One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a country for immigration is the employment and income situation. If you live in a country where the income significantly lags behind the cost of living, there might be little reason to leave Iran!
This concern has made the topic of salaries and income in Canada, including the average monthly wages, a fundamental question for prospective immigrants. Given the importance of this issue, we have decided to explore salaries and income in Canada and review the average monthly wages in this article from Sarafi Hafez. Stay with us.
Average Income in Canada
Statistics from the Canadian market in 2022 revealed that the average income level across various provinces had increased more than expected. In that year, the average annual income of a Canadian citizen was estimated at CAD 54,630. Additionally, the average hourly wage for full-time or part-time employees in the country was approximately CAD 29.50.
Data indicates that average wage rates in Canada increase annually by between 3% to 6%. However, the extent of this wage growth varies by province. For instance, in 2022, Quebec had the highest rate of income increase at 5.3%, while British Columbia had the lowest at 3.3%.
Your average income in Canada depends on various factors, including your occupation. Naturally, the salary of a medical specialist will differ from that of a general service worker. We will also discuss the average income for common professions in Canada.
Minimum Wage in Canada
Canada, like the United States, operates on a provincial or territorial basis. Each province is self-governed but falls under the oversight of a central federal government.
This structure means that working and living conditions vary between provinces, and minimum wage regulations are no exception. Each province has its own labor laws and applies specific conditions, wages, and rates.
Nonetheless, the minimum wage law in Canada has been in place for over a century, protecting the rights of women, children, and non-union workers, and fighting poverty. While this law might make it harder for individuals with less specialization or skill to find employment due to guaranteed minimum wage, it ultimately benefits society.
Wages in Canada are regulated based on hourly work. Regarding minimum wage, Saskatchewan is the lowest-paying province, as it offers the lowest minimum wage rates to workers and employees.
The average minimum wage across different cities in Canada today is CAD 18.42 per hour. However, this amount varies by province and even within public sector jobs (if you work in a public sector job, your minimum wage is determined by federal regulations, not provincial ones).
Here are the highest minimum wages paid in various Canadian provinces:
- Edmonton: CAD 19.95 per hour
- Calgary: CAD 19.76 per hour
- Cambridge: CAD 18.65 per hour
- Brantford: CAD 18.30 per hour
- Hamilton: CAD 18.14 per hour
- Toronto: CAD 18.07 per hour
- Windsor: CAD 17.78 per hour
- Brampton: CAD 17.58 per hour
Also read: $50,000 Investment in Canada 2024
Factors Affecting Minimum Wage in Canada
Several factors can influence the determination of your minimum wage in Canada. Please note that the amounts mentioned above are the minimum payments, and your actual wages may not necessarily align with these figures. The factors listed below can impact your minimum earnings:
Job Position: Naturally, minimum wages vary across different occupations. For example, a physician or financial specialist will receive a much higher minimum wage compared to a general laborer.
City and Province: Labor laws and minimum wage rates differ from one province to another. Some Canadian cities, due to their dynamic economies and active markets, have higher minimum wages. For instance, Alberta and British Columbia, with their positive economic indicators, offer higher minimum wages compared to other provinces.
Work Experience: Generally, the more work experience and expertise you have, the higher your minimum wage will be. According to statistics, individuals with 2 to 5 years of experience earn at least 32% more than those with no work experience.
Educational Background: Having a relevant educational qualification can significantly increase your income level. Statistics show that having a bachelor’s degree can increase your wages by up to 24%, a master’s degree by up to 29%, and a doctorate by up to 23%. However, it’s worth noting that many jobs in Canada do not require a degree and still offer high salaries.
Unemployment Rate in Canada
It’s impossible to discuss salaries and income in Canada without mentioning its unemployment rate. The unemployment rate is a key economic indicator in any country. A lower unemployment rate indicates economic stability and career advancement opportunities.
Canada is renowned as one of the world’s top economic powers due to its very low rate of financial corruption and exceptional economic security for its citizens. This has led to a consistently declining unemployment rate, which reached its lowest historical level of 0.2% in 2022.
Working Hours in Canada
To assess the average monthly wage in Canada, it is essential to consider working hours. In other words, you need to know how many hours are worked each day to evaluate economic well-being.
Standard working hours in Canada are from Monday to Friday, typically between 8:00 to 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. Employees are expected to work an average of 37.5 to 40 hours per week and are exempt from working on public holidays.
According to Canadian government regulations, employers must pay overtime for any work beyond 40 hours per week. However, they are usually not allowed to require more than 48 hours of work per week. The number of working hours and schedules may vary based on personal agreements with employers and different occupations.
