Latest update: Canada’s tech and digital marketing sectors are booming, with salaries rising by up to 9%. Growing demand in these fields offers great job opportunities for skilled professionals.
How much can you earn in Canada in 2025? With inflation at 3.4% (Bank of Canada, 2025) and an increasing demand for skilled workers, the average salary in Canada has shifted across industries. While tech, healthcare, and finance have seen wage hikes, retail and hospitality struggle to keep up with rising costs.
Here’s what you need to know:
Average Salary in Canada Trends in 2025 – The national average salary is CAD 65,000 (₹39.8L) per year, up 4.2% from 2024 (StatCan, 2025). However, salaries differ widely by sector.
Impact of Inflation & Demand – Living costs have surged, pushing wages higher in high-demand jobs like software development (CAD 100,000/₹61.2L) and nursing (CAD 85,000/₹52L).
Comparison with Past Years – Salaries in tech (+6.5%), finance (+5%), and healthcare (+4.8%) have grown steadily, while retail (+2%) and hospitality (+1.5%) have lagged.
Salary Factors – Pay depends on industry, education, experience, and location. For example, an engineer in Toronto earns CAD 90,000 (₹55L), while in Halifax, it's CAD 75,000 (₹45.9L).
Global Comparison – Canada offers higher salaries than the UK but lower than the USA. A Canadian data analyst earns CAD 80,000 (₹49L), while in the USA, it’s USD 85,000 (₹70.5L), and in the UK, GBP 50,000 (₹52L).
If you’re a job seeker, professional, student, or immigrant, this blog will give you an idea of salaries across industries, the highest-paying jobs, and how Canada compares globally.
Study in Canada with top programs, scholarships, and expert guidance from upGrad.
If you're an Indian student in Canada or planning to move, one big question is—which industries pay the most? No one wants to spend years studying and end up with a salary that barely covers rent.
Which Industries Pay the Most?
Some fields have consistently high salaries, offering great career prospects and job security. Here’s a snapshot of the best-paying industries in Canada (2025):
Industry
Average Salary (CAD/Year)
Average Salary (INR/Year)
Information Technology
CAD 90,000 - 120,000
₹55L - ₹73L
Healthcare & Medicine
CAD 80,000 - 150,000
₹49L - ₹91L
Finance & Banking
CAD 75,000 - 130,000
₹46L - ₹79L
Engineering
CAD 85,000 - 115,000
₹52L - ₹70L
Marketing & Advertising
CAD 60,000 - 100,000
₹37L - ₹61L
Education & Teaching
CAD 50,000 - 90,000
₹31L - ₹55L
Retail & Hospitality
CAD 35,000 - 55,000
₹21L - ₹33L
Construction & Trades
CAD 50,000 - 85,000
₹31L - ₹52L
(Conversion rates may vary.)
Fastest Average Salary in Canada Growth: Where Should You Work?
If you're wondering where salaries are increasing the fastest, these are the top-growing industries in 2025 (Source: CIC News):
1. Technology (+6.5% Growth in 2025)
Why? AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are exploding. If you’re into coding, data science, or IT, Canada has high-paying jobs waiting.
Software Engineers now earn CAD 110,000 (₹67L), up from CAD 100,000 (₹61.2L) in 2024.
Data Scientists make CAD 115,000 (₹70L)—one of the highest-paying roles in tech.
Canada is investing in infrastructure, renewable energy, and construction, making engineering one of the safest career choices.
Civil Engineers in Toronto earn CAD 95,000 (₹58L), while in Vancouver, it’s CAD 90,000 (₹55L).
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers see similar growth trends.
Industries with Slow Average Salary in Canada Growth
Not every industry is booming. Retail, hospitality, and customer service jobs still have some of the lowest salaries in Canada, with wage growth under 2% per year(Sources: AJG Canada, Mercer Canada).
Retail workers earn an average of CAD 40,000 (₹24.5L), and hospitality jobs pay around CAD 38,000 (₹23.3L).
