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Average Immigrant Salaries in Canada
Canada continues to be a top destination for immigrants looking to improve their economic opportunities and earnings potential. However, navigating salaries as a newcomer can be challenging without an in-depth understanding of the immigrant wage landscape.
We’ll analyze key factors, such as the progression of average immigrant salaries in Canada over time, the impacts of experience and credentials, and the top fields and cities for immigrant wages.
National Average Immigrant Salary in Canada
Based on the latest data from Statistics Canada, the national average annual salary for immigrants across all categories is $68,856. (Source)
This aggregate figure encompasses immigrants of all:
- Admission programs (economic, family class, refugee)
- Education levels
- Fields and occupations
- Demographics
- Time spent in Canada
According to Stats Canada, Canadian-born employees’ national annual average wage is $72,800. (Source)
Therefore, the data indicates that on a nationwide level, immigrants earn approximately 5.4% less than native Canadians upon arrival in the country.
Average Immigrant Salaries in Canada by Province
While the national average provides a benchmark, average salaries for immigrants vary significantly by region across Canada.
Generally, immigrant wages are highest in the major economic hubs and lowest in more rural areas with smaller job markets.
The data on provincial average incomes reflects these regional differences:
Ontario
- Average Immigrant Salary: $81,269
- As Canada’s largest economy and home to Toronto, Ontario offers vast opportunities across sectors.
Alberta
- Average Immigrant Salary: $52,982
- Oil and gas jobs boost wages but are lower with recent industry declines.
British Columbia
- Average Immigrant Salary: $60,634
- High-tech salaries in the Vancouver area are balanced with lower rural wages.
Quebec
- Average Immigrant Salary: $60,000
- Montreal provides growing jobs, but the overall economy is smaller than Ontario.
Manitoba
- Average Immigrant Salary: $62,500
- Winnipeg region has moderate incomes and smaller economies in northern communities.
Nova Scotia
- Average Immigrant Salary: $75,093
- Halifax’s economy outpaces other Atlantic provinces.
New Brunswick
- Average Immigrant Salary: $68,826
- Modest but improving job market focused on the Saint John area.
Saskatchewan
- Average Immigrant Salary: $47,736
- Agriculture-based economy offers fewer professional services jobs.
| Province | Average Salary |
| Ontario | $81,269 |
| Alberta | $52,982 |
| British Columbia | $60,634 |
| Quebec | $60,000 |
| Manitoba | $62,500 |
| Nova Scotia | $75,093 |
| New Brunswick | $68,826 |
| Saskatchewan | $47,736 |
The data shows that immigrant wages tend to be higher in major metropolitan economies like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. Meanwhile, rural and remote areas lag behind in average immigrant incomes.
Salary Growth for Immigrants Over Time
While immigrant wages initially start below national averages, incomes increase steadily the longer an immigrant resides in Canada.
For example, immigrants born in the United States who arrived in Canada in 2008 reported a median entry wage of $86,200
Looking at the same cohort 10 years later in 2018, American immigrants were still at the top for earnings. Those who had arrived in Canada in 2008 now had a median wage of $100,700. (Source)
This data highlights the strong potential for immigrants to progressively earn higher incomes as they integrate into Canadian society.
Some of the key factors that enable immigrant salary growth over time include:
- Improving English and/or French language abilities
- Getting foreign credentials recognized by Canadian employers
- Gaining local Canadian work experience
- Building professional networks and contacts
- Adapting existing skills and qualifications to better fit Canada’s job market
In short, the longer immigrants live and work in Canada, the more opportunities they have to boost their earnings over the long term.
Recent policy changes are also helping accelerate immigrant income growth.
For example, Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer now have a priority pathway to permanent residence. This incentivizes immigrants to find Canadian employment even before arriving, which immediately unlocks higher salary potential.
Impact of Work Experience on Immigrant Salaries
An immigrant’s pre-arrival work experience also has a major impact on their earning ability in Canada.
Immigrants with skilled Canadian work experience consistently report the highest salaries among recent newcomers:
- Immigrants with prior work and study permits earned a median entry wage of $48,300 in 2022.
- Those with only a work permit before arriving had median earnings of $52,000.
