2025 Canada Average Wage Report: Income Gap, Living Costs, and Economic Outlook
Comprehensive analysis of Quebec’s wage gap compared to other Canadian provinces and its impact on workers and the economy in 2025
Current Salary Landscape
Quebec’s average weekly salary stands at $1,258.30 as of June 2025, translating to approximately $65,431 annually. While this represents a 5.1% increase over the previous year, Quebec continues to trail the national average significantly.
Average Weekly Earnings by Province (2025)
Minimum Wage Comparison
Quebec’s minimum wage increased to $16.10 per hour on May 1, 2025, affecting approximately 217,400 workers. However, this still places Quebec in the middle range nationally.
| Province/Territory | Minimum Wage ($/hour) | Annual Income (Full-time) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | $19.00 | $39,520 | 1st |
| Yukon | $17.94 | $37,315 | 2nd |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $37,128 | 3rd |
| Ontario | $17.20 | $35,776 | 4th |
| Northwest Territories | $16.70 | $34,736 | 5th |
| Quebec | $16.10 | $33,488 | 6th |
| Manitoba | $15.80 | $32,864 | 7th |
| Nova Scotia | $15.70 | $32,656 | 8th |
Factors Contributing to the Wage Gap
Multiple economic and structural factors contribute to Quebec’s lower average salaries compared to other provinces.
Industry Composition
Quebec’s economy relies heavily on traditional manufacturing and services, which typically offer lower wages than resource extraction or high-tech sectors dominant in Alberta and Ontario.
Working Hours
Average hours worked per week can differ between provinces. Quebec workers may work fewer hours on average, contributing to lower weekly and annual earnings.
Skills and Education Match
The alignment between available jobs and worker skills affects wage levels. Quebec may have mismatches in certain high-paying sectors.
Language Requirements
French language requirements may limit access to some multinational corporations and higher-paying positions, particularly in certain sectors.
Economic Structure
Quebec’s mixed economy includes significant public sector employment, which often pays less than private sector equivalents in resource-rich provinces.
Business Costs
Higher business operating costs and tax structures in Quebec may limit employers’ ability to offer competitive salaries compared to other provinces.
Impact on Workers and Economy
The wage gap has both positive and negative implications for Quebec workers and the broader economy.
Challenges
- Reduced purchasing power compared to national average
- Difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers
- Brain drain to higher-paying provinces
- Lower savings and investment capacity
- Increased financial stress for families
- Reduced consumer spending power
Advantages
- Lower cost of living partially offsets wage gap
- More affordable housing compared to Toronto/Vancouver
- Strong social services and healthcare system
- Competitive business environment due to lower labor costs
- Better work-life balance in many sectors
- Rich cultural and social benefits
Balancing Factors
- Subsidized childcare reduces family expenses
- Lower university tuition costs
- Comprehensive provincial tax credits
- Strong employment protection laws
- Generous parental leave policies
- Universal healthcare reduces medical costs
Cost of Living Context
While Quebec salaries lag behind, the province offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major Canadian cities.
Housing Affordability
Quebec’s housing costs remain more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, with average home prices around $525,732 compared to over $1 million in major Ontario and BC markets.
Childcare Savings
Quebec’s subsidized childcare system at $8.70 per day represents massive savings for families compared to $50-80 daily costs in other provinces.
Education Costs
Lower university tuition fees and various provincial programs reduce the financial burden on Quebec students and families.
Future Outlook and Potential Solutions
Quebec faces both challenges and opportunities in addressing the wage gap while maintaining its economic competitiveness.
Economic Diversification
Continued investment in technology, artificial intelligence, and aerospace sectors could help raise average wages by attracting higher-paying industries to Quebec.
Skills Development
Enhanced training programs and education initiatives could better align worker skills with higher-paying job opportunities in emerging sectors.
Bilingual Advantage
Promoting bilingualism could open access to more multinational corporations and international business opportunities, potentially increasing wage levels.
Policy Adjustments
Regular minimum wage adjustments and targeted tax policies could help maintain purchasing power and attract businesses willing to pay competitive wages.
Key Statistics Summary
| Metric | Quebec | Canada Average | Difference | Quebec Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Earnings | $1,258.30 | $1,302.00 | -$43.70 | 9th of 13 |
| Average Annual Salary | $65,431 | $67,704 | -$2,273 | 9th of 13 |
| Minimum Wage | $16.10 | $17.75 (Federal) | -$1.65 | 6th of 13 |
| Annual Wage Growth | 5.1% | 3.7% | +1.4% | Above average |
| Cost of Living Rank | 6th most affordable | – | – | 6th of 10 |
Understanding the Full Picture
While Quebec’s wages lag behind the national average, the complete economic picture includes lower living costs, excellent social services, and strong worker protections that help balance the equation for many residents.
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Consider both salary and quality of life factors when making career decisions
The Bottom Line
Quebec’s wage gap reflects complex economic factors, but the province offers compensating benefits through lower costs and strong social programs.