These jobs are great for part-time work while studying, but they don’t offer strong long-term earning potential.
Want to explore more about salaries in Canada? Here are some useful reads:
Average Salary in Canada: Breakdown by Province and Major Cities
A job in Toronto won’t pay the same as one in Halifax, and that matters—especially if you're an Indian student or professional trying to figure out where to work.
A 2024 Statistics Canada survey found that 62% of Canadians feel their salaries haven’t kept up with inflation, with the biggest salary gaps in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Rent, food, and daily expenses keep going up, making it harder to save—even with a good paycheck.
So, where do you actually earn more? And does a bigger salary mean better savings?
Which Provinces Pay the Most?
Your average salary in Canada depends on where you work. Some provinces have higher wages but also higher living costs. Others might offer lower salaries, but life is more affordable.
Here’s how much you can expect to earn in different provinces in 2025:
Province
Average Salary (CAD/Year)
Northwest Territories
CAD 103,404 (₹62.1L)
Nunavut
CAD 91,712 (₹55.1L)
Alberta
CAD 69,912 (₹42L)
Ontario
CAD 69,130 (₹41.5L)
British Columbia
CAD 67,100 (₹40.3L)
Quebec
CAD 63,917 (₹38.4L)
Saskatchewan
CAD 64,090 (₹38.5L)
Manitoba
CAD 59,882 (₹35.9L)
Nova Scotia
CAD 59,869 (₹35.9L)
New Brunswick
CAD 60,441 (₹36.3L)
Prince Edward Island
CAD 56,887 (₹34.1L)
(Source: Statistics Canada, 2025)
Which Cities Pay the Most?
Even within the same province, salaries change by city. Toronto and Vancouver pay more, but the cost of living is one of the highest in North America. Meanwhile, smaller cities offer lower salaries but better affordability.
City
Average Salary (CAD/Year)
Cost of Living Rank (Higher = More Expensive)
Toronto, ON
CAD 75,000 (₹45L)
#1 Most Expensive
Vancouver, BC
CAD 72,000 (₹43.2L)
#2 Most Expensive
Calgary, AB
CAD 78,000 (₹46.8L)
#4 Expensive, But No Provincial Tax
Montreal, QC
CAD 65,000 (₹39L)
#5 Cheaper Rent & Living Costs
Halifax, NS
CAD 55,000 (₹33L)
#7 More Affordable, Lower Wages
(Source: Numbeo, 2025)
Cost of Living vs. Salary—Does It Balance Out?
A big paycheck doesn’t always mean more savings. Here’s what you might actually spend per month in different cities:
Average Salary in Canada: How Education and Experience Affect It
Education and experience significantly impact your average salary in Canada.
Do Master’s and PhDs Increase Salary Potential?
Yes, both Master’s degrees and PhDs can increase salary potential. A Master’s can raise your salary by 15-30%, and a PhD can increase it by even more.
Degree
Salary Range (CAD)
INR Equivalent (₹)
Bachelor’s Degree
50,000 – 65,000
₹29L – ₹38L
Master’s Degree
70,000 – 90,000
₹41L – ₹53L
PhD
100,000 – 120,000
₹58L – ₹70L
Which Skills and Certifications Boost Earnings?
Certain certifications and skills can boost your salary.
Skill/Certification
Industry
Salary Increase (%)
AI & Machine Learning
IT, Finance, Healthcare
20% – 40%
AWS Cloud Computing
IT, Engineering
15% – 30%
PMP
Business, Construction
10% – 20%
CFP
Finance
15% – 25%
RN (Registered Nurse)
Healthcare
10% – 20%
Highest-Paying Jobs Without a University Degree
There are several well-paying roles in skilled trades, technology, and logistics that do not require a university degree.
