The average salary in Canada is one of the most searched figures by newcomers, students and professionals planning to work in the country. In 2025, the average gross salary in Canada is around C$68,400 per year, or roughly C$5,700 per month before tax. This page breaks down what Canadians really earn, how salaries differ by province, and how take-home pay compares once taxes are deducted.
Average Salary in Canada
According to Statistics Canada,average weekly earnings reached approximately C$1,316 at the end of 2025, which works out to about C$68,400 a year for a typical full-time employee. The average hourly wage across all industries is close to C$38. Salaries have grown steadily over the past few years, driven by strong demand in sectors such as oil and gas, utilities, finance, and professional and technical services. Lower-paying sectors like retail, hospitality and agriculture pull the national average down.
Average Salary by Canadian Province
Earnings in Canada vary widely depending on the province. Alberta consistently records the highest average salaries among the provinces, fuelled by its energy industry, while the Atlantic provinces tend to sit below the national average. The table below shows approximate average annual salaries by province.
| Province | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alberta | C$78,000 |
| Ontario | C$69,500 |
| British Columbia | C$67,000 |
| Quebec | C$64,500 |
| Nova Scotia | C$60,000 |
Beyond the provinces, Canada’s three northern territories — the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut — report the highest earnings in the whole country, reflecting the high cost of living and the premium paid for remote work.
Gross vs Net Salary in Canada
The figures above are gross salaries, before any deductions. In practice, Canadian workers pay federal and provincial income tax, plus contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI). For an average earner, take-home pay is usually around 75–78% of the gross amount. That means a worker earning C$68,400 per year keeps roughly C$4,350 per month after deductions, although the exact figure depends on the province and personal circumstances.
Which Jobs Pay the Most in Canada?
Salaries in Canada also depend heavily on the profession. Some of the highest-paying jobs are found in medicine, with specialist doctors and surgeons often earning well above C$200,000 per year. Other well-paid careers include engineering managers, IT and software professionals, pilots, dentists and senior finance roles. On the other end, jobs in retail, food service and general labour tend to pay closer to the minimum wage, which sits at around C$17 per hour nationally. Education and experience are the two biggest factors: a worker with more than ten years of experience can earn roughly 40% more than someone just starting out in the same field.
For newcomers and skilled immigrants, Canada’s Express Entry system favours occupations that are in high demand, which often align with these better-paid sectors. Choosing a career in a growing, high-skill industry is one of the most reliable ways to earn above the national average salary in Canada.
How does Canada compare?
Canada’s average salary is lower than that of the United States, but broadly comparable to countries like Germany and Australia. Compared with the United Kingdom, Canadian gross salaries are similar, although differences in tax and the cost of living affect how far that money actually goes. When comparing salaries across countries, it is always worth considering local living costs, healthcare and the strength of the local currency.
Conclusion
With an average salary of around C$68,400 per year, Canada offers solid earning potential alongside a high quality of life. Wages are strongest in Alberta, the northern territories and high-skilled sectors, while actual take-home pay depends heavily on the province and the local cost of living.