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Average Salaries in Yukon
With its small population of just 45,750 (Source) scattered across a vast wilderness territory, Yukon can seem an unlikely location for a thriving job market and attractive salaries. However, robust industries like mining, tourism, healthcare, construction, and government services provide ample employment opportunities.
Understanding average pay levels across occupations, experience levels, education backgrounds and locations in Yukon can help job seekers evaluate positions and negotiate fair compensation.
This extensive guide will dive deep into the data on salaries for various roles across the territory. We’ll analyze:
- Overall average wages territory-wide
- Variations by city and region
- Pay for the top high-demand roles
- Gender wage gap
- Impact of experience and education on earnings
- Cost of living considerations
Whether you’re considering a move to scenic Yukon or are already living there, you’ll have the insights needed to position yourself for success. Let’s get started understanding this unique job market!
Introduction to Average Salaries in Yukon
According to recent statistics, Yukon’s average annual salary across all occupations is $49,137. This equals an average hourly wage of $23.62, weekly pay of $944, and monthly earnings of $4,094. Yukon salaries range from $37,000 per year in the 25th percentile to $60,250 in the 75th percentile.
| Average Annual Salary | $49,137 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $23.62 |
| Average Weekly Pay | $944 |
| Average Monthly Pay | $4,094 |
So, how does Yukon compare to the rest of Canada? The territory’s average salary is approximately 9.7% lower than the overall Canadian average of $54,630. However, it is 7.4% above the average salary in the province of New Brunswick, showing that wages in Yukon remain reasonably strong.
Of course, salaries vary considerably based on location, industry, occupation, experience level and education. For example, some of the highest-paying professions in Yukon are in healthcare. Let’s analyze salaries in more detail.
Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/–in-Yukon-Territory
Highest Paying Cities and Regions in Yukon Territory
Salaries within Yukon can diverge significantly depending on which part of the expansive territory you live in. Out of the cities, towns and regions, three have average wages above the Yukon-wide figure of $49,137 per year.
| City/Region | Average Annual Salary |
| Mayo | $60,622 |
| Watson Lake | $56,564 |
| Whitehorse | $49,164 |
Mayo – This small village of 200 people located 390 km north of Whitehorse has the highest average salary in Yukon of $60,622 annually. Major employers include Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold mine, Alexco Resource’s Keno Hill silver operations, and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun government.
Watson Lake – Located 735 km southeast of Whitehorse near the British Columbia border, this forestry and mining town has an average income of $56,564 per year. Major private employers are Liard River Hot Springs Lodge and Watson Lake Hospital.
Whitehorse – As the capital and largest city with 25,000 residents, Whitehorse offers the third highest regional salary at $49,164 annually. Government services account for many jobs, along with healthcare, tourism and transportation.
These three regions currently offer the most lucrative opportunities for job seekers looking for the highest earnings. However, the increased salaries may be offset by a higher cost of living, especially in Whitehorse.
Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/–in-Yukon-Territory
Highest Paying Industries in Yukon
Beyond location, your industry and occupation significantly impact average pay. Many of the highest-paying jobs in Yukon are concentrated in a few key sectors:
Healthcare – Doctor and specialist roles yield the top salaries territory-wide. Anesthesiologists earn an average of $377,617, while oral surgeons, oncologists and cardiologists make over $300,000 annually. Nurses and technicians also earn strong wages.
Mining – With mines producing gold, silver, lead, zinc and coal, geological engineers, mine managers, heavy equipment operators and skilled tradespeople can earn well above average. Experience is highly valued.
Construction – To support development, construction managers, project coordinators, engineers, electricians, and plumbers are in demand, pulling in steady paychecks. Hands-on trades experience fetches top dollar.
Read more: Group Health Insurance for Construction Workers in Canada
Professional Services – Lawyers, accountants, architects and engineers in private practice earn incomes well above the norm. Self-employment income potential is strong.
See also:
- Group Health Insurance for Accountants in Canada
- Group Disability Insurance for Architects in Canada
- Group Health Insurance for Engineers in Canada
In general, jobs requiring higher education, extensive training, and specialized expertise offer the highest rewards. Let’s examine the top-paying occupations.
Jobs Receive Highest Average Salaries in Yukon
At least 10 occupations in Yukon pay substantially above the average salary of $49,137 per year:
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary |
| Anesthesiologist | $377,617 |
| Oral Surgeon | $328,069 |
| Pathologist | $316,583 |
| Oncologist | $315,900 |
| General Surgeon | $307,944 |
| Cardiologist | $301,551 |
| Neurologist | $294,120 |
| Emergency Physician | $284,518 |
| Hospitalist | $281,208 |
| Orthodontist | $280,338 |
These specialized medical and dental occupations have average salaries ranging from 82% to 666% higher than the Yukon-wide average, making them the territory’s top-paying roles currently.
