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Average Salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is an eastern Canadian province known for its natural beauty, fishing heritage, and vibrant cultural traditions.
While the province has faced some recent economic uncertainties, ample well-paying job opportunities exist across sectors. This in-depth article will explore average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador and the highest-paying roles.
Introduction to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Job Market and Economy
Newfoundland and Labrador has a population of over 520,000 residents, with about 200,000 people concentrated in the capital of St. John’s (Source). Major industries include oil, mining, fishing, forestry, agriculture, and public administration. The economy relies heavily on natural resources but has worked to expand into sectors like technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
While economic growth has been sluggish compared to some western provinces, Newfoundland’s unemployment rate dropped to 11.5% in 2023 (Source), the lowest level since 2014. Offshore oil drilling projects and infrastructure investments have recently created many new jobs.The provincial government has also provided tax incentives to attract new businesses and residents.
Overview of Average Salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
According to Statistics Canada, the average salary in Newfoundland and Labrador for all occupations is $42,325 per year. Based on standard full-time hours, this equates to approximately $20.35 per hour or $813 per week.
Here is a summary of key provincial wage figures:
| Category | Average Salary |
| Overall Average (All Occupations) | $42,325 per year |
| Average in St. John’s | $50,780 per year |
| Average Weekly Earnings | $813 per week |
| Average Hourly Earnings | $20.35 per hour |
While below the national average of $54,630, average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador are comparable to those of other Atlantic provinces, such as New Brunswick ($43,985), Prince Edward Island ($41,794), and Nova Scotia ($45,885).
Much of this lagging wage growth relates to an aging population, outmigration of younger skilled workers, and fewer high-paying roles outside of natural resources. Larger economic hubs like Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia tend to offer higher average salaries.
Within Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s provides the highest average salary at $50,780 annually. Other mining, port, and industrial cities also offer strong wages. Rural areas generally have lower incomes, although lucrative remote oil jobs bring high pay.
Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/–in-Newfoundland-and-Labrador
Top 10 Paying Jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador
While the average salary in Newfoundland and Labrador across all occupations is $42,325, several high-paying jobs earn significantly more.
According to the salary data provided, the following 10 occupations offer the highest salaries in the province:
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $413,401 |
| Interventional Cardiologist | $362,502 |
| Diagnostic Radiologist | $351,228 |
| Cardiologist | $350,528 |
| Urologist | $348,386 |
| General Surgeon | $341,263 |
| Anesthesiologist | $340,927 |
| Medical Oncologist | $336,070 |
| Plastic Surgeon | $335,153 |
| Vascular Surgeon | $332,205 |
Orthopedic Surgeon
With an average annual salary in in Newfoundland of $413,401, orthopedic surgeons are by far the highest-paid profession. This specialized surgical role earns nearly 10 times the overall provincial average.
Interventional Cardiologist
Interventional cardiologists earn an average of $362,502 per year. Their specialized expertise in treating heart conditions is highly valued.
Diagnostic Radiologist
Diagnostic radiologists earn approximately $351,228 annually. Their skills analyzing medical scans are critical for quality care.
Cardiologist
Cardiologists earn an average of $350,528 per year, and their advanced medical training related to the heart is well compensated.
Urologist
Urologists earn an average of $348,386 per year. Their surgical specialty fills an important healthcare niche.
General Surgeon
General surgeons providing essential acute care earn approximately $341,263 per year. Their broad surgical skills are in high demand.
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology is a high-paying medical specialty, with salaries averaging $340,927 annually. Their services allow other critical surgeries and procedures.
Medical Oncologist
Medical oncologists who treat cancer earn an average of $336,070 per year. Their patient caseloads continue growing due to aging demographics.
Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgeons earn an average of $335,153 per year, and elective and reconstructive procedures provide substantial incomes.
Vascular Surgeon
Vascular surgeons earn an average of $332,205 per year. Their surgical skills, which involve blood vessels, play an important role.
In summary, occupations requiring advanced medical expertise and training are rewarded with the highest salaries substantially above the norm in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Best Cities for Average Salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
While the average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador is $42,325, there is significant variation in average incomes between different cities and regions of the province. Several cities actually offer substantially higher salaries than the provincial norm.
Below are the top 10 highest-paying cities in Newfoundland and Labrador based on reported average salaries:
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Gambo | $88,159 |
| Hopedale | $66,637 |
| La Scie | $62,066 |
| Lewisporte | $52,125 |
| St. John’s | $50,780 |
| Happy Valley-Goose Bay | $50,420 |
| Burgeo | $49,850 |
| Botwood | $49,087 |
| Channel-Port aux Basques | $48,586 |
| Stephenville Crossing | $48,390 |
Gambo
With an average annual salary of $88,159, Gambo ranks as the city with the highest incomes in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This small town of approximately 2000 residents has prospered in recent years due to the growth of the trans-Canada highway system and proximity to the provincial capital of St. John’s.
