How Much Do University Professors Make in Canada?

The average salaries earned by university professors in Canada vary depending on the institution they graduate from, its rank, and the province. However, most professors at Canadian institutions earn an average of CAD 111,000 to CAD 153,000 per annum.    

Various other factors also influence the salaries of university professors in Canada. These include the university’s teaching department, professors’ total work experience, and their qualifications and skills, among others. 

This blog takes a closer look at how much professors make in Canada to help you get a general understanding of what to expect after graduating with the relevant degree program. 

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University Professor Salary in Canada: What the Data Says

The 2025 data on professors’ salary ranges in Canada suggests that their average salaries are likely to differ by rank. For instance, a professor at a Canadian university may earn approximately CAD 111,000 to CAD 153,000 per annum, while an Associate Professor earns approximately CAD 110,000 to CAD 138,000 per annum. 

Likewise, Assistant Professors in Canadian study institutions are likely to draw an annual pay package in the range of CAD 71,000 – CAD 110,000. The table below better highlights these differences in salary ranges for different ranks of university professors in Canada:

Rank	Average Salary Range (Approx)
Assistant Professor	CAD 71,000 – CAD 110,000 per annum
Associate Professor	CAD 110,000 – CAD 138,000 per annum
Full Professor	CAD 111,000 – CAD 153,000 per annum

Source: Glassdoor

1. Assistant Professor

An Assistant Professor is generally an early-to-mid-career role, usually preceding that of an Associate or Full Professor. These educators work in a university or college as part of the faculty and teach a specific field of study. They also conduct research in a specific area. Since the academic rank is lower than that of an Associate or Full Professor, the salary drawn by an Assistant Professor is also relatively lower than that of their counterparts.

Also read: Also read: Salary After Doctorate in Education in Canada

2. Associate Professor

Associate Professors in Canada are involved in teaching, research, and other academic and administrative roles at universities. They are generally positioned between Assistant Professors and Full Professors in a mid-career role. Since their academic rank is at the middle level, their salary range falls somewhere between that of an Assistant Professor and a Full Professor in Canada.

Also read: Is upGrad’s M.Ed. for Teachers the Right Way to Build a Career in Canada?

3. Full Professor

This is the highest academic rank held by the teaching faculty at Canadian universities, which also explains their salaries (appearing in the highest range). The salary is directly proportional to the specialized skills these professionals possess, reflecting continuous academic excellence in their respective fields of study across teaching, research, and service.

4. All Ranks Combined (Median)

From a salary perspective, professors at Canadian study institutions are generally very well compensated. They tend to move up the ranks (Assistant -> Associate -> Full Professor), enabling them not only to assume senior leadership positions in the field but also to secure higher pay packages. The median salary range for Professors in Canada (across all ranks) is around CAD 160,000 per annum (CAD 120,000-180,000). 

5. Institution Type Difference (U15 vs Others)

Professors at U15 universities in Canada generally earn higher pay packages than those at other institutions. This is particularly true given the average base pay range. This is also attributed to the fact that U15 universities are generally more research-intensive, thus offering higher salary packages to attract and retain top-class faculty. The average salary range for professors at the University of Alberta (a U15 institution) is estimated between CAD 48,000 and CAD 305,000 per annum. 

Also read: Full-Time vs. Part-Time M.Ed. Programs in Canada

Factors that Influence Professor Salaries

The academic rank of a professor is one of the key factors affecting salary differences across Canadian study institutions. Additionally, their specific field of study, the institution’s location, the region’s cost of living, and the institution’s rank and reputation are noteworthy factors. 

• Study area: Certain fields are in higher demand, offering a more lucrative earning potential. These include law, business, medicine, and the like. Professors in these disciplines are thus likely to earn more than their counterparts in other disciplines.

• Years of experience: The number of years of experience that professors hold in their respective fields also helps determine their salaries. Generally, pay increases proportionately with experience. 

• Type of institution: As stated earlier, U15 institutions in Canada tend to offer faculty higher salaries. Likewise, universities that receive higher funding or rank highly are also more competitive in their salary offerings.

Also read: Career Paths after Completing an Ed.D in Canada

How upGrad Can Help You Build a Career that Leads to Professorship

Keen on practicing as a Professor in Canada? Take the first step with a professional qualification and the required academic credentials. The best part? You can earn these credentials from the comfort of your home on the upGrad Canada platform. Some of the best universities offer top-notch online programs in Education, enabling graduates to gain valuable teaching experience.

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) 
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) by Edgewood University
• Dual M.Ed. and Ed.D. Degree Program by Edgewood University

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