Canada Average Income Rises to $67,466 in 2025

Last Updated On 4 July 2025, 6:28 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Canada’s average salaries have seen a notable uptick in 2025, but not every province is reaping the same rewards.

And if you’re in Ontario, you might be pleasantly surprised. Ontario, the economic powerhouse of the nation, is outpacing many provinces with its robust wage growth.

But how does it stack up against the rest of Canada, and which provinces are trailing behind?

Let’s dive into the latest data from Statistics Canada to uncover the trends, numbers, and what this means for workers in Ontario and beyond.

According to Statistics Canada’s latest employment and earnings report, released on June 26, 2025, Canada’s average weekly wage has climbed by 4.4% over the past year, reaching $1,297.44.

This translates to an annual salary of approximately $67,466.88 before taxes for full-time workers.

The increase reflects a combination of factors, including higher hourly wages in key industries and an uptick in hours worked across the board.

The wage growth is being driven by sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, and manufacturing, which have seen significant demand for skilled labour.

As Canada’s economy continues to recover and adapt post-pandemic, employers are offering competitive salaries to attract and retain talent.

However, this national average masks significant regional differences, with some provinces faring better than others.

Ontario workers are earning more than the national average, with an average weekly wage of $1,329.64, equivalent to $69,141.28 annually.

This places Ontario $1,674.40 above the national average in yearly earnings, making it one of the top-performing provinces in terms of wage growth.

The province’s strong economic base, particularly in urban centers like Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga, has fueled this increase.

The industries driving Ontario’s wage growth mirror national trends.

Healthcare professionals, including nurses and medical technicians, have seen pay raises due to ongoing demand for services.

The tech sector, with hubs in Toronto and Waterloo, continues to offer lucrative salaries to software developers, data analysts, and AI specialists.

Construction and manufacturing are also contributing, with infrastructure projects and factory output boosting wages for skilled tradespeople.

But while Ontario’s salaries are impressive, they come with a caveat: the province’s high cost of living, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), can erode purchasing power.

Housing costs, transportation, and everyday expenses mean that even a $69,000 salary may not stretch as far as it does in other provinces.

To understand Ontario’s position, let’s look at how it compares to other provinces and territories.

Below is a detailed breakdown of average weekly and annual earnings across Canada, based on Statistics Canada’s April 2025 data:

Province/Territory	Average Weekly Earnings	Average Annual Earnings
Canada	$1,297.44	$67,466.88
Nunavut	$1,734.91	$90,215.32
Northwest Territories	$1,733.99	$90,167.48
Yukon	$1,484.53	$77,195.56
Alberta	$1,362.04	$70,826.08
Ontario	$1,329.64	$69,141.28
British Columbia	$1,310.45	$68,143.40
Newfoundland and Labrador	$1,279.31	$66,524.12
Saskatchewan	$1,260.36	$65,538.72
Quebec	$1,250.26	$65,013.52
New Brunswick	$1,180.48	$61,384.96
Manitoba	$1,162.42	$60,445.84
Nova Scotia	$1,157.42	$60,186.84
Prince Edward Island	$1,125.29	$58,515.08

Ontario ranks fifth in Canada for average weekly earnings, surpassing British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

However, it trails behind Alberta and the three territories—Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—which lead the pack due to their high-cost economies and specialized labour markets.

Several factors are contributing to Ontario’s above-average wage growth.

The province’s diverse economy, which spans finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, provides a strong foundation for salary increases.

Major cities like Toronto and Ottawa are home to corporate headquarters, tech startups, and government institutions, all of which offer competitive wages to attract talent.

The healthcare sector has been a significant driver, with increased funding for hospitals and long-term care facilities leading to higher salaries for nurses, doctors, and support staff.

In technology, Ontario’s innovation hubs, such as Waterloo’s tech corridor, are fostering high-paying jobs in software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

The construction boom, fueled by infrastructure projects like transit expansions in the GTA, has also boosted wages for skilled tradespeople, including electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.

Additionally, the rise in unionized jobs in Ontario has played a role.

Collective bargaining agreements in industries like education and public services have secured pay raises for workers, contributing to the overall wage growth.

Despite the promising salary figures, Ontario workers face significant challenges due to the province’s high cost of living.

In Toronto, for example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is among the highest in Canada, often exceeding $2,500 per month.

Homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many, with the average home price in the GTA hovering around $1.1 million in 2025.

Groceries, transportation, and utilities also add to the financial strain.

For a worker earning Ontario’s average salary of $69,141.28, these costs can consume a significant portion of their income, leaving less for savings or discretionary spending.

This is particularly true for younger workers and those in entry-level positions, who may struggle to make ends meet despite the wage increase.

While Ontario’s wages are impressive, they fall short of Alberta and the territories.

Alberta, with its strong oil and gas sector, boasts an average weekly wage of $1,362.04 ($70,826.08 annually), outpacing Ontario by about $1,684.80 per year.

The province’s energy industry, coupled with a relatively lower cost of living compared to Ontario’s urban centers, makes it a top earner.

The territories—Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—lead the nation due to their unique economic conditions.

High wages in these regions are driven by remote work premiums, government jobs, and resource extraction industries like mining.

However, the extreme cost of living in these areas, including sky-high prices for housing and groceries, often offsets the higher salaries.

If you’re earning around $1,329 per week in Ontario, you’re in line with the provincial average for full-time work.

This salary offers a comfortable living in smaller cities like London or Kingston, but in Toronto or Ottawa, it may feel stretched thin.

Workers in high-demand fields like technology or healthcare may see even higher earnings, with some roles offering six-figure salaries.

For those looking to maximize their income, upskilling or relocating to higher-paying regions like Alberta or the territories could be an option.

However, Ontario’s diverse job market and vibrant urban centers make it an attractive place to build a career, despite the cost-of-living challenges.

As Canada’s economy continues to evolve, wage growth is likely to remain a key focus for workers and policymakers.

Inflation, housing affordability, and labor shortages will continue to shape salary trends.

For Ontario workers, staying competitive in high-demand industries and advocating for fair wages through unions or professional associations will be critical.

To explore the full dataset, check out Statistics Canada’s detailed breakdown of employment and earnings here.

Ontario’s average salary of $69,141.28 in 2025 places it among Canada’s top earners, beating out provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

However, with the rising cost of living, particularly in urban centers, workers may find their paychecks don’t stretch as far as they’d hope.

As industries like healthcare, technology, and construction continue to drive wage growth, Ontario remains a strong contender in Canada’s economic landscape.

Whether you’re in Toronto or a smaller city, understanding how your salary compares can help you plan and make the most of the opportunities in your province.

Vanshika

I am Vanshika, very much an enthusiastic human and writer. I am mostly found chasing the latest buzz, one story at a time, turning chaos into compelling narratives in the fast-paced world of deadlines. From bizarre local legends to global headlines, I write it all.