With the cost of living continuing to rise across Canada, Canadians are paying closer attention to how their earnings stack up against the national and provincial averages. From housing and groceries to transportation and daily essentials, expenses have steadily increased, making it more important than ever to know whether your salary aligns with the economic realities of your region.
According to the latest figures from Statistics Canada, average weekly earnings across the country rose to $1,302 in June 2025, marking a 3.7% year-over-year increase. This follows growth of 3.3% in May, continuing a trend of rising wages. On a month-to-month basis, earnings saw a 0.7% boost, reflecting both wage adjustments and changes in employment types.
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Why the Numbers Matter
While rising wages may sound positive, it doesn’t always mean Canadians are feeling wealthier. Higher salaries often go hand-in-hand with higher living costs, particularly in provinces with expensive housing and services. What constitutes an “average” salary varies widely between provinces and territories, and so does how far that money stretches in everyday life.
For example, Nunavut residents earn the highest average weekly wages in Canada, but their cost of living is also among the highest due to remote location and transportation costs. On the other hand, provinces like Prince Edward Island report lower average salaries, but housing and food costs are generally more affordable than in large urban centres.
Breakdown of Average Salaries Across Canada in 2025
Territories
- Nunavut – $1,762.13 per week → $91,631 annually (+6.2% from 2024)
- Northwest Territories – $1,737.69 per week → $90,360 annually (+0.3%)
- Yukon – $1,499.51 per week → $77,975 annually (+3.7%)
Western Canada
- Alberta – $1,369.72 per week → $71,225 annually (+2.8%)
- British Columbia – $1,304.22 per week → $67,819 annually (+2.6%)
- Saskatchewan – $1,264.31 per week → $65,744 annually (+3.7%)
- Manitoba – $1,170.07 per week → $60,844 annually (+2.3%)
Central Canada
- Ontario – $1,334.55 per week → $69,397 annually (+3.5%)
- Quebec – $1,258.30 per week → $65,432 annually (+5.1%)
Atlantic Canada
- Newfoundland and Labrador – $1,270.69 per week → $66,076 annually (+2.9%)
- New Brunswick – $1,194.63 per week → $62,121 annually (+5.4%)
- Nova Scotia – $1,147.28 per week → $59,659 annually (+2.8%)
- Prince Edward Island – $1,144.78 per week → $59,529 annually (+7.9%)
What These Numbers Mean for Canadians
The variation in average earnings shows just how diverse Canada’s economic landscape is. Territories and provinces with strong resource sectors often report higher wages, while service-driven economies may see lower averages.
For Canadians, understanding where their income falls compared to the average in their province or territory can help with budgeting, career planning, and setting financial goals. A household earning near or above the average in their region may have more flexibility for savings and discretionary spending, while those below the average might feel greater pressure to adjust their budgets.
The Bigger Picture
Average earnings in Canada are trending upward, but with inflation and housing affordability still posing challenges, many Canadians may not feel the full benefit of pay increases. Comparing salaries to the averages by region provides valuable context, but true financial security depends not just on income, but also on managing expenses, debt, and long-term planning.