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Average Salary in Canada & Job Opportunities in 2024

Updated on 20 September, 2024

Rakhee Talukdar

Rakhee Talukdar

Global Education Expert

As per a report by Statista, the Canadian economy is one of the largest in the world and is forecasted to reach US$2.62tn in 2026. Not only this, the country is also one of the popular study-abroad destinations owing to its lower tuition fees. This is why I choose to study in Canada. Post completing my studies also got a work opportunity there.

Based on my experience of working there for five years – the average annual salary in Canada for skilled workers is decently high too. It ranges between CAD 54,600 and CAD 105,000. This salary may vary depending on the job type, experience, skills, and employers. 

In this article, I will be sharing my insights into the Canadian job market and specifically, the high-paying jobs in Canada, top industries, the process to explore the best employment opportunities, and more.

Read More: National Occupation Classification(NOC) Code in Canada

What is Average Salary in Canada?

 As per Glassdoor, the average annual salary in Canada for a full-time employee is CAD 61,937. In fact, according to various reports, salaries have increased by 4% compared to the previous year, indicating that most Canadians are now earning more than they did in the past.

Average Salary in Canada for Indians

As per Talent.com, the average annual salary for Indian individuals in Canada is CAD 38,998 per year, which equates to approximately CAD 20 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at CAD 32,175 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to CAD 58,706 per year.

Industry-Wise Average Salary in Canada 

Below is the breakdown of the average Canadian salary according to the industry. 

Industry Avg. Annual Base Salary Canada (CAD) INR
Agricultural $66,000 INR 40,40,503
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation $60,000 INR 36,73,185
Education $67,000 INR 41,01,723
Engineering $73,000 INR 44,69,042
Financial Services $75,000 INR 45,91,481
Healthcare $71,000 INR 43,46,602

Source: Payscale 

Best–Paying Jobs in Canada

Job  Description Average Salary
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians The technology sector is growing, and the Canadian job market offers immense job prospects for electrical engineers.  The average salary for an electrical engineer in Canada is around CAD 60,926 per year.
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians: Computer engineering, both software and hardware, is the need of the hour. The tech giants hire computer engineers in big numbers regularly. Canada has a promising job market for software engineers. The average annual salary for a computer engineer is around CAD 81,946.
Nursing Nursing is one of the most promising careers in the present times. It is a lucrative opportunity for experienced nursing professionals to work with top public sector and private sector hospitals in Canada. An average yearly salary of CAD 74,547 is offered to nurses.
Software Developer IT firms and various sectors in Canada have a huge demand for skilled and experienced software developers. These professionals write, modify, integrate, and test computer codes for communications software and data processing. The average salary of a software developer in Canada is approximately CAD 72,193 yearly.
IT Business Analyst Tech giants like Amazon and Infosys hire individuals for IT Business Analyst profiles frequently.  Business Analysts usually get a package of CAD 74,216 yearly.
Data Scientist Data Science offers a promising and high-paying career. The demand in Canada is huge, especially when the employees are skilled and experienced. The average salary is  CAD 90,000 yearly.
Network Engineer Remote working has caused a rise in demand for network engineers. The network, programs, and servers are managed by a Network Engineer. The average salary of a Network Engineer in Canada is CAD 77,401 yearly.
Recruitment specialist The recruitment specialist takes care of the entire recruitment, staffing, and talent acquisition responsibilities. The average salary of a recruitment specialist is CAD 49,923 yearly.
HR manager A human resource manager is responsible for handling the HR department and guiding the various functions of HR executives and professionals. The opportunities are immense in Canada, as top companies like Deloitte, EY, Infosys, and KPMG hire HR managers regularly. The average salary of an HR manager in Canada ranges CAD 74,000 yearly.
Sales manager The opportunities for sales and marketing are immense in the top-ranked global companies in Canada. It is a lucrative job prospect for individuals with good marketing skills. A sales manager is a senior leader, and global brands consider hiring skilled ones worldwide. Canada is home to some of the best organizations that pay the maximum for sales profiles. The average salary of a sales manager in Canada is around CAD 69,369 yearly.
Marketing analyst Data plays a vital role for organizations in sustaining through competition. A marketing analyst is a lucrative career in Canada, as all organizations and firms in Canada hire marketing specialists who gather, analyze, and interpret the data available to design the right business strategies and marketing plans. The demand is high, and with the right skills, it is easy to get employed with global brands in Canada. On average, a marketing analyst earns around CAD 56,350 yearly.
Operations Manager Various sectors in Canada are employed in the production of goods and services. Hence, an operations manager is always going to be in demand. The companies offer lucrative salary packages to those with skills and experience in operations and management. The average salary of an Operations Manager in Canada is around CAD 74,783  yearly.
Surgeon Medicine is one of the top-paying sectors. Surgeons are of varied disciplines, but the ones who are the best paid include cardiac surgeons, Ophthalmologists, Oncologists, and Neurosurgeons. The salary of a surgeon, on average, is around CAD 197,152 yearly. However, it depends upon the specialization.
Lawyer Professionals skilled in labor law, corporate law, criminal law, and domestic law are the most in demand. Canada has some renowned law firms and multinationals. The average salary of a lawyer is around CAD 85,375 yearly.
Finance Manager The multinationals and globally recognized brands in Canada offer high salary packages to finance managers. The managerial positions are always lucrative, and the salaries are impressive, too. The average salary in Canada for a finance manager is roughly CAD 85,193 yearly.

