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Average Salaries in Alberta
With a thriving economy and abundant high-paying jobs, Alberta offers some of the most competitive salaries in Canada.
This detailed guide provides a comprehensive analysis of average salaries in Alberta approaching 2024 using the latest available data, showcasing the stability and growth of Alberta’s economy and job market.
We examine overall salary ranges, compensation by industry, salaries based on experience level, geographic differences, and pay for specific occupations.
Average Salaries in Alberta: Range Overview
Overall, the average salary for jobs in Alberta lands at approximately $129,000 per year. This aggregated figure encompasses all occupations and industries across the province.
Alberta’s median income sits at $118,000 annually. Half of the working population earns less than this benchmark, while the other half earns more.
Salaries in Alberta vary widely, from $32,500 per year at the low end to $574,000 at the maximum for highly paid physicians, executives, etc. Most incomes fall somewhere between these extremes based on position, industry, location, and credentials.
Alberta’s Salary Range Overview
| Salary Statistic | Earnings |
| Average Salary | $129,000 |
| Median Salary | $118,000 |
| Minimum Salary | $32,500 |
| Maximum Salary | $574,000 |
Read more: Minimum Wage in Alberta
Salary Distribution Percentiles in Alberta
Analyzing salary distribution percentages and percentiles also provides insight into pay variation:
- The top 5% of Alberta earners make $257,000 annually. This comprises primarily highly specialized professionals and senior executives.
- The following 10% earn between $201,000 and $257,000 annually. Individuals in fields like medicine, law, engineering, and upper management fall into this range.
- Approximately 20% of Albertans earn $78,100 per year or less. This includes predominantly entry-level roles requiring minimal formal education/skills.
- Most workers – around 65% – earn between $78,100 and $201,000 per year. This covers various skilled professionals and technical roles across diverse industries.
Alberta Salary Distribution Percentiles
| Salary Range | Percentile of Earners |
| $257,000+ | Top 5% |
| $201,000 – $257,000 | Next 10% |
| $78,100 or less | Bottom 20% |
| $78,100 – $201,000 | Middle 65% |
Average Salaries in Alberta Cities and Towns
Salaries vary across different cities and regions within Alberta:
- Edmonton – Average salary of $51,965 per year
- Calgary – Average salary of $58,243 per year
- Fort McMurray – Average salary of $46,582 per year
- Athabasca – Average salary of $48,515 per year
- Devon – Average salary of $58,605 per year
Some smaller towns with high average salaries include:
- Fox Creek – $47,333 per year
- Swan Hills – $48,947 per year
- Manning – $47,101 per year
Salaries in Calgary and Edmonton, major urban centers with diversified economies, exceed those in smaller rural towns. However, some towns enriched by oil, gas, and other resources also feature higher average wages.
Average Salaries in Select Alberta Cities and Towns
| City/Town | Average Annual Salary |
| Edmonton | $51,965 |
| Calgary | $58,243 |
| Fort McMurray | $46,582 |
| Athabasca | $48,515 |
| Devon | $58,605 |
| Fox Creek | $47,333 |
| Swan Hills | $48,947 |
| Manning | $47,101 |
Average Salaries in Alberta by Experience Level
Experience proves to be one of the most significant factors determining salary levels in Alberta. It’s a clear indicator of the potential for growth and advancement in the job market. Generally, the more years dedicated to a career, the higher the earning potential:
- Workers with 2-5 years of experience typically make around 32% more than entry-level or junior employees in the same field. The extra few years allow individuals to develop specializations and assume more responsibilities.
- Those with over 5 years of experience average approximately 36% higher pay than those with less than 5 years in their occupations. This cohort has advanced beyond entry and junior statuses to establish proficiency.
- After 10 years in a career, salaries in Alberta increase by around 21% compared to the 5-10 year mark, as people gain seniority and leadership roles.
- An additional 14% salary increase applies to individuals who have worked for 15+ years compared to the 10-15 year bracket. At this stage, people are well-established experts and executives.