Job Role
Salary Range (CAD)
INR Equivalent (₹)
Web Developer
60,000 – 90,000
₹35L – ₹53L
Electrician
60,000 – 80,000
₹35L – ₹47L
Plumber
50,000 – 80,000
₹29L – ₹47L
Truck Driver
50,000 – 80,000
₹29L – ₹47L
Construction Manager
70,000 – 90,000
₹41L – ₹53L
High-Paying Jobs in Canada in 2025
A high salary can make a huge difference in your quality of life, but not all well-paying jobs are easy to get.
A 2025 survey by Randstad Canada found that salaries in healthcare, technology, and finance have grown the most in recent years. Meanwhile, industries like renewable energy and AI are emerging as some of the highest-paying fields for the future.
Top-Paying Professions in Canada
Some careers consistently rank among the highest-paying in Canada due to high demand, skill shortages, and specialization requirements. Here’s a look at some of the best-paying jobs in 2025:
What Skills and Experience Do High-Paying Jobs Require?
Some jobs need years of education, while others focus more on experience and technical expertise. A Glassdoor Canada (2025) report found that 65% of high-paying jobs require technical skills, not just a degree. Employers want real expertise that adds value.
Industry
What Employers Look For
Healthcare
Medical degree, residency, certification. Canada needs more doctors and specialists.
Technology
AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing. Even mid-level engineers earn six-figure salaries.
Finance
Banking, accounting, risk management. Certifications like CPA, CFA, or MBA help.
Engineering
Civil, mechanical, electrical skills. Demand is high in infrastructure and energy.
Emerging High-Paying Jobs in Canada (2025-2030)
Some of today’s highest-paying jobs may not be the same in 5-10 years. New industries are growing, and salaries are increasing in fields that didn’t even exist a decade ago.
Careers Expected to Grow the Most by 2030
Job Title
Average Salary (CAD)
Why It’s Growing?
AI & Machine Learning Engineer
$150,000 (₹90L)
AI is transforming industries
Cybersecurity Analyst
$125,000 (₹75L)
Rising cyber threats demand specialists
Renewable Energy Specialist
$110,000 (₹66L)
Canada is investing in green energy
Data Scientist
$130,000 (₹78L)
Companies rely on big data insights
Nurse Practitioner
$115,000 (₹69L)
Aging population = high healthcare demand
Cloud Computing Engineer
$120,000 (₹72L)
Cloud adoption is rising fast
(Source: Canadian Job Market Outlook, 2025)
The fastest-growing jobs are in tech, healthcare, and sustainability. If you’re considering what to study or what career to transition into, these fields offer strong salary potential and job security.
High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Not every high-paying job needs a university degree. Some careers offer six-figure salaries based on skills, certifications, or apprenticeships.
Job
Average Salary (CAD)
Education Needed
Air Traffic Controller
$120,000 (₹72L)
College diploma + training
Commercial Pilot
$90,000 (₹54L)
Flight school license
Real Estate Agent
$85,000 (₹51L)
Certification + license
Electrician
$80,000 (₹48L)
Apprenticeship
Construction Manager
$95,000 (₹57L)
Experience-based
If you’re an international student looking for a stable, well-paying career, these jobs are worth considering because they don’t require spending years in university.
Your next step? Check out the full list of top salaries here:
How Does the Average Salary in Canada Compare to Other Countries?
If you're considering working in Canada, it’s important to know how salaries compare to other popular destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia. Does Canada pay well? Is it still a top choice for skilled professionals? And how does the cost of living affect your actual take-home income?
Canada vs. USA, UK, and Australia: Salary Comparison
While Canada pays well, it’s not always the highest-paying country. The USA tends to offer bigger salaries, but also comes with higher costs. The UK pays less, while Australia is somewhere in between.
Country
Average Salary (CAD/Year)
Canada
$65,000 (₹39.8L)
USA
$102,000 (₹61.2L)
UK
$68,000 (₹41L)
Australia
$73,000 (₹44L)
(Source: Randstad Canada, 2025)
Key Insights:
USA offers the highest salaries, especially in tech and finance, but the cost of living in cities like New York and San Francisco is extremely high.