Source: Payscale 

How is Income Distributed by Age in Canada

The Income Distribution by Age in Canada takes a number of things into account. In Canada, incomes are often allocated after taking retirement, experience, and job advancement into account. The age group of 45–54 earns the highest income in Canada. The average income for the 25–34 age group is CAD 45,953.

Age Group Average Annual Income
0-24 $18,701
25-34 $45,953
35-44 $61,549
45-54 $66,968
55-64 $58,419
65 and over $42,975

Read More: Part-time jobs in Canada for international students

Average Salary in Canada Province-Wise:

The average salary varies from region to region in Canada. It depends on the cost of living and other factors of that particular region, which impacts how much wage or pay you will be getting.

The following are the figure-

Region Hourly Salary (in CAD) Weekly Salary (in CAD) Average Yearly Salary (in CAD) 
Saskatchewan $45 $1,701 $88,428
Alberta $38 $1,428 $74,237
British Columbia $33 $1,274 $66,232
Ontario $32 $1,219 $63,369
Quebec $29 $1,106 $57,506
Nova Scotia $29 $1,088 $56,550

Register for Study in Canada FREE Course

The Canada hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.

12 Most Growing Industries in Canada

Here are some of the most rapidly growing industries in Canada, along with key projections and facts:

1. Technology and Information Services

  • Growth Drivers: Increasing demand for digital services, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Projections: The tech industry is projected to contribute around $300 billion to the Canadian economy by 2025.
  • Facts:
  1. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are major tech hubs.
  2. Canada ranks fourth globally in AI research and development as per Deloitte’s Report (Impact and opportunities: Canada's AI ecosystem - 2023).

2. Renewable Energy

  • Growth Drivers: Government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, investments in green energy projects.
  • Projections: The renewable energy sector is expected to grow by over 10% annually, with significant investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
  • Facts:
  1. Canada is the third-largest producer of hydroelectricity in the world.
  2. By 2030, Canada aims to achieve 90% of its electricity from non-emitting sources.

3. Healthcare and Biotechnology

  • Growth Drivers: Aging population, advancements in medical technology, and increasing healthcare spending.
  • Projections: The healthcare sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% over the next decade.
  • Facts:
  1. Canada's biotech industry is one of the largest in the world, with over 900 companies.
  2. Significant growth in telemedicine and digital health solutions.

4. Construction and Infrastructure

  • Growth Drivers: Urbanization, government infrastructure projects, and population growth.
  • Projections: The construction industry is expected to grow by 4.3% annually until 2025.
  • Facts:
  1. Major infrastructure projects like the expansion of public transit systems and the development of smart cities.
  2. The federal government plans to invest over $180 billion in infrastructure over the next 12 years.

5.Chemical and Petroleum Industry

  • Growth Drivers: Global energy demand, extraction technology advancements, petrochemical investments.
  • Projections: Expected CAGR of 3-4% over the next five years.
  • Facts:
  1. 4th largest global oil producer.
  2. Major investments in Alberta's petrochemical complexes.

