15. October 2025 Admin

Average Graduate Salaries in Canada by Course & Province

Understanding how much graduates earn in Canada can help international students make better study and career decisions. Salaries vary widely by field of study, region, and work experience. This guide highlights the average graduate salaries across different courses and provinces to help you plan your future wisely.

Quick Insight: The typical salary for a new university graduate in Canada ranges between CAD $55,000 and CAD $67,000 per year, depending on field and location.

1. Average Graduate Salaries by Field of Study

Graduate earnings differ significantly by discipline. Technical and health-related programs tend to yield higher starting pay compared to arts or humanities degrees.

Engineering: CAD $60,000 – $80,000
Computer Science & IT: CAD $70,000 – $75,000
Health & Nursing Fields: CAD $65,000 – $80,000
Business & Management: CAD $55,000 – $65,000
Physical & Life Sciences: CAD $55,000 – $65,000
Social Sciences & Humanities: CAD $40,000 – $55,000
Arts, Media & Communications: CAD $40,000 – $50,000

*These are approximate early-career averages (1–2 years after graduation) based on national data and job surveys.

2. Average Salaries by Province

Salaries differ from one province to another due to economic activity, cost of living, and job availability.

Alberta: Among the highest average starting salaries (around CAD $65,000 – $75,000), especially for engineering and energy-related roles.
Ontario: CAD $60,000 – $70,000; higher nominal pay in cities like Toronto, but higher cost of living.
British Columbia: CAD $58,000 – $68,000; good opportunities in tech and business fields.
Quebec: CAD $55,000 – $65,000; strong in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors.
Saskatchewan & Manitoba: CAD $55,000 – $65,000; strong employment in agriculture, mining, and energy.
Atlantic Provinces (NS, NB, PEI, NL): CAD $50,000 – $60,000; slightly lower, but balanced with affordable living costs.

3. Factors That Influence Graduate Pay

Field of Study: STEM and healthcare fields attract the highest entry salaries.
Province & City: Urban areas pay more, but also have higher expenses.
Work Experience: Internships, co-ops, and part-time work increase employability and pay.
Language Skills: Bilingual graduates (English & French) earn more in provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick.
Industry Demand: Salaries rise faster in sectors facing labour shortages (e.g., IT, nursing, data analytics).

4. Long-Term Earning Potential

Most Canadian graduates experience a salary increase of 25–40% within five years of employment. STEM, finance, and management graduates typically cross the CAD $90,000 – $100,000+ range after five years, while arts and education graduates grow at a steadier pace.

Conclusion

Graduate salaries in Canada reflect both your chosen field and where you decide to work. While provinces like Alberta and Ontario offer higher starting pay, other regions provide a more affordable lifestyle. Choosing a career path that balances passion, stability, and opportunity is the key to long-term success.

Explore More Study in Canada Guides

⚠️ Reminder: Salary data changes frequently with inflation, job demand, and policy shifts. Always refer to the latest government or provincial reports before making career choices.

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