Nevertheless, Canadian employers cannot force you to work beyond your specified hours. However, some provinces have different regulations. For example, in New Brunswick, while employers are required to pay overtime for work beyond 40 hours, there is no limit defined for the total number of working hours.
Federal Labor Laws in Canada
In addition to provincial governments, the federal or central government in Canada also plays a role in determining certain aspects of minimum wage laws. For instance, the federal government sets the wages for employees in government departments, banks, royal companies, postal services, and other similar entities. This central government follows the minimum wage laws and typically offers wages higher than the provincial minimum rates.
Since 2021, the central government of Canada has been required to adhere to these laws, adjusting its wage rates annually to keep pace with general inflation. The federal income adjustment index in Canada is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and typically grows by less than 5% per year.
In federally regulated industries (such as aviation, banking, etc.), the standard working hours are set at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. These 8 hours can be spread across any 24-hour period, and the 40-hour workweek can be distributed over different days.
According to federal regulations, rules regarding working hours do not apply to supervisors, managers, other managerial personnel, lawyers, doctors, and engineers, as their work nature is such that it cannot be limited to specific hours.
Instead, the central government has stringent regulations to protect the rights of workers and employees in simpler roles, not allowing more than 48 hours of work per week. Additionally, certain workers, such as truck drivers, have regulated working hours, and cannot be expected to work outside of these hours without overtime pay.
On the other hand, all employees and workers are required to record their daily clock-in and clock-out times and keep these records for up to a year and a half after their employment ends.
Note that the minimum wage rates in federally regulated industries vary across different provinces in Canada, differing from the minimum rates set by provincial governments. Here are the highest minimum wages paid in government jobs across various Canadian provinces:
- Alberta: CAD 15 per hour
- British Columbia: CAD 16.75 per hour
- Manitoba: CAD 15.30 per hour
- New Brunswick: CAD 14.75 per hour
- Newfoundland and Labrador: CAD 15 per hour
- Atlantic Provinces (Northern Canada): CAD 15.20 per hour
Average Monthly Wages in Various Canadian Cities
While all areas of Canada offer excellent economic opportunities and significant growth potential for investors, the situation varies among different cities and provinces.
Below are the average earnings in cities with the highest demand for immigration and those considered the most popular in Canada:
- Vancouver: In recent years, the average income for a simple worker in Vancouver has been approximately CAD 30.66 per hour, translating to CAD 59,781 per year. Newcomers to this city earn starting from CAD 40,520 annually, with experienced professionals making up to nearly CAD 125,000. With recent increases, the average annual income for specialists in Vancouver now ranges from a minimum of CAD 113,000 to CAD 405,000.
- Toronto: Known as the most famous, advanced, and busy city in Canada, Toronto is a preferred location for many immigrants. The average hourly wage for a simple worker in Toronto is CAD 20, reaching CAD 39,000 annually. Newcomers and less experienced workers can earn up to CAD 33,000 per year, but those with good education and experience can increase their income to over CAD 140,000 annually.
- Quebec City: Quebec offers a reasonable minimum wage for simple workers, at CAD 27.79 per hour, which amounts to CAD 54,181 per year. However, newcomers and less experienced workers can expect to earn no more than CAD 38,800 annually. With sufficient experience and expertise, earnings can rise to CAD 131,000 per year.
- Montreal: Montreal has one of the highest wage rates, paying CAD 45.41 per hour, totaling CAD 88,544 annually. Newcomers with limited experience in Montreal can earn up to CAD 50,000 per year. With significant expertise and experience, annual earnings can increase to CAD 155,000.
Also read: Analysis of Economic Trends in Canada for 2024
Average Income of Various Professions in Canada
In addition to your city of residence and provincial and federal labor laws, your job position will directly impact your salary. While the same job might have varying salaries between cities in Canada, we will review the average income levels for various professions across the country.
The figures provided below are approximate and may vary depending on the city and your level of expertise and work experience.