6.Commercial Banking

  • Growth Drivers: Economic growth, tech advancements, rising financial service demand.
  • Projections: Steady CAGR of 5% over the next decade.
  • Facts:
  1. One of the world's most stable banking systems, led by top five banks.
  2. Significant digital banking and fintech investments.
  3. Focus on sustainable finance and ESG investments.
  4. Enhanced services for SMEs and startups.
  5. Growth in personal banking services like mortgages and wealth management.

7. Agriculture and Agri-Food

  • Growth Drivers: Innovations in agricultural technology, increasing global demand for food, and sustainable farming practices.
  • Projections: The agri-food sector is expected to reach $139 billion by 2025.
  • Facts:
  1. Canada is one of the largest exporters of agricultural products, including wheat and canola.
  2. Adoption of precision agriculture and biotechnology to increase crop yields.

8. Real Estate

  • Growth Drivers: Population growth, urbanization, and low-interest rates.
  • Projections: The real estate market is projected to grow steadily, with residential real estate expected to see a CAGR of around 5% over the next few years.
  • Facts:
  1. Significant demand in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
  2. Growth in commercial real estate, particularly in warehousing and logistics due to e-commerce expansion.

9. Entertainment and Media

  • Growth Drivers: Increasing consumption of digital media, rise in streaming services, and content creation.
  • Projections: The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2025.
  • Facts:
  1. Canada’s film and television industry is robust, with significant contributions from Hollywood productions.
  2. Growth in video gaming, with Canada being the third-largest producer of video games globally.

10. Finance and Fintech

  • Growth Drivers: Technological advancements, regulatory support, and consumer demand for digital financial services.
  • Projections: The fintech sector is expected to grow by over 8% annually.
  • Facts:
  1. Toronto is one of the leading financial centers in North America.
  2. Significant investment in blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.

11. Education and E-learning

  • Growth Drivers: Increasing demand for online learning, digital education tools, and continuous learning.
  • Projections: The e-learning market is projected to grow by 10% annually over the next five years.
  • Facts:
  1. Growth in international student enrollment in Canadian institutions.
  2. Expansion of online programs and certifications.

12. Tourism and Hospitality

  • Growth Drivers: Post-pandemic recovery, natural attractions, and cultural events.
  • Projections: The tourism sector is expected to rebound with a growth rate of 7% annually as international travel resumes.
  • Facts:
  1. Canada ranks highly as a tourist destination for its natural beauty and vibrant cities.
  2. Growth in eco-tourism and adventure tourism segments.

These industries are not only vital to Canada's economic growth but also present significant opportunities for innovation, investment, and employment.

Experience-Wise Average Salary in Canada 

Per Payscale, the average salary for an entry-level position in Canada is CAD 54,483 per year. Acquiring essential job experience leads to significantly higher salary packages. Experienced employees devote significant effort to improving their talents, supporting them to achieve exceptional results. Seasoned staff often take less time to finish jobs because of their broad knowledge.

Canada’s Lowest-Paying Job Sectors

According to Statistics Canada, Canada's lowest-paying job sectors include agriculture, accommodation and food services, wholesale and retail trade, and business, building, and other support services. These sectors offer hourly wages of less than CAD 30.

Highest Paying Unskilled Jobs in Canada

Unskilled jobs in Canada do not require any formal education criteria. These jobs typically involve physical labor, such as fishermen, whalers, cleaners, and general laborers. 

The average annual pay for laborers in Canada is approximately CAD 75,233.60, while farm attendants make an average of CAD 70,346 a year (per Indeed Canada).

Difference between Median and Average Salary

Median salary refers to the income that lies exactly in the middle of the salaries in a profession. On the other hand, the average salary is the mathematical mean of all the income earned by the number of individuals for a particular position.

The maximum average salary in Canada is around CAD 534,000 annually. The median salary is approximately CAD 112,000 or year, which means 50% of the population is earning more and the other half percent of the population is making less than 112,000 CAD.

Both median and the average are salary indicators. If your salary is higher than both, it indicates that you are earning well. And if it falls below the mark, there is room for improvement.

Recommended Read: MBA in Canada without GMAT

Top Full-Time Jobs Average Salary in Canada

The average salary in Canada for a full-time worker ranges from $40,000 to $71,000 per year.  Canada is an appealing destination for many international students because of its outstanding quality of life, generous incomes, and best career growth opportunities. The following are full-time job titles with average salaries in Canada. 