Salaries steadily progressed as Alberta workers built expertise, influence, and depth over many years. Significant jumps occur at senior milestones like 5, 10, and 15 years in a field.
Alberta Salary Increase by Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Average Salary Increase |
| 2-5 years | 32% increase vs. entry-level |
| 5+ years | 36% increase vs. <5 years |
| 10+ years | 21% increase vs. 5-10 years |
| 15+ years | 14% increase vs. 10-15 years |
Highest Paying Jobs in Alberta
Certain occupations command much higher salaries than others in Alberta due to factors like advanced expertise, long training periods, and high demand.
The province’s highest paying jobs currently include:
- Anesthesiologists – $385,128 per year
- Otolaryngologists – $369,246 per year
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Physicians – $359,699 per year
- Orthopedic Surgeons – $353,064 per year
- Cardiac Anesthesiologists – $350,730 per year
Most top compensation goes to specialized physicians and surgeons, reflecting the extensive education, training, and in-demand skills these roles require.
One broader occupational title—”Highest”—encompasses senior executives, seasoned professionals, and physicians and averages around $101,271 annually.
Certain cities and regions also tend to pay higher for given occupations. For the “Highest” job title, top salaries are seen in:
- Spruce Grove – $118,025 per year
- Grande Prairie – $110,580 per year
- Calgary – $102,459 per year
Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Highest-Salary–in-Alberta
Salaries in these areas run well above Alberta’s average for the Highest positions, fueled by strong economic conditions and the concentration of major employers.
Some related high-paying roles just under the physician level in Alberta include:
- Western States Lodging – $68,344 per year
- Work From Home House Cleaning Services – $52,526 per year
- Pro Direct – $43,142 per year
So, while the medical field garners top salaries, ample high-paying opportunities exist across sectors for experienced professionals.
Top Paying Jobs in Alberta
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,128 |
| Otolaryngologist | $369,246 |
| Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician | $359,699 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $353,064 |
| Cardiac Anesthesiologist | $350,730 |
Most In-Demand Jobs and Salaries in Alberta
Beyond the highest-paying roles, many in-demand occupations also offer salaries surpassing Alberta’s overall average:
- Registered Nurses – Average salary of $74,763 per year
- Uber Taxi Drivers – Average salary of $34,802 per year
- Uber Eats Delivery Drivers – Average salary of $36,929 per year
- Oil Rig Workers – Average salary of $66,042 per year
Additional popular well-paying occupations include:
- Nursing RNs – Average salary of $84,177 per year
- Physical Therapists – Average salary of $88,029 per year
- Software Engineers – Average salary of $119,702 per year
Healthcare, food delivery, engineering, and energy jobs demonstrate high demand in Alberta, alongside competitive compensation.
In-Demand Jobs in Alberta with Strong Salaries
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Registered Nurse | $74,763 |
| Uber Taxi Driver | $34,802 |
| Uber Eats Delivery Driver | $36,929 |
| Oil Rig Worker | $66,042 |
| Nursing RN | $84,177 |
| Physical Therapist | $88,029 |
| Software Engineer | $119,702 |
Average Salaries in Alberta by Industry
Compensation also varies across industries:
- The construction industry offers an average salary of $70,954 per year and many jobs across Alberta.
- Government of Alberta salaries trend below the private sector but depend heavily on the specific role:
- Business Development Representatives average $94,039 per year.
- Customer Service Representatives average $53,771 per year.
- Drain Cleaning Technicians average $44,460 per year.
- Although ample variability exists, salaries at the Government of Alberta tend to be lower than private companies.
Average Salaries by Industry in Alberta
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
| Construction | $70,954 |
| Government of Alberta – Business Development Representative | $94,039 |
| Government of Alberta – Customer Service Representative | $53,771 |
| Government of Alberta – Drain Cleaning Technician | $44,460 |
Average Salaries in Alberta by Job Function
Salaries differ significantly based on job title and function, even within the same industry.
