The average salary in Ontario, as of October 2026, is $26.36 per hour or $54,836 per year. These figures provide a snapshot of the provincial labour market, which is influenced by industry mix, geographic location, and economic conditions. Understanding these numbers helps in assessing personal income, career planning, and broader economic trends within Canada's most populous province.
Understanding Average vs. Median Income
The distinction between average and median income is crucial for an accurate picture of earnings in Ontario. The average salary, also known as the mean, is calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of people. This figure can be skewed upward by a relatively small number of very high earners. For Ontario in October 2026, this average annual salary is reported as $54,836. The median income, which is the point where half of earners make more and half make less, is often considered a more representative measure of a typical worker's experience. Statistics Canada also reports a national median salary of $68,640 for full-time employees in 2026, which is higher than Ontario's median, reflecting different provincial economic structures. Analysts note that median figures can be more meaningful in markets with significant income disparity or where many younger workers face challenges finding stable employment. Income distribution data shows that approximately 12% of Canadian tax filers have an income over $100,000 per year, while only 2% earn over $200,000, illustrating the concentration of high incomes that pulls the average upward.
Key Salary Figures for Ontario and Major Cities
Salary data for Ontario can be reported in various ways, leading to different figures based on the source and measurement period. As of October 2026, one report specifies an average hourly wage of $26.36 and an annual salary of $54,836 for the province. A separate Labour Force Survey report from Statistics Canada for April 2025 shows a higher average hourly wage rate for employees in Ontario of $37.36, which was above the national average of $36.13 for that month. This discrepancy highlights how averages can fluctuate based on the data collection method, the sample of workers included, and economic conditions at the time of the survey. Within Ontario, salaries vary significantly by city, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation. The average salary in Toronto in 2026 is reported as $62,050, which is 14% higher than the 2026 Canadian average salary of $54,450 cited in the same comparison. This makes Toronto a higher-earning hub within the province, driven by its concentration of finance, professional services, and technology roles. Other Ontario Census Metropolitan Areas showed varied employment changes from April 2024 to April 2025, with St. Catharines-Niagara seeing a 9.5% increase and Guelph experiencing a 7.2% decrease in employment, factors which can influence local wage trends.
Employment and Industry Composition in Ontario
The distribution of jobs across industries has a direct impact on the average salary figures for the province. According to the April 2025 Labour Force Survey, Ontario's largest industry groups by employment were wholesale and retail trade, employing 1,127,300 people or 13.8% of the total. This was followed by health care and social assistance at 1,013,600, professional, scientific and technical services at 914,900, and manufacturing at 809,700. Employment changes month-to-month can affect average earnings, as higher-paying sectors expand or contract. In April 2025, notable job gains were in finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, which added 21,700 jobs, and professional, scientific and technical services, which added 19,200 jobs. Conversely, manufacturing lost 32,700 jobs and wholesale and retail trade lost 16,100 jobs that same month. The occupational landscape is similarly diverse, with sales and service occupations being the largest group, comprising 21.3% of total employment in April 2025. Business, finance and administration occupations made up 16.5%, while trades, transport and equipment operators accounted for 13.3%. From April 2024 to April 2025, health occupations led job gains in Ontario with an increase of 76,500 jobs or 13.3%, while trades, transport and equipment operators saw a loss of 33,600 jobs.
How Ontario Compares to Other Provinces and the Nation
Ontario's average earnings sit within the context of wider provincial and national salary ranges. National figures provide a benchmark for comparison, with the average salary in Canada reported as approximately $68,700 per year as of early 2026. Another source cites a national average of $72,800 per year or $34.85 per hour for 2024. The national median salary for full-time employees in 2026 is $68,640 per year, or $5,720 per month before taxes. Ontario's average hourly wage of $37.36 in April 2025 was higher than the Canadian average of $36.13 for that specific month. When comparing cities, the average salary in Toronto of $62,050 in 2026 is notably higher than the cited Canadian average of $54,450. Provincial differences are driven by dominant industries, with resource-rich provinces like Alberta traditionally showing higher average earnings. The territories of Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon have the highest average earnings in Canada, driven by the cost of operating in remote locations. For most of the labour force, the provincial figures for Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec are the most relevant benchmarks. For individuals, a salary of $190,000 a year in Toronto in 2026 would be significantly above the local and national averages, illustrating the wide income distribution within the province.
Wage Data for Specific Occupations
Beyond broad averages, examining wages for specific occupations provides a clearer view of earning potential in Ontario's job market. Statistics Canada's Job Bank provides detailed wage estimates for numerous occupations, which are updated regularly, with noted updates as recent as November 19, 2025. These figures often present a low wage and a median wage, offering a range for what workers in a field typically earn. For example, general office support workers had a median wage of $23.08 per hour, while receptionists had a median wage of $20.50. Personnel clerks showed a higher median wage of $27.78 per hour. This occupational wage data is produced using a Small Area Estimation model developed by Statistics Canada. Accessing this specific data is essential for job seekers researching career paths and for employers setting competitive compensation packages. The variation within occupational groups underscores that the provincial average is a composite of many different pay scales. The wage for court clerks and related support occupations is another specific example of data available through these detailed surveys.