Job Title Salary
Full Stack Developer CAD 122,694
Design Engineer CAD 122,518
Engineer CAD 93,634
Developer CAD 77,601
Lab Technician CAD 56,188
Finisher CAD 52,657
Time Clerk CAD 43,548
HR Representative CAD 39,800
Cutter CAD 37,050
Retail Sales Associate CAD 32,175

Source: Glassdoor

Top Part-Time Jobs Average Salary in Canada

By leveraging part-time jobs, international students can keep up with daily costs while pursuing education. The criteria and average salary range in Canada vary based on several factors, including the industry, job specifications, etc.  Here, we break down the spectrum of part-time salary range: 

Part-Time Jobs Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Sales Advisor $29,000
Cashier  $29,000
Package Handler  $40,000
Cast Member  $32,000
Sales Advisor $33,000
Sales Associate $27,000
Grocery Clerk $31,000

Source: Glassdoor

Top Universities That Offer Highest Average Salary in Canada

While searching for the best university for education abroad, considering which universities in Canada produce graduates with attractive starting salaries is also crucial. 

It is worth noting that there are various other factors that influence starting salary ranges. But a demanding degree from a top university can give you an edge in the job market. Here are a few top universities that offer the highest average salary in Canada:

University

Degree

Average Annual Salary (CAD)

University of Toronto Executive Masters $3,02,460
PhD $1,36,243
MBA $1,30,793
The University of British Columbia Executive MBA $2,35,701
Doctorate $2,11,177
Master's in Finance $1,47,142
Executive Master's $1,28,068
University of Ottawa Bachelor's Degree $1,02,182
MBA $1,68,941
University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts $2,01,640
Bachelor's in Science $1,00,820
Master's in Science $1,19,894

Highest Average Annual Salary in Canada: Job Sectors

Listed below are the top-paying jobs in Canada.

Job Roles Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Cardiologist  $316,765 
Anesthesiologist  $341,668 
Physician  $272,872 
Surgeon  $247,034 
Orthodontist  $209,373 
Chief Marketing Officer  $131,325 
Vice President  $139,603 
Software Engineering Manager  $133,966 
Director of Information Technology  $121,453 

Source: Indeed

Salary Range in Canada

The salary in Canada ranges between CAD 30,200 or INR 1763897 to an average salary of CAD 534,000. 

Rise of Salary with Respect to Education Level

  • An employee gets a 17% hike in salary after completing High School and a Certificate or Diploma course.

  • A 24% hike for bachelor’s degrees.

  • A 29% rise after completing a master’s degree.

  • And, a 23% rise for Ph.D. holders.

Salary comparison by Gender: Men in Canada earn 5% more than females on average in every career field. 

Recommended Read: MS in Computer Science from Canada | MS in Mechanical Engineering in Canada

Pursue Higher Education in Canada to Get Best Employment Opportunities

Canada offers easy immigration policies and programs like SDS (Student Direct Stream) and PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), motivating international students to look for work opportunities after the completion of their courses. The job market is robust and dynamic and offers employment opportunities with high salary packages. 

Faculty members with international repute, globally ranked research centers, and world-class educational facilities have made Canada one of the most preferred destinations for overseas education. To understand this in detail, let us go through the top reasons why Canada is an ideal destination for higher education and work opportunities:  

Top Universities

Canada is home to the top 100 universities in the world. Some of the notable universities, like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta, attract students from all over the world. These universities offer valuable degrees to international students that are recognized by multinationals and conglomerates.

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Students at Canadian universities are allowed to enroll in part-time job opportunities. They can work off-campus and on-campus for 20 hours a week, and during the weekend or holidays, they can work for 40 hours. This way, international students from Canadian universities get the required corporate exposure and are also able to manage their expenses.  

Developed Economy

Canada is a developed country. The opportunities are immense, and international students studying at Canadian universities always find the best opportunities and salary packages. It is one of the most popular economies in the world and has a low unemployment rate.

Research-Based Degrees

The Canadian government helps research scholars with opportunities and funding during coursework. Canadian research work holds a global rank, and students are easily placed in top multinationals with impressive salaries.

Post-Study Work Permit

Canada is a welcoming country that believes in retaining individuals with talent and skills. Through programs like PGWP and SDS, international students are granted work permits after completing a course or degree. This has been one of the reasons why meritorious students choose Canada from all over the world to study.

