How Much Salary Do Immigrants Earn in Canada? A Complete Guide
Source: Statistics Canada, Immigration News & Economic Reports
Introduction
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, students, families, and refugees choose Canada for its economic opportunities, social services, and high standard of living. Among the most common questions prospective immigrants ask is:
➡️ “How much salary can I expect to earn in Canada? Is it enough to live comfortably?”
➡️ “Do immigrants earn as much as Canadian‑born workers?”
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the latest data on immigrant earnings in Canada in 2025 including average salaries, median income, income by skill level, wage gaps, and practical insights for newcomers.
1. Average and Median Salaries of Immigrants in Canada
Average Annual Income
Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that the average employment income for immigrants in Canada was approximately CAD $49,160 as of 2021. This figure includes wages, salaries, commissions, tips, and self‑employment income for individuals aged 15 and older.
💡 Important distinction:
- Median income is often a better indicator of what most workers actually earn.
- Median figures tend to be lower than average because they aren’t skewed by very high incomes at the top.
Median Income
The median employment income for immigrants was approximately CAD $36,800 per year meaning half of immigrant workers earn more than this, and half earn less.
2. Do Immigrants Earn Less Than Canadian‑Born Workers?
Comparative studies indicate that immigrants tend to earn slightly less than Canadian‑born workers overall.
📌 Example comparison:
- Immigrants: ~CAD $49,160 average
- Canadian‑born workers: Around CAD $51,400 average (slightly higher)
💡 This shows that while immigrants are close to national wage levels, a small income gap remains especially during the early years after arriving.
3. How Earnings Change Over Time
One of the most important trends for newcomers is that income tends to grow as they settle in Canada longer.
✅ Long‑term residents usually earn more than recent arrivals because:
- They gain Canadian work experience.
- Foreign credentials may become recognized.
- Language skills improve.
🍁 Statistics Canada reports that entry wages for new immigrants continued increasing even when overall wage growth slowed in Canada, highlighting strong upward mobility for many newcomers.
4. Why Salaries Vary Among Immigrants
Immigrant income in Canada isn’t one fixed number it varies widely based on several key factors:
a. Immigration Program Type
- Economic immigrants (skilled workers, Express Entry, PNP) often earn higher salaries (e.g., CAD $47,700 – $56,400) because they were selected for skills, education, and language ability.
- Refugees and family‑sponsored immigrants often start with lower initial wages.
b. Education Level
Higher education leads to higher earnings. Immigrants with university degrees usually earn significantly more than those with lower qualifications.
c. Canadian Work Experience
Experience in the Canadian labour market boosts wages substantially. Those who worked in Canada or studied before permanent residence have higher starting salaries.
d. Region of Employment
Income varies by province and city typically higher in big economic hubs like Vancouver, Toronto, and Alberta compared to rural areas.
5. Monthly Income and Wage Rates
To understand salaries on a monthly basis:
📅 Average annual: CAD $49,160
➡️ Monthly income ≈ CAD $4,093
(Income before tax, varies by hours worked and job type)
📌 Hourly wages for many immigrants range between CAD $20 to $35/hour, depending on experience and industry.
6. High‑Paying Immigrant Jobs in Canada
Some professions offer very high salaries, especially for skilled immigrants, including:
| Profession | Approx. Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Engineering Manager | $100,000+ |
| Finance / IT Specialists | $70,000–$100,000 |
| Healthcare Professionals | $70,000–$120,000 |
| Skilled Trades (Senior) | $60,000–$90,000 |
| (Note: salaries vary by experience & province) |
7. Gender and Other Income Gaps
Studies show a gender wage gap exists among immigrants, with male immigrants often earning more than their female counterparts across similar jobs.
Additionally, some ethnic groups and occupations may have wage differences due to labour market conditions and credential recognition.
8. Summary: What Can You Expect?
🎯 Short‑Term (0–1 year after arrival):
- Many immigrants start with median incomes lower than national averages.
- Expect entry salaries between CAD $35,000 – $50,000+ depending on skills and credentials.
🎯 Mid‑Term (2–5 years):
- Salaries improve with Canadian experience.
- Many skilled workers exceed CAD $60,000 annually.
🎯 Long‑Term (5+ years):
- Immigrants with Canadian experience, education, and networking can reach $70,000+ or higher — often comparable to Canadian‑born workers.
Conclusion
Understanding income dynamics is crucial before and after moving to Canada. While many immigrants start with lower wages compared to civic‑born Canadians, long‑term economic success is attainable, especially through:
✅ Skills, education, and credentials recognized in Canada
✅ Gaining Canadian work experience
✅ Choosing in‑demand professions and provinces
Canada remains one of the most economically rewarding countries for skilled newcomers offering competitive salaries, upward mobility, and stable opportunities in the global marketplace.
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- Canada immigrant work income guide
Sources
- Average and median incomes from immigration studies and Statistics Canada data
- Income variations by immigration type and experience
- Regional and wage rate breakdowns