Average Income for Healthcare Professionals in Canada
Considering both service and specialized professions, the average annual income for healthcare professionals in Canada is approximately CAD 44,159. Below is a detailed breakdown of average annual incomes for various roles within this field:
| Job Position | Average Annual Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Academic Physician | 231,000 |
| Acute Care Nurse | 104,000 |
| Dentist | 116,000 |
| Dermatologist | 365,000 |
| Anesthesia Technician | 124,000 |
| Anesthesiologist | 371,000 |
| Audiologist | 216,000 |
| Cardiac Technician | 81,700 |
| Cardiologist | 457,000 |
| Clinical Geneticist | 172,000 |
| Intensive Care Nurse | 108,000 |
Average Income for Engineering Fields in Canada
Depending on experience level and specialization, the average annual income for engineering professions in Canada ranges from CAD 72,000 to CAD 159,000. Here is a summary of average incomes for various engineering roles:
| Job Position | Average Annual Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer | 130,850 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | 128,170 |
| Aerospace Engineer | 122,270 |
| Software Engineer | 121,199 |
| Nuclear Engineer | 120,380 |
| Data Engineer | 113,255 |
| Chemical Engineer | 105,550 |
| Electronics Engineer | 104,820 |
| Electrical Engineer | 100,420 |
| Biomedical Engineer | 97,410 |
Average Income for Artists in Canada
This is particularly important for those looking to obtain a self-employed visa for Canada. The country offers a strong cultural and artistic environment and has a suitable market for such activities. Artists can earn between CAD 38,000 and CAD 84,000 annually, depending on their art form, experience, and other factors. Below is a table summarizing the average annual incomes for some artistic professions:
| Job Position | Average Annual Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Art Director | 62,139 |
| Creative Services Manager | 81,539 |
| Graphic Arts Degree | 53,000 |
| Art and Design Certificate | 53,000 |
| Digital Designer | 45,631 |
| Industrial Designer | 47,456 |
Average Income for Management Positions in Canada
Management positions generally offer good salaries compared to other jobs, but entering these roles can be challenging. Individuals working in managerial positions in Canada typically earn between CAD 47,000 and CAD 100,000 annually, which is a significant amount.
Below is the average hourly wage for managers in Canada, based on salaries in Toronto:
| Job Position | Average Hourly Wage (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | 44 |
| Purchasing Manager | 42 |
| Engineering Manager | 51 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | 53 |
| Retail Store Manager | 35 |
For business owners, senior executives, and CEOs, there are no salary limits.
High-Paying Jobs in Canada
In every country, some professions earn significantly more than others based on market needs. For instance, in a country facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, doctors and nurses often have the highest incomes. Similarly, in countries with a strong manufacturing sector, engineers tend to earn top salaries.
The highest-paying jobs are often influenced by the industry’s capacity and the country’s needs. Currently, in Canada, the highest salaries are found in healthcare, information technology, and computer engineering.
Post-pandemic, Canada recognized weaknesses in its healthcare sector, leading to increased focus and higher average salaries for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the country’s drive to adopt the latest software and hardware technologies has spurred growth in the IT and computer engineering fields, resulting in higher average salaries in these areas.
Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs in Canada for 2024:
| Job Position | Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Architect | 84,000 to 130,000 |
| Financial Analyst | 80,000 to 120,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | 80,000 to 115,000 |
| Construction Project Manager | 100,000 |
| Agricultural Product Processing Engineer | 100,000 |
| Production Supervisor | 65,000 to 100,000 |
| Executive Assistant | 60,000 to 96,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | 83,000 |
| Developer | 85,000 |
| Forklift Operator | 40,000 to 58,000 |
Average Pension in Canada
The Canadian government has specific policies for worker retirement, implemented through the CPP program. According to Canadian laws, the standard retirement age is 65, although early retirement can be requested at age 60. Those who retire before 65 will have to accept a 6% reduction in their pension.
The average pension (under normal circumstances) in Canada is approximately CAD 73,500 per year. However, this amount can vary based on job position and final salary.
Individuals who delay their retirement and work additional years can increase their pension by up to 7%. It is important to note that after age 70, no additional pension benefits are available, and individuals are required to retire.
Also read: A Guide to Investing in the Canadian Stock Market
Final Thoughts
Income and salaries in Canada are major concerns for immigrants who choose this country as their new home. The growing economic conditions and positive indicators in Canada contribute to a highly favorable job security environment. The average income in Canada is high and can comfortably cover your living expenses.
In this article, we aimed to share the average monthly wages in Canada and provide official figures on this topic. However, these statistics change annually and depend on various factors.
If you are considering immigrating to Canada, it is advisable to conduct thorough research based on your expertise, skills, work experience, educational qualifications, and the city or province you plan to reside in. An immigration consultant or lawyer can provide valuable assistance in this regard.
We hope this information has been helpful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best jobs for immigrants?
If you can start your own business in Canada as an investor, you will have the highest income potential and won’t need to look for employment. However, today, the computer technology industry offers the highest returns in Canada. Additionally, nurses can also earn a very good income in Canada.
How many hours per week can students work in Canada?
Regular working hours in Canada are between 40 to 48 hours per week, but international students with a work permit are only allowed to work 20 hours per week part-time.
Are part-time and full-time hourly rates different in Canada?
No. In Canada, most jobs are paid on an hourly basis. Therefore, the hourly wage rate does not differ between part-time and full-time jobs; the only difference is the limitation on the number of allowable working hours.
