Average Income in Canada for 2025 Update: Does Your Salary Measure Up?

by Insurdinary Editorial Team | Fact Checked by Rhonda Gary

Last Updated on April 24, 2025

| Posted on April 7, 2025

Insurdinary Editorial Team | Fact Checked by Rhonda Gary

The average income in Canada for 2024 is $65,528.16 annually, with regional variations. In Ontario, the average annual income is around $67,258.92, while in Quebec, it is slightly lower at $62,778.72. British Columbia has an average income of about $66,162.36, and Alberta with $69,048.36. These figures highlight the economic diversity across regions.

Income levels in Canada are not just an economic metric—they are a reflection of the nation's growth, resilience, and the well-being of its people. Over the years, earnings have seen steady growth, driven by factors such as industrial innovation, technological advancements, and policy support. However, beneath the national averages lies a nuanced tapestry of regional variations, sectoral drivers, and disparities influenced by geography, cost of living, and labor market dynamics.

The latest data from Statistics Canada, released in March 2025, paints an insightful picture of income trends across Canada. By examining weekly earnings from 2022 to 2024, we can evaluate growth trajectories, uncover disparities, and understand how income levels influence broader societal and economic contexts.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown, delving into the details of income trends in each province and territory while exploring the implications for Canadians.

National Income Growth: Trends and Context

Nationally, Canada’s average weekly earnings grew steadily over the three years analyzed, with figures climbing from $1,165.33 in 2022 to $1,260.54 in 2024. These gains correspond to yearly incomes of $60,581.16 in 2022 and $65,528.16 in 2024. Such growth reflects Canada’s strong labor market recovery and expansion in high-value industries such as healthcare, technology, and professional services.

Key Observations:

Stable Growth Rates: The year-on-year percentage increases were modest but consistent, indicating sustainable growth rather than volatile spikes.
Impact of Inflation: Although nominal earnings rose, inflation over the same period slightly offset the real value of these wage increases. Workers may have experienced higher living costs, diminishing purchasing power despite higher incomes.

Regional Salary Comparisons

Canada’s vast geographical diversity leads to significant variations in earnings across provinces and territories. Factors like industry concentration, cost of living, and population density play critical roles in shaping income levels.

PROVINCES	YEAR	WEEKLY	MONTHLY	YEARLY
Canada	2022 2023 2024	$1,165.33 $1,205.09 $1,260.54	$5,048.43 $5,221.39 $5,460.68	$60,581.16 $62,656.68 $65.528.16
Alberta	2022 2023 2024	$1,256.71 $1,283.43 $1,328.47	$5,442.74 $5,561.53 $5,754.03	$65,312.88 $66,738.36 $69,048.36
British Columbia	2022 2023 2024	$1,164.19 $1,213.39 $1,272.97	$5,043.49 $5,255.02 $5,513.53	$60,521.88 $63,060.24 $66,162.36
Manitoba	2022 2023 2024	$1,056.59 $1,104.30 $1,143.62	$4,577.22 $4,784.62 $4,954.69	$54,926.64 $57,415.44 $59,456.28
Newfoundland and Labrador	2022 2023 2024	$1,150.37 $1,197.70 $1,243.06	$4,984.93 $5,187.37 $5,386.59	$59,819.16 $62,248.44 $64,639.08
Nova Scotia	2022 2023 2024	$1,018.91 $1,067.49 $1,121.40	$4,413.95 $4,625.46 $4,857.40	$52,967.40 $55,505.52 $58,288.80
New Brunswick	2022 2023 2024	$1,065.35 $1,104.08 $1,145.33	$4,616.85 $4,782.35 $4,960.43	$55,402.20 $57,388.20 $59,525.16
Northwest Territories	2022 2023 2024	$1,564.80 $1,594.34 $1,723.53	$6,777.60 $6,905.47 $7,465.63	$81,331.20 $82,865.64 $89,587.56
Nunavut	2022 2023 2024	$1,555.16 $1,632.17 $1,701.98	$6,735.69 $7,067.41 $7,372.91	$80,828.32 $84,808.96 $88,474.96
Ontario	2022 2023 2024	$1,193.53 $1,232.27 $1,293.52	$5,168.96 $5,338.50 $5,604.91	$62,027.52 $64,062.00 $67,258.92
Prince Edward Island	2022 2023 2024	$974.81 $1,016.75 $1,074.25	$4,222.84 $4,404.59 $4,652.42	$50,674.08 $52,855.08 $55,829.04
Quebec	2022 2023 2024	$1,114.76 $1,155.19 $1,207.59	$4,829.29 $5,005.15 $5,231.56	$57,951.48 $60,061.80 $62,778.72
Saskatchewan	2022 2023 2024	$1,140.60 $1,167.07 $1,216.26	$4,941.26 $5,054.97 $5,268.46	$59,295.12 $60,659.64 $63,221.52
Yukon	2022 2023 2024	$1,335.54 $1,377.35 $1,447.08	$5,788.01 $5,968.17 $6,267.01	$69,456.12 $71,618.04 $75,204.12

1. Alberta: Energy and Opportunity

Alberta continues to thrive economically, with weekly earnings in 2024 reaching $1,328.47—the highest among provinces. Its resource-heavy economy, dominated by oil and gas, provides ample opportunities for skilled workers. However, the province has faced challenges related to fluctuating oil prices and efforts to diversify beyond energy.