Major local employers include transportation, construction, retail and healthcare services. The relatively high salaries reflect a diverse mix of skilled trades, professional services, healthcare and municipal jobs.
Hopedale
Hopedale has the second highest average salary in the province, at $66,637 per year. This remote Inuit community on the coast of Labrador has a strong fishing and aquaculture industry, which attracts higher-paid processing and transportation jobs.
Major mining activities in surrounding areas also provide high-paying opportunities for skilled workers. The higher salaries compensate for the isolated location and harsh climate.
La Scie
With an average annual income of $62,066, the coastal fishing village of La Scie ranks third for salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The local economy relies heavily on fishing, fish processing, aquaculture, forestry, agriculture, and other natural resources, which tend to provide above-average wages for the region. La Scie also serves as a hub for nearby resource development and construction projects.
Lewisporte
The town of Lewisporte offers the fourth-highest average salary in the province at $52,125 per year.
Lewisporte serves as a main service hub for the Notre Dame Bay region of Newfoundland, with major employers in healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. The proximity to the resource-rich interior and involvement in the fishing industry also boost local earnings potential.
St. John’s
As the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s offers an average annual salary of $50,780.
Major industries include finance, business services, healthcare, education, government, and trade. St. John’s offers the greatest diversity of high-paying professional occupations in the province.
Other High Salary Towns
Several other smaller towns scattered across Newfoundland and Labrador also report average salaries above $48,000 per year. These include Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Burgeo, Botwood, Channel-Port aux Basques, and Stephenville Crossing. Local fishing, mining, forestry, and public service jobs tend to drive higher average wages.
In summary, while St. John’s offers the highest salaries overall, several smaller towns and remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador also provide incomes well above the $42,325 provincial norm. Natural resource jobs and public services tend to boost averages and proximity to major projects.
Average Cost of Living per Month in St. John’s
St. John’s is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, with over 100,000 residents. What is the average monthly monthly cost for someone living in St. John’s?
According to recent cost-of-living data, the average monthly expenses for a single person renting in St. John’s are approximately $3,118. This includes costs for housing, transportation, food, utilities, healthcare, entertainment, and other common expenses.
Below is a breakdown of the average monthly cost of living by category in St. John’s:
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
| Housing (rental apartment) | $1,016 |
| Transportation (public transit pass) | $281 |
| Food and groceries | $513 |
| Utilities including Internet | $208 |
| Healthcare | $150 |
| Entertainment and leisure | $203 |
| Clothing | $40 |
| Restaurants | $339 |
| Other expenses | $368 |
| Total | $3,118 |
The average person living alone in St. John’s should budget approximately $3,118 per month for essential needs and reasonable entertainment. Costs may be higher for families or homeowners.
Some key factors impacting the cost of living in St. John’s are:
- Housing costs are relatively affordable for a major city
- Groceries and basic goods have higher prices due to transportation costs
- Owning a car is expensive due to insurance, repairs, gas prices
- Entertainment, clothing, and services cost more than in rural areas
- Healthcare is reasonable due to Canada’s public system
- Heating bills are higher during cold winter months
Overall, St. John’s provides average cost of living for a mid-sized Canadian city. Earning approximately $3,118 per month allows a single resident to cover typical expenses.
Job Search Tips to Earn a Top Salary in Newfoundland
For residents or those considering relocating to Newfoundland and Labrador, what steps can help maximize your salary potential? Here are some key job search and career advancement tips:
Research In-Demand Roles
Carefully research occupations forecast to see strong demand and continuous hiring in your regions of interest. Pay special attention to any technical skills shortages. Targeting a truly in-need profession will enhance bargaining leverage.
Get Licensed and Specialize
Consider what advanced certifications, licenses, diplomas, degrees or specializations could help set you apart in a chosen field. Specialists earn far higher salaries and have better advancement prospects. Even basic credentials like an accounting or HR certificate can boost pay substantially.
Learn High-Value Software and Technical Skills
Mastering niche technical abilities can really benefit roles like software development, data analytics, network engineering, and trades work. Keep expanding your skills in the latest programming languages, CAD tools, equipment operation, drones, laser scanning, etc. These specialized abilities command top dollar, especially on major industrial projects.
Consider Temporary Contract Roles
Taking contract positions at large resource development sites or for government initiatives can earn much higher short-term pay, although benefits may be fewer. Travel nurses and tradespeople especially capitalize on urgent temporary hiring needs.