Beyond doctors and dentists, other health professions also earn strong wages, including:
- Psychiatrist – $271,532/year
- Optometrist – $156,866/year
- Pharmacist – $135,743/year
- Registered Nurse – $74,119/year
- Respiratory Therapist – $106,861/year
For those interested in healthcare, Yukon provides the chance to earn an excellent living while making a difference. Now, let’s examine the salaries for some of the most in-demand roles across the territory.
Most In-Demand Jobs in Yukon
Although healthcare dominates the highest-paying jobs, some of Yukon’s most sought-after and active occupations also provide competitive salaries compared to the average of $49,137 per year. Here are popular roles with above-average pay:
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
| Registered Nurse | $74,119 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $106,861 |
| Radiation Therapist | $125,576 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $48,234 |
| Paramedic | $45,067 |
| Mining Manager | $77,345 |
| Mine Heavy Equipment Operator | $66,271 |
| Construction Manager | $68,624 |
| Project Coordinator | $61,357 |
| Civil Engineer | $76,862 |
| Electrical Engineer | $74,301 |
| Human Resources Manager | $61,206 |
| Policy Analyst | $55,611 |
These in-demand roles pay between 8.6% and 168% more than Yukon’s average salary, making them attractive options for job seekers. Experience requirements vary, but mid-career professionals with 5-10 years of experience tend to do best.
Healthcare, mining, construction, engineering, and government services offer good prospects for job stability and decent pay. Next, let’s focus on Whitehorse, the employment hub.
Average Salary in Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse is the capital and largest city with around 25,000 residents and is Yukon’s main employment center. According to the most recent statistics, the average annual salary in Whitehorse across all occupations is $67,700.
This is 24.3% higher than the overall Canadian average salary of $54,450. In Whitehorse, the $67,700 average breaks down to:
- Average Hourly Wage – $50.26
- Average Weekly Pay – $1,300
- Average Monthly Pay – $5,642
| Average Annual Salary | $67,700 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $50.26 |
| Average Weekly Pay | $1,300 |
| Average Monthly Pay | $5,642 |
Workers earning $98,000 per year or more earn approximately 44.8% above Whitehorse’s average salary. Overall, it is a prosperous city with an average household income of $130,800.
So, Whitehorse provides relatively strong salaries compared to mid-sized cities in Western Canada. However, higher living costs offset some of the wage benefits.
Source: https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/cost-of-living/whitehorse_yukon/98000-salary?renting=0&driving=0
Cost of Living in Whitehorse
While incomes may be higher in Whitehorse compared to other parts of Yukon, so is the cost of living. For a single person renting an average one-bedroom apartment, total monthly living costs in the Whitehorse breakdown as:
| Expense | Avg. Monthly Cost |
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment) | $1,579 |
| Groceries | $616 |
| Transportation (car costs) | $575 |
| Utilities | $259 |
| Leisure/Entertainment | $187 |
| Restaurants | $322 |
| Clothing | $40 |
| Other expenses | $150 |
| Total | $3,728 |
Factors like housing costs, food prices, and availability of public transit determine affordability. Understanding the expenses is important for budgeting and determining salary needs.
Outside of Whitehorse, communities vary greatly in terms of cost of living and amenities. Smaller towns and remote villages generally have lower rents but higher prices for groceries, dining, and other services. Do your research into areas that align with your lifestyle.
Next, let’s examine how factors like experience level and education impact earning potential in Yukon. We’ll start with the effects of experience.
How Experience Impacts Average Salaries in Yukon
How does job experience translate to higher pay in Yukon? Here is a summary of the average percentage salary increase that typically comes with more years on the job:
- 2-5 Years Experience: 32% more than entry-level or junior roles
- 5+ Years Experience: 36% more than those with under 5 years
- After 10 Years: 21% salary increase
- After 15 Years: Additional 14% pay increase
| Experience Level | Avg. % Pay Increase vs. Less Experience |
| 2-5 Years | 32% |
| 5+ Years | 36% |
| After 10 Years | 21% |
| After 15 Years | Additional 14% |
The data indicates that developing deeper expertise and experience in most industries results in substantially higher salaries in Yukon. Workers with over 10 years in their field earn at least 50% more than beginners.
However, pay increases are not automatic. Changing jobs and negotiating periodically is key to maximizing earnings. Employees staying in the same role for long periods tend to experience slower salary growth.