2. British Columbia: The Tech Frontier

In British Columbia, earnings rose to $1,272.97 per week in 2024. The province benefits from a growing tech sector and green initiatives, but housing affordability issues remain a persistent concern. Vancouver, in particular, is among the most expensive cities in Canada, which can erode real income levels.

3. Ontario: Economic Giant

Ontario’s position as Canada’s financial and industrial hub underpins its relatively high wages. Weekly earnings reached $1,293.52 in 2024. Key drivers include robust financial services, a thriving tech industry, and a dynamic manufacturing sector. However, the urban-rural income gap remains pronounced, as rural areas lag behind metropolitan hubs like Toronto.

4. Quebec: Language and Industry

Quebec reported weekly earnings of $1,207.59 in 2024. Known for its aerospace, manufacturing, and cultural sectors, the province has seen steady wage growth. Government investments in innovation and infrastructure have also boosted earnings in industries like healthcare and renewable energy.

5. Atlantic Canada: Resilience Amid Challenges

The Atlantic provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, face unique challenges due to their reliance on seasonal industries like tourism and fisheries. While Newfoundland and Labrador stood out with weekly earnings of $1,243.06 in 2024, Prince Edward Island remained at the lower end with $1,074.25. Infrastructure development and diversification efforts could help address these disparities.

6. The Territories: High Earnings, High Costs

Territories like the Northwest Territories and Nunavut report the highest incomes, with weekly earnings of $1,723.53 and $1,701.98, respectively, in 2024. These figures are driven by resource-based industries, such as mining and oil extraction, and higher costs of living. While income levels are high, residents face unique challenges related to accessibility, infrastructure, and housing.

Factors Influencing Income Levels in 2025

Education and Skills

Higher education remains the most significant factor in determining salary levels. Workers with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of CAD $80,000 annually, compared to CAD $48,000 for those without post-secondary education. Additionally, specialized skills in demand—such as expertise in AI, cybersecurity, or renewable energy—can significantly boost earning potential.

Urban vs. Rural Divide

Urban areas like Toronto and Vancouver offer higher average incomes, driven by competitive industries. In contrast, rural regions, while offering lower wages, benefit from more affordable living costs.

Government and Inflation

Inflation of around 3.5% in 2025 affects real purchasing power. While wage increases combat this issue, rising costs of essentials like housing and utilities continue to challenge middle-income households.

friendly male insurance advisor on laptop

Read more about detailed household incomes across the country here.

Read Now

Sector-Specific Insights

Technology and Innovation

The tech industry remains a key driver of wage growth nationwide. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are emerging as hubs for software development, AI research, and fintech innovations. Workers in these fields command significantly higher wages due to the demand for specialized skills.

Healthcare

The healthcare sector, bolstered by increasing investments and an aging population, has seen steady wage growth. From nurses to medical researchers, professionals in this field enjoy competitive earnings.

Energy and Natural Resources

Alberta and Saskatchewan, in particular, benefit from resource wealth, which translates into higher wages for workers in oil extraction, mining, and utilities. However, market volatility remains a concern for long-term stability.

Agriculture and Manufacturing

Agriculture-focused provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan report moderate earnings, reflecting the challenges faced by traditional industries adapting to modern technologies. Similarly, manufacturing hubs in Ontario and Quebec continue to provide stable, albeit less spectacular, wage growth compared to emerging industries.

