Average Salary in Canada & Job Opportunities in 2024

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. 

Source: Payscale 

Best–Paying Jobs in Canada

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.

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-

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. 

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: 

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:

Highest Average Annual Salary in Canada: Job Sectors

Listed below are the top-paying jobs in Canada.

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:

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:

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