15. October 2025 Admin

Average Graduate Salaries in Canada by Course & Province

Canada remains one of the most rewarding study destinations for international students — not only for its education quality but also for post-graduation employment prospects. Understanding average graduate salaries by course and province helps you plan better for your future career and potential immigration opportunities.

Key Insight: Engineering, technology, healthcare, and business graduates earn the highest salaries across Canada. Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia lead in pay levels, while Atlantic provinces tend to offer slightly lower earnings.

1. Average Salaries by Education Level

The following averages represent estimated full-time salaries for graduates two to five years after completing their programs:

College Diploma: CAD 44,000 – 50,000 per year
Bachelor’s Degree: CAD 55,000 – 67,000 per year
Master’s Degree: CAD 65,000 – 90,000 per year
PhD / Doctorate: CAD 80,000 – 110,000 per year

University graduates typically earn 20–30% more than those with college diplomas, while professional degrees like engineering, law, and medicine yield the highest income potential.

2. Top Provinces with the Highest Graduate Salaries

Wages vary significantly depending on the province and local economy. Below are the general ranges by province for bachelor’s graduates:

Alberta: CAD 70,000 – 97,000 — driven by oil, energy, and engineering sectors.
Ontario: CAD 60,000 – 82,000 — strong in finance, business, and tech jobs.
British Columbia: CAD 58,000 – 80,000 — popular for IT, design, and hospitality roles.
Quebec: CAD 55,000 – 78,000 — good pay for engineering and skilled trades graduates.
Saskatchewan & Manitoba: CAD 50,000 – 75,000 — solid opportunities in agriculture and resource industries.
Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland): CAD 48,000 – 65,000 — lower cost of living but fewer high-paying industries.

3. Average Salaries by Course or Discipline

Different academic programs lead to very different earning potentials. Below are average starting salaries for key study areas:

Engineering & Technology: CAD 65,000 – 90,000
Computer Science & IT: CAD 60,000 – 85,000
Business, Finance & Accounting: CAD 55,000 – 80,000
Health & Nursing: CAD 58,000 – 85,000
Education: CAD 48,000 – 65,000
Arts & Humanities: CAD 40,000 – 55,000
Social Sciences: CAD 45,000 – 60,000

4. What Influences Salary Differences?

Graduate salaries vary based on multiple factors:

Province of residence: Alberta and Ontario typically pay higher.
Field of study: STEM and healthcare programs lead to stronger returns.
Experience and co-op exposure: Graduates with internships earn more initially.
Economic strength: Provincial resource sectors or tech hubs drive higher demand and pay.

5. Comparison with Cost of Living

While major provinces like Ontario and British Columbia offer higher salaries, they also have higher living costs. In contrast, smaller provinces may pay slightly less but allow graduates to save more due to affordable housing and transport.

Conclusion

On average, Canadian graduates earn strong salaries compared to global standards. Those in engineering, IT, business, and healthcare enjoy the fastest career growth and highest financial stability. Before choosing your course or province:

Research provincial job markets and labor demand forecasts.
Leverage co-op or internship programs during your studies.
Consider both salary potential and cost of living for better long-term returns.

Explore More Careers & Immigration Guides

⚠️ Reminder: Salary ranges vary yearly based on industry demand, inflation, and government data updates. Always refer to Statistics Canada or Job Bank Canada for the most recent graduate income reports.

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