Canada’s skilled workforce, stable political environment, and cultural similarity to the United States make it an ideal outsourcing destination. But what is the average salary in Canada? Employers may want to know this information to make a fair hiring offer. 

The average salary in Canada is CAD 5,683 per month, which translates to USD 4,200. However, various factors affect salary, including education, location, experience, and profession. The median average income and salary range must also be considered.

This article will break down various aspects of earnings in Canada, telling you all you need to know. 

What is the Average Salary in Canada?

The average salary can be calculated by adding wages across the country and dividing the total by the number of workers. The average salary Canada is $5,683 per month, or $4,200 in American dollars. Due to the lower cost of living, Canadian wages are slightly lower than American wages.

Median Income in Canada

Let’s explain median salary meaning. Median salary can also be considered the ‘middle salary.’ 50% of workers will make more than the median, and 50% will make less.

The median income Canada is $3,417 per month or $2,500 in American dollars.

Salary Range in Canada

The salary range spans from the lowest-paid workers to the highest-paid workers. Low-paid workers make about CAD 2,600. Top earners make closer to CAD 620,000.

Salary Comparison by Profession

Wages vary by industry and the profession within that industry. Highly skilled workers tend to earn more than manual laborers. This salary comparison chart will break it down for you. 

ProfessionYearly Salary (CAD)
Chief Executive Officer186,862
IT Director173,975
Call Center Director167,827
Plant Manager149,377
IT Architect146,152
Managing Director135,661
Head of Project Development135,329
Financial Manager135,168
Lead Developer134,870
IT Manager124,174
Data Entry Specialist45,000
Customer Service Rep37,000
Banking Cashier34,386
Clothing Technologist34,174
Packer33,385
General Laborer33,232
Seamstress32,735
Medical Records Clerk30,784
Social Counselor30,556

Average Wage by Education

Education can benefit Canadian workers. However, rising tuition is outpacing wage increases, making many wonder if a secondary education is worth it.

Nonetheless, workers with a high school diploma can make 40% more than those without a degree. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree tend to make 44% more than the median income. However, trade schools may be the best investment as workers who graduate from those schools earn slightly more than workers with university degrees.

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience is another factor that impacts salary. Experienced workers are more likely to earn high wages.

While we don’t have exact numbers on how much you can earn based on years of experience, we accessed some information on salary by age. This wages comparison provides some insight, assuming age and experience are directly related.

Age RangeAverage Monthly Salary (CAD)
16-241,550
25-344,250
35-445,750
45-546,000
55-644,900
65+2,050

Salary Comparison by Location

Location is another factor to consider when assigning wages. People near major cities make more than those in rural areas due to higher living costs and proximity to more job opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of salaries by city. 

Province & TerritoryAverage Annual Salary (CAD)
Nunavut 89,800
Northwest Territories 88,600
Alberta 71,900
Yukon 76,200
Ontario 66,300
Newfoundland and Labrador 68,400
Saskatchewan 64,900
British Columbia 67,800
Quebec 62,900
Manitoba 61,200
New Brunswick 60,800
Nova Scotia 59,400
Prince Edward Island 57,900

How Much is Minimum Wage in Canada?

As of April 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Canada increased to $17.30 per hour, which applies to workers in federally regulated industries. However, this rate varies by jurisdiction as follows:

Province/TerritoryCanada Minimum Wage per Hour
Alberta$15.00 per hour (students under 18: $13.00)
British Columbia$17.85 per hour
Manitoba$16.00 per hour
Northwest Territories$16.95 per hour
Nunavut$19.75 per hour
Yukon$17.94 per hour

Average Salary in Canada vs. the Rest of the World

Comparing Canadian salaries to those of other countries can help you better understand them. Here are the comparisons between developed, developing, and undeveloped countries. 

Canada vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Canada Salary
United Kingdom£3,000 (approx. $4,100) 2%
United States$5,220 − 19%
Norway50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) – 11%
Germany€4,300 (approx. $4,470) – 6%
Austria€3,700 (approx. $4,050) 4%

Canada vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Canada Salary
Romania4,000 RON (approx. $835) 403%
Russia73,700 RUB (approx. $700) 500%
Albania83,330 ALL (approx. $860) 80%
Kazakhstan342,000 KZT (approx. $645) 551%
Ukraine18,000 UAH (approx. $500) 740%

Canada vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Canada Salary
Thailand15,000 Baht (approx. $420) 900%
Philippines15,000 PHP (approx. $265) 1,485%
Vietnam7.5 million Dong (approx. $300) 1,300%
Egypt3,900 EGP (approx. $125) 3,260%
Pakistan60,000 PKR (approx. $210) 1,900%

Canada enjoys a strong and diverse work economy, mainly focusing on highly skilled positions like IT. However, the country also has a strong service sector with many finance, healthcare, education, and professional services workers. Oil and gas are also significant contributors to the country’s economy. 

The country is a good outsourcing destination due to its highly skilled workforce and convenient location. It aligns with North American time zones, has English-speaking citizens, and is an ideal nearshoring solution. Although it may not be as cost-effective as other destinations, its favorable exchange rates make it affordable for American companies. 

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Canada?

Employers seeking to outsource talent from Canada should consider hiring in the following industries:

Customer Support

Canada’s customer support industry is growing significantly, focusing on AI-driven tools and cybersecurity expertise. The country offers several bilingual workers who cater to a diverse customer base. Many companies focus on remote work opportunities, making it easy to form alliances overseas.

Customer service reps in Canada make about $4,250, while American workers make closer to $5,800. The difference is significant, and employers focused on quality labor in a stable political climate can recognize the benefits.

Finance

Finance plays a critical role in Canada’s economy. The country’s industry is known for its innovative approach, having become an early adopter of digitization, automation, and virtualization. Though dominated by insurance agents and brokers, the country is also a prime destination for bankers and consultants.

Financial workers in Canada earn about CAD 78,500 (approx. $58,000), while American workers make closer to $92,000. Companies can save money and benefit from added conveniences by utilizing financial services in Canada.

IT Services

Canada is experiencing a technology boom, with growing sectors including software developers, business and data analytics, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Government initiatives support growth, significantly contributing to the country’s economy. Toronto is a thriving tech destination, home to several startups and tech companies.

A 2023 study revealed that American IT workers make about 46% more than their Canadian counterparts, which can result in significant savings for companies looking to outsource.

Conclusion

Canada may not be the cheapest outsourcing place, but it can offer cost benefits for American employers. It also provides skilled, multilingual workers and a stable work environment. Thus, an outsourcing relationship can benefit both employers and employees.