Curious if your friends are out-earning you? You might be shocked to discover where you really stand. In Canada, the gap between perception and reality when it comes to income is massive.
Knowing where you rank is a game-changer for taking control of your finances. I’ve seen how this insight has greatly motivated many of our clients to earn more.
In this article, we’ll break down the real income stats in Canada, explore factors like age, occupation, and education, and show you how to leverage this data to boost your own earnings.
So, What Are the Numbers?
Now, let’s look at the actual income data for Canada from 2018 to 2022, provided by Stats Canada. This data covers the entirety of Canada and represents the income for a single person:
| Year | Median Income ($) | Average Income ($) |
| 2018 | $41,000 | $54,200 |
| 2019 | $41,800 | $54,300 |
| 2020 | $43,600 | $56,700 |
| 2021 | $44,000 | $57,700 |
| 2022 | $43,100 | $57,100 |
The average income in Canada has gradually increased, starting at $54,200 in 2018 and reaching $57,100 in 2022. The median income rose from $41,000 in 2018 to $44,000 in 2021 but then dipped slightly to $43,100 in 2022.
But let’s get to what you really care about—are you richer than your friends and others in your age group? Let’s break it down.
Average Salary in Canada by Age
Let’s quickly see how income shifts as we age. Here’s a summary of the average and median incomes for different age groups in Canada as of 2022:
| Age Group | Average Income ($) | Median Income ($) |
| 25 to 34 | $55,000 | $48,100 |
| 35 to 44 | $72,800 | $60,300 |
| 45 to 54 | $77,400 | $60,400 |
| 55 to 64 | $64,300 | $48,900 |
| 65 and over | $48,600 | $34,600 |
In your early career (ages 25 to 34), the median income is $48,100—typical for those still building experience and establishing themselves.
As you enter the 35 to 44 age bracket, the median income jumps to $60,300, marking the peak earning years for many Canadians as they advance in their careers and take on more responsibilities.
For the 45 to 54 age group, the median income sees a slight increase to $60,400, reflecting years of experience and often higher-level positions or leadership roles.
However, from 55 to 64, the median income starts to decline to $48,900, typically signalling the transition towards retirement, with some reducing work hours or shifting to less demanding roles.
For those 65 and over, the median income drops further to $34,600, as many are retired and rely on pensions or fixed incomes, highlighting the financial shift that comes with retirement.
You might wonder why I’m emphasizing the median figures alongside the average. The median offers a clearer view of what most people actually earn—let me explain why it’s a better number to focus on.
Why the Median is Better Than the Average
Let’s break it down with a simple example. Imagine you and four friends each make $100,000 a year. Then, Connor McDavid walks in and casually mentions he’s making $20 million.
If we calculate the average salary for this group, here’s what happens:
- Total earnings for the five of you (including Connor) is $20,400,000.
- Divide that by five, and the average salary jumps to $4,080,000.
That’s a staggering number, right? But does it really reflect what most of you earn? Not at all! That $4 million figure is skewed by Connor’s massive salary.
Now, let’s consider the median salary—this is the middle number when all the salaries are lined up in order:
- $100,000
- $100,000
- $100,000
- $100,000
- $20,000,000
The median salary here is $100,000, which more accurately represents what most of you are actually making.
So, when you hear about the “average salary,” remember that it can be distorted by a few high earners. The median gives a clearer picture of what’s typical. Now, let’s take a look at how gender affects income
Income by Gender
Here’s a snapshot of income by gender in Canada for 2022:
| Sex | Average Income ($) | Median Income ($) |
| Males | $66,000 | $49,800 |
| Females | $48,400 | $37,700 |
In 2022, there was a noticeable income gap between men and women in Canada. Men earned an average of $66,000, with a median income of $49,800. On the other hand, women earned an average of $48,400, with a median of $37,700. That’s a 36% higher average and 32% higher median income for men.
Why Does This Gap Exist?
The gender income gap in Canada is shaped by several factors. Men often work in higher-paying fields like finance and engineering, while women are more likely to be in lower-paying sectors such as education and healthcare.
Men also tend to work more full-time hours and have fewer career interruptions, which boosts their overall earnings. On top of that, systemic barriers like biases in hiring and promotions make it harder for women to climb the career ladder and increase their salaries.
Plus, men are more likely to negotiate for higher pay, and the lack of transparency around salaries can keep the gap in place.
Income by Province
Here’s a look at the average and median incomes across various provinces in Canada for 2022, arranged from the highest median income to the lowest:
| Province | Average Income ($) | Median Income ($) |
| Alberta | $61,500 | $45,200 |
| Quebec | $54,700 | $43,900 |
| Saskatchewan | $55,700 | $43,900 |
| British Columbia | $58,300 | $43,900 |
| Ontario | $58,700 | $42,700 |
| Manitoba | $50,700 | $41,100 |
| Prince Edward Island | $48,400 | $40,900 |
| New Brunswick | $48,200 | $40,100 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $51,100 | $39,100 |
| Nova Scotia | $48,800 | $38,700 |
Alberta leads the pack with a median income of $45,200 and an average of $61,500, thanks to its strong energy and resource sectors. Quebec, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia follow closely, each with a median income of $43,900, reflecting their solid economies.
Ontario has a diverse job market, with a median income of $42,700 and an average of $58,700, showcasing a mix of high and low-income jobs.
On the other hand, the eastern provinces—like Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia—have lower median incomes, ranging from $38,700 to $40,900. These areas typically have smaller economies and lower-wage jobs, highlighting how income can vary significantly depending on where you live in Canada.