Overall, Yukon rewards experience. Seasoned professionals command the top incomes. But does higher education also impact pay?
How Education Level Impacts Average Salaries in Yukon
Beyond work experience, having higher levels of education correlates strongly with increased salaries in Yukon.
Here is an overview of the average pay boost associated with higher degrees and certifications:
- Trade Certificate or College Diploma: 17% more than high school graduates
- Bachelor’s Degree: 24% more than those with a trade certificate or college diploma
- Master’s Degree: 29% more than employees with a Bachelor’s Degree
- PhD: 23% more than those with a Master’s Degree
Table 8. Average Percentage Salary Increase in Yukon by Level of Education
| Education | Avg. % Pay Increase vs. Previous Level |
| High School | N/A |
| Trade Cert/Diploma | 17% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 24% |
| Master’s Degree | 29% |
| PhD | 23% |
The data indicates that continuing education beyond high school significantly boosts earning potential in Yukon. Those able to obtain graduate-level degrees and credentials stand to gain the most.
However, education requirements and career earnings can differ substantially by industry. Some well-paying trades only require a high school diploma plus apprenticeships. But higher education is key for most professional services and leadership roles.
Overall, Yukon employers value advanced qualifications. Continuing to expand your knowledge and skills pays off financially.
How Gender Impacts Average Salaries in Yukon
Now that we’ve examined geographic, industry, and individual factors impacting Yukon salaries, how does gender affect pay?
Unfortunately, income disparities between men and women persist in the territory. Looking at median incomes for full-time, full-year workers, men in Yukon earn approximately 5% more on average than women across occupations.
While the gap is smaller than the national average of around 13%, it remains substantial. Income inequality is most pronounced in higher-paying industries like construction, mining, and engineering, where women are underrepresented.
Achieving pay equity in Yukon will require addressing systemic barriers women face regarding hiring, promotions, and access to high-paying fields. However, pay transparency and fair compensation policies can help close the divide.
Key Takeaways on Average Salaries in Yukon
In conclusion, the Yukon offers many well-paying careers beyond mining and resource extraction. Jobs in healthcare, construction, and government provide stable employment. Salaries average $49,137 territory-wide but rise substantially based on location, occupation, industry experience, and education.
Here are some key takeaways for job seekers considering Yukon:
- Look to Mayo, Watson Lake and Whitehorse for the highest average salaries
- Roles in healthcare, mining and construction tend to be well-compensated
- Over 10 years of experience can boost salaries by 50% or more
- Graduate and professional degrees expand opportunities
- Carefully evaluate salaries against local costs of living
- Negotiate pay transparently and equitably, regardless of gender
While salaries are not quite as high as some provinces, Yukon rewards hard work and offers tremendous opportunities in its untamed wilderness. Yukon is tough to top for adventure combined with an income well above the Canadian average!
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 Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
- /Average Salaries in Nova Scotia
FAQs related to average salaries in Yukon
How much is the average salary in Yukon?
The average salary across all jobs in Yukon is $49,137 per year. This equals about $23.62 per hour.
What is considered a good salary in Whitehorse, Yukon?
In Whitehorse, the average salary is $67,700 per year. A salary of $98,000 or more is considered well above average.
Where are the highest paying jobs in Yukon?
The highest salaries are in specialized medical jobs like anesthesiologist, surgeon, oncologist, and cardiologist. Mining, construction, and engineering jobs also pay well.
Why do salaries vary so much in different Yukon cities?
Salaries are highest in cities like Mayo, Watson Lake, and Whitehorse where mining, healthcare, construction, and professional services drive the economy. Remote areas have fewer high-paying jobs.
When do salaries typically peak in Yukon?
Salaries in Yukon peak after 10-15 years of experience. Workers with over 10 years of experience can earn 50% more than beginners.
Do education levels impact salary in Yukon?
Yes, higher education leads to increased pay in Yukon. Graduate degrees result in the biggest boosts.
Can women earn as much as men in Yukon?
Unfortunately, a gender pay gap persists with men earning 5% more than women on average. Pay equity issues need addressing.
Is the cost of living high in Yukon?
Cost of living is highest in Whitehorse but lower in smaller towns and remote areas. Housing and food costs are the biggest expenses.
What are the average salaries for nurses in Yukon?
Registered nurses earn an average of $74,119 annually in Yukon. Licensed practical nurses average $48,234 per year.
Do salaries increase with experience in the same role?
Salaries often plateau without changing jobs or negotiating pay. Switching roles and promoting is key to maximizing lifetime earnings.