Important Resources about Canada:

Canada for Indian Students Living Expenses in Canada Visitor Visa in Canada
Part time jobs in Canada Cost of Studying in Canada How to Settle in Canada from India
Requirements for Studying in Canada Student life in Canada Student Accommodation in Canada
SOP for Canada Best City in Canada for International Students

Eligibility for Work Permit in Canada

1. A passport with a validity of more than 6 months from the planned date of arrival in Canada.

2. Proof of having adequate financial resources to cover candidates’ expenses during their stay in Canada.

3. Medical examinations are required to be done at registered hospitals.

4. Application fee.

5. Educational qualification certificates.

6. Proof of professional qualifications, including work experience.

7. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

8. TOEFL or IELTS examination scores.

9. Applicants need to offer evidence that they will leave Canada once the work permit has expired.

10. No past criminal record.

11. Not working under any unauthorized or illegal employer that is not registered with the Canadian government.

12. Must be in good health and have medical insurance.

More Resources to Read:

MBA in Canada Cost Data Scientist Salary in Canada Study in Canada after 12th
BBA in Canada after 12th Eligibility for MBA in Canada Salary after MBA in Canada
Average Salary after MS in Canada Jobs after MS in Canada Average Salary in Canada after MS in Computer Science

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a software engineer in Canada?

As per Indeed, the average software engineer income is CAD 81,715 per year (CAD 35.39 per hour) in Canada. Entry-level jobs start at CAD 68,230 per year, with the highest-paid individuals earning  CAD 135,086 per year.

What is the average salary per hour in Canada?

In Canada, the average yearly salary is CAD 39,127, or CAD 20.07 per hour.
Entry-level jobs start at CAD 34,125 per year, with the highest-paid individuals earning up to CAD 72,249 per year.

What is eligibility for a Post Study Work Permit in Canada?

You must have completed a full-time course in Canada that lasted at least eight months. Within 180 days of finishing your degree, you must apply for a work permit. You must have formal confirmation from the college/university that this is true — a transcript or an official letter. When applying for the PGWP, you must have a valid student visa. You must have completed a full-time course in Canada that lasted at least eight months.

What is the average salary of mechanical engineers in Canada?

The average salary of a mechanical engineer in Canada is approx. CAD 55,000 per annum. It is generally CAD 45,000 per year for entry-level employees, and for experienced workers, it can be as high as  $78,000 per year.

How much is the average salary after MS in Canada?

The average salary after MS in Canada is approximately CAD 68,000.
 

How much is the average salary in Canada after an MS in computer science?

The average salary in Canada after MS in computer science is nearly CAD 62,615 per year or CAD 32.11 per hour.

What are the top factors that affect the average salary in Canada?

Several variables affect salary ranges in Canada. Some of these factors include:

  • Degree: The level of education you have can significantly impact your salary range. It's important to choose a degree that aligns with your career goals and has high demand in the job market to secure a higher starting salary.
  • Working hours: Part-time employees generally receive lower salaries and fewer benefits compared to full-time employees.
  • Location: The geographic location of the company also plays a significant role in determining salary ranges.
  • Economic variables: Various economic factors, such as supply and demand and inflation, also have an impact on pay in Canada. For example, salaries tend to increase when there is high demand and a shortage of specific skills.

What are the job opportunities in Canada for Indian Students?

Canada is a popular destination for Indian students due to its abundant and diverse job opportunities. Below are the top job prospects in Canada for Indian professionals. 

  • Engineer: Skilled engineers are always in high demand. If you have high skills and good work exposure, your chances of getting a premium package are high in Canada.   
  • Financial Analyst: Another highly demanding job post in Canada is Financial analyst.  Students with impressive problem-solving skills can grab the highest salary package. 
  • Registered Nurse: Over the last 20 years, Canada's seniors population grew by 68%, which is why demand for registered nurses is always at its peak. “Canada registered nurse salary” is very high as compared to other professions. 
  • Software Developer: Canada is a great hub for skilled software developers. 
  • Project Manager: Canada has a high demand for project managers with good leadership skills. 
  • Accountant: Qualified accountants are highly valued across the country. 
  • Human Resources Manager: There are ample opportunities for HR managers across various organizations. 

What is regarded as high income in Canada?

Around CAD 500,000 in annual income is generally regarded as an affluent income level. This is based on the top 1% of Canadian income as reported in tax returns.

Did you find this article helpful?

Rakhee Talukdar

Global Education Expert

Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.

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