Wondering how Canadian salaries are shaping up in 2025? According to the latest figures, Canada’s average weekly wage climbed by 4.4% over the last year, now at $1,298.45. That’s about $69,557.99 annually for full-time work. But averages only tell part of the story—differences by province make a major impact on what folks take home and what it really means for your life.
Ontario’s Wage Advantage
Ontario stands out in 2025. The average weekly wage here is $1,326.65, making for an annual salary of $69,557.99. Ontario leads most provinces, beaten only by Alberta and the three territories. This wage boost has a lot to do with the province’s dynamic economy and diverse opportunities.
What’s Driving Wages Up?
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Healthcare: A surge in demand for healthcare workers, nurses, and technical roles has pushed wages up.
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Tech & Innovation: Toronto and Waterloo are brimming with sought-after jobs in software, data, and AI.
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Construction & Manufacturing: More infrastructure and strong factory output mean skilled trades are earning more.
Living in Ontario offers big opportunities, but the high cost of living—especially in Toronto—means that salary might not stretch as far as you’d hope.
Across Canada: Who’s Earning What in 2025?
To help you see Canada’s salary landscape at a glance, here’s the latest average weekly and annual earnings by province and territory.
Scheme Table: Provincial & Territorial Average Earnings 2025
| Province/Territory | Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Nunavut | $90,217.32 |
| Northwest Territories | $90,169.48 |
| Yukon | $77,196.56 |
| Alberta | $70,828.08 |
| Ontario | $69,143.28 |
| British Columbia | $68,147.40 |
| Canada (overall average) | $67,468.88 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $66,528.12 |
| Saskatchewan | $65,539.72 |
| Quebec | $65,016.52 |
| New Brunswick | $61,386.96 |
| Manitoba | $60,447.84 |
| Nova Scotia | $60,188.84 |
| Prince Edward Island | $58,518.08 |
Why Ontario’s Paychecks Are Growing
Ontario’s economy is powered by sectors that keep growing and hiring:
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Finance, tech, and government roles offer strong career advancement.
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Healthcare, especially nursing and hospital staff, received further investment.
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Skilled construction work is in high demand due to ongoing projects.
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Unionized jobs, from teachers to public workers, have negotiated raises.
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Major cities like Toronto and Ottawa attract global business and tech investment.
But… The Cost of Living Bites Back
Ontario’s salaries look great, but the cost of living—especially in the GTA—can be a shock. Renting a single bedroom in Toronto is typically over $2,500/month. Home ownership? The average price in 2025 is around $1.1 million for the GTA. On top of that, groceries, transportation, and utilities eat into paychecks. For many, even the boosted average salary means being careful with their budget.
How Ontario Stacks Up Against Top Earners
Let’s be honest—if you want the highest salary in Canada, look north or west:
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Alberta: $70,826.08 per year, pushing ahead with a strong energy sector and affordable living outside Calgary and Edmonton.
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Territories: Nunavut, NWT, and Yukon lead the pack with annual averages above $77,000, driven by government, resource extraction, and remote work premiums.
But remember, those higher salaries can be offset by much higher costs for goods and housing in the territories.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re working in Ontario—especially in skilled trades, healthcare, or tech—you’re likely ahead of the national earning curve. Still, life in big cities comes with financial pressures. A move to Alberta or the North can boost your take-home, but only if you’re ready for the unique challenges of those areas.
FAQs
Q1: What is Canada’s average annual salary in 2025?
A: It’s $67,466.88 before taxes for full-time work.
Q2: Which province pays the highest average salary?
A: Nunavut leads with $90,215.32 annually.
Q3: Is Ontario more expensive to live in despite higher salaries?
A: Yes—the high cost of living in cities like Toronto means paychecks don’t stretch as far.
Knowing where your region stands—whether in Ontario, Alberta, or the northern territories—helps you make smart career and lifestyle choices in 2025. Celebrate those pay raises and keep an eye on costs, especially in high-demand cities like Toronto and Ottawa. Industries like healthcare, tech, and trades remain strong, so upskilling can boost your earning power wherever you are.
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