In comparison, immigrants without any Canadian work experience earn considerably less:
- Immigrants with only study permits had a median salary of $17,400.
- Those with no prior experience in Canada reported earning $27,900. (Source)
Clearly, Canadian work experience gives immigrants a major advantage in securing higher-paying roles upon arrival.
| Pre-Arrival Canadian Experience | Median Entry Wage (2022) |
| Work and Study Permit | $48,300 |
| Work Permit Only | $52,000 |
| Study Permit Only | $17,400 |
| No Pre-Arrival Experience | $27,900 |
In addition to familiarity with Canadian workplaces, pre-arrival experience also accelerates credential recognition and networking with local employers.
Therefore, immigrants looking to maximize their earnings should gain Canadian work exposure even before landing as permanent residents.
Read more: Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada
Key Factors That Influence Average Immigrant Salaries in Canada
Several key factors significantly impact immigrant salaries in Canada. Understanding these elements empowers newcomers to set realistic expectations and make informed career decisions.
Admission Category
The admission category through which an immigrant enters Canada greatly influences their earning potential.
Economic immigrants, selected based on their economic contributions, consistently earn the highest median entry wages among all categories:
| Admission Category | Median Entry Wage (2022) |
| Economic Principal Applicants | $52,400 |
| Canadian Experience Class | $56,400 |
| Spouses/Dependents of Economic Immigrants | $35,700 |
| Family-Sponsored Immigrants | $30,400 |
| Refugees | $25,400 |
Gender Wage Gap
The gender wage gap is more pronounced among adult immigrants compared to the Canadian-born population, but it has been narrowing over time:
| Year | Immigrant Men Median Entry Wage | Immigrant Women Median Entry Wage |
| 2021 | $47,000 | $32,600 |
| 2022 | $48,800 (+3.8%) | $36,900 (+13.2% |
Country of Origin
An immigrant’s country of origin can influence their earning potential in Canada due to factors such as language proficiency, cultural adaptation, and skill transferability.
For example, among immigrants admitted in 2012, those from Iran experienced the highest wage growth (254.4%) over a ten-year period.
Language Proficiency and Credential Recognition
Proficiency in Canada’s official languages and the recognition of foreign credentials by Canadian employers are vital for securing higher wages. Language training and credential evaluation services can help immigrants overcome these barriers and improve their earning potential.
Field/Occupation
Immigrants with in-demand expertise in fields like information technology, engineering, healthcare, trades, and business services tend to reach higher salaries more quickly. Their scarce skills are eagerly sought after by Canadian employers.
Work Experience
Gaining Canadian work exposure through programs like co-ops or work permits prior to permanent residency leads to the highest immigrant entry wages. This local experience provides critical hiring advantages.
Years in Canada
Immigrant salaries demonstrate steady growth over time as they live and work in Canada. Accumulating language fluency, connections, and cultural familiarity enables upward mobility.
Location
Major urban population centres like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary offer the most job opportunities and highest earning potential. Therefore, immigrants should target regions with robust economies.
Education
Getting foreign credentials formally recognized in Canada is key to accessing occupations matching one’s expertise and achieving higher pay scales. Credential assessment services can aide this process.
The bottom line
While average immigrant incomes in Canada tend to start below native-born levels, the data reveals tremendous potential for salary growth over time.
Leveraging in-demand skills, Canadian work experience, language abilities, and urban location are all key strategies for unlocking higher earning potential for new immigrants.
FAQs related to average immigrant salaries in Canada
Where do immigrants earn the highest salaries in Canada?
Major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal offer the greatest earning potential for immigrants.
Why do immigrant salaries increase over time in Canada?
Key factors like improving language skills, gaining local work experience and expanding professional connections enable immigrant wages to rise steadily the longer they live in Canada.
What immigrant groups earn the most in Canada?
Immigrants from the United States consistently have the highest median salaries, while those from developing regions earn the least.
Do immigrants with Canadian education earn more?
Immigrants with Canadian degrees and credentials earn significantly higher incomes compared to foreign trained individuals.
Is age a factor in immigrant earnings?
Younger immigrants typically achieve higher pay than those arriving later in their careers.