For example, at the Government of Alberta, annual salaries by role include (AB4):
- Comfort Advisor – $101,290 CAD
- Business Development Representative – $94,039 CAD
- Customer Resolution Representative – $90,080 CAD
- Dispatcher – $53,538 CAD
- Duct Cleaner – $31,385 CAD
This enormous range shows the influence of job title, requirements, responsibilities and department on compensation.
Salary by Job Title at Government of Alberta
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Comfort Advisor | $101,290 |
| Business Development Representative | $94,039 |
| Customer Resolution Representative | $90,080 |
| Dispatcher | $53,538 |
| Duct Cleaner | $31,385 |
Key Factors Influencing Average Salaries in Alberta
Many intersecting factors shape compensation in Alberta:
- Years of experience – More experience leads to higher salaries, as shown earlier.
- Education and certifications – Advanced degrees, training programs and certifications drive higher pay.
- Location – Major urban centers and economically strong regions typically offer higher salaries than rural areas.
- Industry conditions – Sectors like healthcare, engineering and tech pay more for in-demand skills.
- Company size and revenue – Large global companies and wildly profitable startups pay above small businesses.
- Job responsibilities – More complex and specialized roles earn higher salaries than entry-level jobs.
No single factor determines pay, but the combination of credentials, location, industry conditions, experience, and job type drive Alberta salaries.
Summary: Alberta’s Salary Outlook for 2024
In summary, key points on average salaries in Alberta include:
- The average salary is approximately $129,000, with a median of $118,000
- Salaries range from $32,500 at the low end up to $574,000+
- The highest-paying jobs belong to physicians, surgeons and executives, averaging over $300,000
- Many in-demand roles like nurses and engineers also exceed Alberta’s average salary
- Government and public sector pay tends to be lower than private companies
- Significant variability exists based on experience, location, sector, job type and other factors
Alberta’s economic and job growth is projected to remain strong. Competitive salaries and advancement opportunities will persist across the province’s thriving industries.
FAQs related to average salaries in Alberta
What is the average salary in Alberta?
The average salary in Alberta is approximately $129,000 per year, with the median salary at $118,000. Salaries range from around $32,500 on the low end up to $574,000+ on the high end.
Which jobs pay the highest salaries in Alberta?
The highest paying jobs in Alberta are generally physicians, surgeons, and senior executives, averaging over $300,000 per year. Specific roles include anesthesiologists, otolaryngologists, maternal fetal medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and cardiac anesthesiologists.
How do salaries in Alberta compare to other provinces?
Salaries in Alberta tend to be higher on average compared to other Canadian provinces, due to its strong economy and abundance of high-paying jobs related to sectors like oil & gas, construction, finance, healthcare, and technology. The average salary is $129,000 CAD versus $74,150 nationwide.
What entry-level jobs pay well in Alberta?
Some entry-level jobs with salaries above Alberta's average include Uber taxi driver ($34,802), Uber Eats delivery driver ($36,929), and oil rig worker ($66,042)
What industries in Alberta pay the highest salaries?
Some of the highest paying industries include healthcare, engineering, technology, construction, finance, and energy. These sectors feature in-demand jobs that command competitive salaries in Alberta.
How much do software engineers make in Alberta?
The average salary for software engineers in Alberta is approximately $119,702 per year. Software engineering is a well-compensated field in the province.
What is the average salary in Edmonton, Alberta?
The average annual salary in Edmonton, one of Alberta's major cities, is around $51,965. This exceeds smaller towns but falls below Calgary's average of $58,243 per year.
Do salaries increase with higher education in Alberta?
Yes, completing advanced degrees, certifications, and training programs for your field generally results in higher pay in Alberta, as you develop specialized expertise.
What types of jobs pay $100,000+ per year in Alberta?
Roles that can earn over $100,000 per year in Alberta include various physician specialties, senior executives, software engineers, senior managers, finance professionals, specialized engineers, senior construction tradespeople, and experienced attorneys.
How much does location affect salary in Alberta?
Location significantly impacts salaries, with major urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton as well as economically strong regions generally paying more than rural areas of the province.