15 Top-Paying Jobs by Industries in Canada

Canada’s job market is brimming with opportunities, especially in industries offering competitive salaries and long-term career growth. Using data from Statistics Canada, we’ve highlighted the top-paying jobs across various sectors, showcasing roles that command impressive earnings and reflect the thriving economy.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction: With average weekly earnings of $2,404.07, this industry leads in Canada. Roles such as petroleum engineers and geologists dominate, offering annual salaries exceeding $125,011.56.
Utilities: Workers in utilities earn an average of $2,151.44 weekly, with high-paying roles like electrical engineers and utility managers frequently making over $111,838.92 annually.
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: With weekly earnings of $1,788.00, positions such as data scientists and IT consultants are highly rewarded, with salaries surpassing $92,976 annually.
Information and Cultural Industries: Average weekly earnings of $1,783.13 reflect lucrative roles like media executives and software engineers, earning $92,722.68 annually.
Finance and Insurance: Workers earn $1,687.13 weekly. Investment managers and financial advisors lead the sector, with annual incomes reaching $87,701.88.
Public Administration: Steady weekly earnings of $1,614.97 translate into $83,986.32 annually, with policy analysts and government executives playing critical roles.
Management of Companies and Enterprises: Workers earn $1,772.16 weekly. Corporate leadership positions like CEOs frequently earn $92,140 annually.
Construction: Weekly earnings average $1,515.11, with roles such as construction managers and civil engineers earning up to $78,785.76 annually.
Manufacturing: Average weekly earnings of $1,340.70 support roles like production managers and mechanical engineers, with salaries hovering around $69,676 annually.
Transportation and Warehousing: Weekly earnings of $1,300.09 highlight opportunities for logistics managers and pilots, with annual incomes averaging $67,604.52.
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: Workers in this industry earn $1,265.15 weekly, with top roles like property managers and brokers earning $65,747.76 annually.
Educational Services: $1,257.26 weekly ($65,349.48 annually). Teachers and education professionals play vital roles in shaping Canada’s future.
Health Care and Social Assistance: $1,127.82 weekly ($58,630.92 annually). Growth is driven by demand for medical and social services.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: $761.56 weekly ($39,569.16 annually). Creative sectors face income challenges but promise rewarding opportunities.
Accommodation and Food Services: $503.52 weekly ($26,170.56 annually). Roles here are essential to service industry growth.

Broader Implications of Wage Trends

Income Disparity

While national averages show growth, disparities between regions remain significant. For instance, workers in Prince Edward Island earn far less on average than those in Alberta, despite similar costs of living.

Real Purchasing Power

Nominal wage growth often fails to account for inflation. In urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, rising living costs, particularly housing, offset income gains, creating challenges for middle-income families.

Labor Mobility

High wages in territories like Nunavut and Northwest Territories attract workers from other provinces, leading to labor shortages in lower-income regions. Encouraging mobility through targeted policies could address these imbalances.

Future of Work

Technological advancements, such as automation and AI, are reshaping the labor market. While these technologies create opportunities in emerging fields, they also threaten traditional roles, especially in manufacturing and agriculture.

10 Fastest Growing Industries in Canada

As Canada continues to evolve economically, certain industries stand out for their rapid growth and emerging opportunities. From technological advancements to green energy initiatives, these sectors are shaping the country's future while offering exciting career paths for individuals ready to embrace change.

Technology and Information Industries: Weekly earnings of $1,783.13 showcase the growing demand for AI advancements and digital platforms driving innovation.
Healthcare and Social Assistance: Weekly earnings of $1,127.82 reflect an aging population and biotechnology developments expanding healthcare roles.
Renewable Energy and Utilities: Average weekly earnings of $2,151.44 highlight opportunities in sustainable energy solutions like solar and wind power.
Finance and Fintech: With weekly earnings averaging $1,687.13, digital banking and fintech innovations reshape this sector.
Construction and Infrastructure: Weekly earnings of $1,515.11 reflect industry growth driven by urbanization and government investments.
Education Technology (EdTech): Blended and online learning tools are on the rise, supported by weekly earnings of $1,257.26.
Transportation and Warehousing: Weekly earnings of $1,300.09 indicate growth due to increasing e-commerce and supply chain demands.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: Digital media and content creation lead the way, though weekly earnings average $761.56.
Trade: Weekly earnings of $972.14 showcase steady contributions from retail and wholesale industries.
Professional Services: Weekly earnings averaging $1,788.00 reflect the rising demand for expertise from consultants and technical specialists.

FAQs About Income in Canada

The national average weekly income in Canada was $1,260.54 in 2024, equating to a yearly income of $65,528.16.

The Northwest Territories reported the highest income in 2024, with yearly earnings of $89,587.56.

Ontario’s average weekly earnings in 2024 were $1,293.52, slightly above the national average.

High costs of living and resource-driven economies contribute to elevated wages in Nunavut and Northwest Territories.

Technology, healthcare, engineering, and renewable energy are key drivers of wage increases.

Inflation increases nominal incomes but reduces purchasing power, impacting real earnings.

Prince Edward Island reported the lowest income in 2024, with yearly earnings of $55,829.04.

Yes, wage growth is likely to continue, especially in high-demand industries.

Government initiatives, such as training programs and subsidies, support income growth in various regions.

Canada’s wages are competitive globally, particularly in tech and engineering sectors.

Conclusion

The income landscape of Canada in 2025 showcases a nation on the move, balancing economic growth with societal challenges. From understanding regional income differences to exploring the fastest-growing industries, this article highlights how Canadians can position themselves for financial and career success.

You may even want to find strategies to reduce costs on your insurance and payments. If this is the case, contact us to learn more.

Statistics and Sources

Average weekly earnings by industry data from Statistics Canada

Important Notice:
All interest rates, fees, and other numerical figures displayed on our website are subject to change without prior notice. To ensure you have the most current information and/or promotion, please visit the provider's official website.