Australia pays slightly more than Canada, but living expenses in Sydney and Melbourne can be just as expensive as in Toronto or Vancouver.
UK salaries are lower than Canada’s, and high taxes take a big chunk of income.
Tech Average Salary in Canada vs. USA vs. UK Breakdown
For those in software engineering or tech roles, salaries differ significantly.
The good news? Tech and finance salaries grow fast—within 5 years, most professionals double their earnings.
Are salaries in Canada higher than in the USA?
No. The USA pays more, especially in tech, finance, and medicine.
For example, a software engineer in Canada makes about CAD 100,000 (₹61L) per year, while in the USA, they earn USD 125,000 (CAD 170,000 or ₹1.02 Cr).
However, Canada has lower healthcare costs, better job security, and easier immigration policies, making it a better option for long-term stability.
What are the best-paying part-time jobs for students?
If you're an international student in Canada, you can work up to 20 hours per week. The highest-paying part-time jobs are:
Freelancing (Graphic design, writing, web development) – CAD 30-50 per hour
Teaching assistant – CAD 20-35 per hour
Retail & customer service jobs – CAD 18-25 per hour
Food delivery (UberEats, DoorDash) – CAD 20-30 per hour
Do Canadian salaries include bonuses and benefits?
Yes, but it depends on the industry.
Tech and finance professionals often get performance bonuses, stock options, and profit-sharing.
Healthcare and government jobs come with strong pension plans and paid vacation.
Retail and hospitality roles usually don’t include significant bonuses or stock benefits.
How much do truck drivers earn in Canada?
Truck driving is one of Canada’s highest-paying blue-collar jobs due to high demand and long working hours.
Long-haul truckers make between CAD 80,000 – 100,000 (₹48L - ₹60L) per year.
Local delivery drivers earn around CAD 50,000 – 65,000 (₹30L - ₹39L) per year.
Drivers willing to work in remote areas (Northern Canada, Alberta oil fields) earn even more.
Which jobs will see the biggest salary growth in the next 5 years?
If you’re looking for future-proof careers, salaries in these fields are rising the fastest:
AI & machine learning – 25% growth expected
Cybersecurity – 20% growth expected
Renewable energy engineering – 18% growth expected
Healthcare professions – 15% growth expected
Canada is heavily investing in AI, clean energy, and healthcare, so these careers are set to boom.
Is it worth moving to Canada for a high-paying job?
Yes, if you want a mix of good salary, job security, and quality of life.
While the USA pays more, Canada offers:
Easier immigration for skilled workers
Universal healthcare (you don’t pay huge medical bills)
More job stability and a better work-life balance
If you’re looking for long-term career growth and security, Canada is one of the best choices.
Do salaries vary a lot between small towns and big cities?
Yes. Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary have higher salaries but also much higher costs.
For example, a software engineer in Toronto makes CAD 110,000 (₹67L), while in a smaller city like Halifax or Regina, they might earn CAD 90,000 (₹55L). However, their rent is almost 50% cheaper.
So, if saving money is a priority, working in a smaller city might actually be better.
What are the highest-paying blue-collar jobs?
Not every high-paying job requires a university degree. Some of the best-paying skilled trades include:
Air Traffic Controllers – CAD 120,000 (₹72L)
Construction Managers – CAD 100,000 (₹60L)
Electricians & Plumbers – CAD 80,000 (₹48L)
Heavy Equipment Operators – CAD 85,000 (₹51L)
Many of these jobs require certifications or apprenticeships, but they pay well and don’t require a four-year degree.
How do salaries in Toronto compare to Vancouver?
Salaries in Toronto and Vancouver are very similar, but Toronto pays slightly more in tech and finance roles.
However, Vancouver has lower provincial taxes, so take-home pay might be better despite slightly lower salaries.
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...
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