annual salary of approximately $67,467 before taxes . Other sources, like talent.com, estimate the average annual salary to be slightly higher, at over $71,100, while recruitment firm Morgan McKinley places it at around $72,000 per year . These variations are normal due to different data collection methods, but they consistently point to an average in the mid-$60,000s to low-$70,000s.
A key metric to understand is the average hourly wage. For April 2025, Statistics Canada reported the average hourly salary across all industries was $36.13 . There is a significant difference between full-time and part-time work: the average hourly wage for full-time employees was $38.40, compared to $25.42 for part-time employees .
It's important to distinguish between the average (mean) and median salary. The average is calculated by adding all salaries and dividing by the number of people, which can be skewed by very high earners. The median represents the middle point, where half of workers earn more and half earn less. For a more realistic picture of what a "typical" person earns, the median is often more reliable. In 2023, the national median after-tax income was $74,200 .
Provincial and Territorial Variations: Where You Live Matters
Salaries in Canada are not uniform; they vary significantly from coast to coast, influenced by local economies, industry presence, and cost of living. The three territories (Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon) offer the highest average weekly earnings, largely driven by remote work premiums and specialized industries like mining . However, these high salaries are often offset by an extremely high cost of living.
Among the provinces, Alberta and Ontario lead in average annual earnings. The table below provides a clear provincial breakdown based on the latest data .
Average Annual Earnings by Province/Territory (2025)
| Province/Territory | Average Weekly Earnings | Average Annual Earnings (Pre-tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | $1,734.91 | $90,215 |
| Northwest Territories | $1,733.99 | $90,167 |
| Yukon | $1,484.53 | $77,196 |
| Alberta | $1,362.04 | $70,826 |
| Ontario | $1,329.64 | $69,141 |
| British Columbia | $1,310.45 | $68,143 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,279.31 | $66,524 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,260.36 | $65,539 |
| Quebec | $1,250.26 | $65,014 |
| New Brunswick | $1,180.48 | $61,385 |
| Manitoba | $1,162.42 | $60,446 |
| Nova Scotia | $1,157.42 | $60,187 |
| Prince Edward Island | $1,125.29 | $58,515 |
Source: Statistics Canada, April 2025
When considering these figures, it's vital to factor in the cost of living. A salary in Ontario or British Columbia may need to be higher than one in Quebec or New Brunswick to maintain a similar standard of living, primarily due to housing costs in major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver .
Industry-Specific Salaries: The Highest and Lowest Paying Sectors
Your industry is one of the most significant determinants of your salary. High-demand sectors that require specialized skills and education consistently offer higher compensation.
Highest-Paying Industries
The following sectors are known for offering strong salary packages in Canada :
- Utilities: Average hourly wage of $55.72 .
- Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction: Average hourly wage of $51.24 and an average annual salary of $113,506 .
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: This includes fields like law, engineering, and architecture, with an average hourly wage of $47.14 .
- Public Administration: Average hourly wage of $46.14 .
- Finance and Insurance: Average hourly wage of $43.75 and an average annual salary of $76,843 .
For 2025, sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are poised for the strongest salary growth, with projected increases between 4% and 8% .
Lower-Paying Industries
Sectors with lower barriers to entry, such as accommodation and food services and retail trade, typically report the lowest average wages . For example, the average hourly wage in accommodation and food services is $20.88 . Many of these positions pay close to the provincial minimum wage, which ranges from $15.00 in Alberta and Saskatchewan to $17.94 in Yukon as of 2025 .
Factors Influencing Your Salary: Beyond Industry and Location
Several personal factors directly impact how much you can earn in the Canadian job market.
- Education: There is a strong correlation between educational attainment and income. On average, an individual with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn significantly more than someone with only a high school diploma .
- Experience: Years of relevant experience are a major driver of salary increases. An entry-level software engineer might start at around $65,000, while a colleague with over 10 years of experience could earn an average of $97,000 or more .
- Economic and Labour Market Conditions: Broader economic trends also play a role. Data from mid-2025 suggests that salary growth is slowing compared to previous years, with businesses planning average increases of around 3.1% for 2026, down from 3.2% in 2025 . This is influenced by factors like economic uncertainty and cooling inflation .
Benefits and Job Quality: The Full Compensation Picture
When evaluating a job offer, looking beyond the base salary is essential. Benefits significantly contribute to your overall compensation and quality of life. Public sector employees are far more likely to have access to benefits; in 2024, 80.9% had medical or dental coverage, compared to 62.1% in the private sector . Access to paid vacation leave is also more common in the public sector (81.7% vs. 70.0%) .
Outlook and Conclusion: Navigating the Canadian Job Market in 2025
The Canadian labour market in 2025 shows resilience, with average salaries continuing to grow. Key takeaways for anyone navigating this landscape are:
- National Average is a Guide, Not a Rule: The average salary is approximately $67,500, but this is heavily influenced by your province, industry, and experience.
- High-Demand Sectors Offer Premium Pay: Focusing a career on sectors like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades can lead to higher earnings.
- Weigh Salary Against Cost of Living: A high salary in Ontario or British Columbia may offer less disposable income than a moderate salary in a province with a lower cost of living.
- Consider the Entire Package: Always evaluate the complete compensation package, including health benefits, retirement plans, and paid leave, as these add substantial value.
By understanding these trends and factors, you can make informed decisions, effectively negotiate your worth, and build a successful career in Canada in 2025 and beyond.
This article synthesizes data from official sources like Statistics Canada and analysis from various industry reports. Salary figures are subject to change, and it is always advisable to consult the most recent data for specific roles and negotiations.