Income by Household Type in Canada
Here’s a table showing the median total income for various family types in Canada for 2022:
| Family Type | Median Income ($) |
| Couple Families | $110,850 |
| Lone-Parent Families | $58,850 |
| Persons Not in Census Families | $35,670 |
Couple families in Canada have a clear financial advantage, with a median income of $110,850. It makes sense—they typically have two sources of income, which helps them manage higher living costs like mortgages, childcare, and savings with more ease.
On the other hand, lone-parent families face more financial challenges, with a median income of $58,850. Being the sole breadwinner means every expense can feel heavier. Balancing work, childcare, and other responsibilities on a single income often leads to financial stress, making it tougher to save for the future or deal with unexpected costs.
Individuals not in census families have it even harder, with a median income of $35,670. These are usually single adults living alone or with non-relatives, and without the support of a family, managing expenses like rent and healthcare can be more difficult. It’s a reminder of how much easier it can be to navigate financial challenges when you have more than one income to rely on
Average Income by Education in Canada
Here’s a look at median income based on the highest level of education attained for individuals aged 15 to 64 years in Canada for 2016 (the latest data available):
| Educational Attainment | Median Income ($) | Percentage Difference from Highest |
| University certificate or degree at bachelor level or above | $69,418 | 0% |
| University certificate or diploma below bachelor level | $50,157 | -27.7% |
| Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma | $47,651 | -31.3% |
| College, CEGEP, and other non-university certificate or diploma | $47,259 | -31.9% |
| Secondary (high) school diploma or equivalency certificate | $35,017 | -49.5% |
| No certificate, diploma, or degree | $26,824 | -61.3% |
The median income in Canada clearly rises with higher levels of education. For instance, individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher have a median income of $69,418, demonstrating that education pays off in the long run.
Those with post-secondary diplomas or trades certificates earn less, with median incomes around $47,000—about 31% lower than those with a bachelor’s degree.
On the other end of the spectrum, people with only a high school diploma or no formal education face a significant income gap. High school graduates have a median income of $35,017, nearly 50% less than those with a university degree.
Those without any certification earn the least, with a median income of just $26,824—over 60% less than the highest earners.
Salaries by Industry and Profession
Here’s a quick look at key occupational wages in Canada for 2023:
| Occupational Group | Average Hourly Wage ($) | Median Hourly Wage ($) |
| Total Employees, All Occupations | $35.57 | $30.92 |
| Legislative and Senior Management | $91.16 | $87.18 |
| Specialized Middle Management | $60.48 | $57.14 |
| Management Occupations | $57.62 | $53.30 |
| Engineering Professions | $49.65 | $46.86 |
| Professional Finance and Business | $42.70 | $38.94 |
| Health Professions | $44.04 | $43.43 |
| Natural and Applied Sciences | $44.83 | $42.00 |
| Legal and Educational Professions | $44.45 | $43.12 |
| Education, Law, Social, Government Services | $39.59 | $37.50 |
| Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operators | $31.77 | $30.00 |
| Natural Resources, Agriculture, Production | $30.57 | $26.00 |
| Manufacturing and Utilities | $27.92 | $24.83 |
| Retail Supervisors | $28.09 | $24.27 |
| Sales and Service | $24.52 | $21.00 |
On average, people in Canada are earning about $35.57 per hour, with a median wage of $30.92, which reflects what most people are actually making.
At the top of the scale are senior management roles, with an average hourly wage of $91.16, reflecting the high level of responsibility these positions carry. Specialized middle management and general management roles also command strong wages, around $60.48 and $57.62 per hour, respectively.
Professional fields like engineering, finance, and health are also well-compensated, with engineers earning about $49.65 per hour on average, and professionals in finance and health earning between $42 to $44 per hour.
For those in education, law, and social services, wages are solid, averaging between $39.59 and $44.45 per hour. Trades, transport, and agricultural jobs offer decent wages as well, around $31.77 and $30.57 per hour.
At the lower end are jobs in manufacturing, retail, and service industries, where wages range from $24.52 to $27.92 per hour.
How to Use This Data to Increase Your Income
Let’s chat about how you can use all this salary data to boost your income. Understanding these numbers isn’t just for curiosity’s sake—it can actually guide you in making smarter decisions.
1. Location Matters:
If you’re flexible about where you live, relocating to a province with higher wages and a lower cost of living can significantly increase your take-home pay. Alberta stands out with the highest average income at $61,500 and a median of $45,200. The combination of high wages and lower living costs means you can save more and possibly invest in assets like real estate.
2. Choose Your Industry:
Management, engineering, finance, and healthcare offer some of the highest wages. If you’re in a lower-paying job, consider training for these fields.
3. Invest in Education:
Higher education leads to higher earnings. A university degree can significantly boost your income compared to lower levels of education.
4. Household Income:
Be aware that dual-income households have greater financial stability, with a median income for couples at $110,850. Also note that divorce is a potentially huge killer of wealth and income in Canada, so choose your partner wisely!
5. Address the Gender Pay Gap:
Males earn significantly more on average. Women might consider negotiating pay more aggressively or targeting industries that are working to close this gap.
The Pitfalls of Comparison: Focus on Your Own Path
It’s natural to compare yourself to others, but constantly measuring your success against others isn’t healthy. It’s easy to feel down when you see higher averages, but those numbers can be misleading. Instead of comparing, focus on your own journey and developing habits that will lead you to financial success.
Success isn’t just about a big paycheck—it’s about fulfillment, balance, and hitting your personal goals. At Blueprint Financial, we turn numbers into personalized strategies for your success. Check out our services below, and book a free consultation when you’re ready!
