Average Salary in Canada: What People Really Earn in 2026
If you want to start a new life or career in Canada, one of the first things you should do is learn how much people really make. Your salary expectations can affect everything from where you live to how you live. This guide breaks down the average salary in Canada in a clear way. It also shows how salaries differ by job and province, as well as what the current earning trends look like for 2026.
No tables that are hard to read. No technical language. Just simple ideas to help you make decisions with confidence.
How Much Does the Average Person Make in Canada?
The average salary in Canada for 2026 is thought to be between CAD 59,000 and 65,000 a year. This range shows you what most full-time workers make before taxes.
A lot of people also want to know, "What is the average salary in Canada?"
Depending on their skill level and the province they work in, a full-time worker usually makes between CAD 4,800 and 5,400 per month.
These numbers change from one industry to the next, but they give you a good starting point for comparing job openings.
Breakdown of a normal salary in Canada by month and year
To make things clear, here is a simple view:
- The average salary in Canada is between CAD 59,000 and CAD 65,000.
- The average monthly salary is CAD 4,800 to 5,400.
- Average pay per hour: CAD 28–33
This is in line with the most recent salary guide for Canada, which gives you a good idea of how much professionals make across the country.
Average Canadian Income vs. Median Income in Canada
To get the whole picture, it helps to look at both:
- Income in Canada on average
- The average takes into account all incomes, even those that are very high, which can make the number higher.
- Canada's Median Income
- Half of Canadians earn more than the median and half earn less.
The median income in Canada is expected to be between CAD 50,000 and 52,000 in 2026. A lot of people think this is a more honest picture of what regular workers take home.
What's changing with the average salary increase in Canada?
In Canada, salaries tend to go up slowly but steadily.
Most industries in Canada expect salaries to go up by 3% to 4.5% on average in 2026. Some industries, like tech, construction, and healthcare, may grow a little faster because there aren't enough workers.
This is good news for people who are new to the field and want a stable job for a long time.
Average Pay Rate in Canada: A Look at Jobs
Salaries vary by job, so here's a friendly overview of some common ones:
- CAD 80,000 to 120,000 for IT and software
- Healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and therapists) make between CAD 65,000 and CAD 200,000.
- CAD 70,000 to 110,000 for engineering
- Business and finance: CAD 55,000 to 95,000
- Skilled Trades: CAD 50,000–85,000
- Teaching and Education: CAD 48,000 to 75,000
- CAD 35,000 to 48,000 for hospitality and retail
This summary lets you compare the pay in your field to the average pay in Canada for jobs that are similar.
Wage Information Canada: How Much Each Province Pays
Each province moves at its own speed. Here's a quick look at how much money people in different areas make:
Ontario
CAD 58,000 to 70,000
Good at business, finance, IT, and healthcare jobs.
British Columbia
CAD 60,000 to 75,000
There are high salaries in the tech, construction, trades, and hospitality fields.
Alberta
CAD 65,000 to 80,000Good pay because of jobs in energy, engineering, and skilled trades.
Quebec
CAD 52,000 to 65,000. Stable pay in manufacturing, IT, and customer service.
Nova Scotia / New Brunswick / PEI
CAD 45,000–55,000
The cost of living is lower, but so are the average salaries.
Manitoba / Saskatchewan
CAD 50,000 to 65,000
There are good job opportunities in health care, education, and farming.
This gives you a quick look at the wage information Canada has, broken down by province.
Things That Affect Salaries in Canada
Some things have a big impact on how much money you make:
- Location: Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary usually pay more.
- Skills and education: Certifications and specialised training are important
- Experience: A few years of work can make a big difference in your pay.
- Demand in the industry: Sectors that are growing offer faster salary growth.
- Size of the employer: Bigger companies usually have better pay packages.
Knowing these things will help you get a better job in Canada.
Best Paying Jobs in Canada (2026 Outlook)
Here are some of the best-paying jobs for 2026:
- Physicians & Surgeons
- Software Architects
- Engineering Managers
- Financial Advisors
- Power Engineers
- Project Managers
- AI & Data Specialists
- Skilled Trades Supervisors
These jobs are very similar to ones that are having trouble finding good workers.
FAQs
- How much does the average person in Canada make in 2026?
In 2026, the average salary in Canada is between CAD 59,000 and 65,000 per year.
- How much do people in Canada usually make?
A full-time worker usually makes between CAD 4,800 and 5,400 per month.
- What is the average income in Canada?
The average income in Canada is between CAD 50,000 and 52,000.
- Is the average salary going up in Canada?
Yes. Most fields expect the average salary in Canada to go up by 3% to 4.5% in 2026.
- What fields pay the most money?
Healthcare, engineering, IT, finance, and skilled trades are some of the best-paying field.
Are you ready to see if you qualify for Canada PR?
If you want to move to Canada, knowing about salaries is only the first step.
Your job, experience, and level of skill all have a big impact on whether or not you can get PR.
You can talk to our experts and get a free check to see if you qualify for Canada PR. This will help you figure out the best way to move forward.