Relocate for Your Profession
Research where salaries are most competitive for your occupation and consider relocating if necessary. Rural and northern regions often pay premiums to attract doctors, technicians, nurses and more. You can always move back to your preferred locations once you gain experience.
Choose Industries Strategically
Some sectors, such as resource extraction, finance, utilities, law, and government, pay more on average. Start your career in a lucrative domain, and your earning potential will be higher from day one. Transferring skills across related industries can maximize lifetime salary growth.
Negotiate Salary and Benefits
When offered a role, don’t hesitate to negotiate pay, bonuses, vacation time, pension contributions and other benefits. Employers expect this and have flexibility. Knowing your value and systematically requesting higher compensation often works.
Change Companies Strategically
Once you have a few years of experience, leverage your expertise to earn major pay increases by changing companies. Look for businesses desperate for your niche skills. Carefully timed company changes early in a career can boost long-term salary potential.
In summary, proactively managing your career and acquiring specialized skills in high-demand fields will help maximize your earnings in Newfoundland and Labrador. Seek out and create opportunities.
Salaries and Quality of Life in in Newfoundland
Beyond wage earnings, professionals choosing where to live and build careers also consider quality of life factors like :
- Affordable cost of living and housing
- Proximity to outdoor recreation and natural beauty
- Strong public services like healthcare and education
- Low crime rates and safe communities
- Cultural vibrancy and activities
- Weather and lifestyle preferences
- Travel access nationally and internationally
- Diverse leisure and entertainment options
Newfoundland and Labrador scores very well on many of these livability factors. While incomes lag behind other provinces, salaries still provide a decent standard of living across most regions. Professionals looking for better work-life balance and less time commuting have found excellent opportunities in the province.
Combine in-demand skills with quality-of-life priorities to find rewarding career options that provide sufficient pay and benefits for your needs.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, while economic uncertainties and outmigration affect the job market, Newfoundland and Labrador offer reasonable salaries across various occupations. Natural resources, healthcare, trades, law, technology and the public sector have especially bright outlooks for pay and advancement.
Individual professionals willing to develop specialized expertise, take on remote roles, and proactively manage their careers can achieve well-above-average earnings. Selecting the right industries, companies, and regions to target will maximize salary over the long term.
Newfoundland will continue expanding opportunities in growing fields like healthcare, engineering, technology and skilled trades where significant shortages exist. With strategic planning, the province provides promising prospects to build a rewarding career with a competitive salary and excellent quality of life.
Average Salaries in Canada vary widely between provinces and territories due to factors like cost of living, labor supply, and economic strength. To help you understand pay scales across Canada, we’ve compiled this series on average salaries by region:
- Average Salaries in Ontario
- Average Salaries in British Columbia
- Average Salaries in Saskatchewan
- Average Salaries in Alberta
- Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
- Average Salaries in Quebec
FAQs related to average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
What is the average salary in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The average salary across all occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador is approximately $42,325 per year. This lags behind the national average salary.
Which city has the highest average salary in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The city with the highest average salary in the province is Happy Valley-Goose Bay at $150,394 per year. Other high paying cities include Bay Roberts, Labrador City, and St. John's.
Which occupations have the highest salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The highest paying occupations are mostly specialized medical roles like orthopedic surgeon, cardiologist, radiologist, and other physicians. Salaries for these roles can exceed $300,000 per year.
How much do registered nurses earn in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Registered nurses earn approximately $92,184 per year on average in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is more than double the overall provincial salary average.
Do skilled trades earn good salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes, many skilled trades like electrician, welder, plumber, and heavy equipment operator earn $70,000 to $125,000 per year due to high demand for their skills.
Which major companies in Newfoundland and Labrador pay high salaries?
Major oil/gas, mining, construction, and fishing companies tend to offer the highest salaries due to demand for technical skills and remote job sites. Major public service employers also pay above average salaries and benefits.
What sectors have the highest salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The oil/gas, mining, forestry, fishing, construction, and public administration sectors generally have the highest paying jobs due to demand for technical skills and remote locations.
What qualifications help boost salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Advanced degrees, professional certifications, specialty credentials, and years of experience can increase salaries substantially across most occupations and industries.
Which regions of Newfoundland and Labrador have the lowest average salaries?
Rural agricultural and fishing communities, especially on the island portion of the province, tend to have lower average salaries closer to minimum wage levels.
Does Newfoundland and Labrador have a higher minimum wage than other provinces?
No, the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is $13.20 per hour, which is mid-range compared to other provinces. Several provinces now have higher minimum wages.