Economic Context: Unemployment and Income Distribution
The health of the labour market, indicated by the unemployment rate, provides context for salary trends. Ontario's unemployment rate increased to 7.8% in April 2025, up from 7.5% in March and significantly higher than the near-record low of 5.0% seen in April 2023. The national unemployment rate was 6.9% in April 2025. Breaking this down by demographic, the unemployment rate for women in Ontario was 7.5% and for men was 8.0% in April 2025. For youth aged 15 to 24, the rate was high at 15.8%. The unemployment rate for individuals aged 25 to 54 decreased to 6.7% in April 2025 from 6.9% in March. In terms of income distribution across all of Canada, Statistics Canada analysis shows that approximately 12% of tax filers, or nearly 3.5 million people, have an income over $100,000 per year. A much smaller segment, only 2% of filers, earn over $200,000 annually. This concentration of high incomes at the top helps explain why the average (mean) income can be significantly higher than the median income for a typical worker.
The following table shows average weekly earnings data converted to annual equivalents for selected provinces, illustrating regional differences. Salaries in Canada vary considerably by province and territory. The differences reflect regional economies, dominant industries, cost of living, and labour market conditions. For most companies hiring in Canada, the provincial figures for Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec are more relevant. The territories have the highest average earnings in Canada, but this is driven by the cost of operating in remote locations rather than a broader talent market.
| Province / Territory | Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Canada (national average) | $68,700 (2026) |
| Ontario | $54,836 (Oct 2026) |
| Alberta | Above National Average |
| British Columbia | Near National Average |
| Quebec | Below National Average |
The territories of Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon have the highest average earnings in Canada. This is largely due to the high cost of operating in remote locations. For most of the labour force, the provincial figures for Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec are the most relevant benchmarks. Alberta’s higher average reflects the concentration of energy, mining, and resource extraction industries. Ontario and British Columbia are the two largest provincial labour markets, home to the major hiring hubs of Toronto and Vancouver respectively. Quebec offers competitive salaries with a lower cost of living in cities like Montreal.
Factors Influencing Salary Levels in Ontario
Several interconnected factors determine salary levels across Ontario, leading to the averages observed. The provincial industry mix is a primary driver, with higher-paying sectors like professional services and finance lifting averages in urban centres like Toronto. The cost of living, particularly housing costs in major cities, creates upward pressure on wages as employers compete for talent. Labour market conditions, reflected in the unemployment rate, influence wage growth, with tighter markets typically leading to higher pay increases. Government policies, including annual adjustments to the minimum wage, set a floor for compensation. As of 2024, Ontario had the highest provincial minimum wage in Canada at $17.20 per hour. Demographic factors such as the age and experience level of the workforce also play a role, as an older, more experienced workforce may command higher average wages. These elements combine to create the dynamic and varied salary landscape within the province. Forecasts for 2024 suggested a moderate 3.6% average salary increase across Canada, excluding freezes, which was down from previous years but above historical norms.
Key factors causing regional salary differences across Canada include regional economies and dominant industries. The cost of living and labour market conditions are also significant factors. For example, Alberta’s higher average salary reflects its concentration of energy, mining, and resource extraction industries. Ontario's major cities have higher salaries due to a greater concentration of professional and technology roles. These factors explain why salaries in Ontario's major cities often exceed provincial averages.
- Industry concentration and economic specialization.
- Local cost of living, especially housing prices.
- Labour supply and demand dynamics within regional markets.
- Provincial government policies on minimum wage and labour standards.
- Demographic composition of the local workforce.
- Size and economic power of the major urban centres.
These factors explain why salaries in Ontario's major cities often exceed provincial averages. They also explain why Ontario's figures differ from those in other provinces like Alberta or Quebec. Provincial industry sectors significantly influence salary disparities. Alberta's natural resources sector leads to higher compensation. Ontario's health care and social assistance sector is a major employer, offering competitive wages to meet demand. Professional, scientific, and technical services is another large and growing sector in Ontario.
Historical Trends and Future Outlook
Examining historical employment and wage data reveals trends that shape the current salary landscape in Ontario. Employment in Ontario decreased by 34,600 in April 2025, following a decrease of 27,500 in March 2025. Full-time employment decreased by 34,600 in April 2025, while part-time employment was little changed. Employment for men decreased by 6,800 in April 2025, after decreasing by 24,900 in March, while employment for women decreased by 27,700 in April. These fluctuations in employment levels directly impact wage pressures and average income figures. The unemployment rate's significant increase from 5.0% in April 2023 to 7.8% in April 2025 indicates a softening labour market over that period. On a national level, the average salary in Canada was reported to be $72,800 per year in 2024, suggesting a baseline from which 2026 figures have evolved. According to analysis, the highest salary growth was forecasted for sectors like real estate, high technology, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology. Private sector companies were expected to offer higher average annual salary increases than public administration.
Using Salary Data for Career and Financial Planning
Understanding the average and median salary figures for Ontario is valuable for both individuals and businesses. For job seekers, this data provides a benchmark for salary negotiations and helps inform decisions about career paths and potential relocation within the province. Knowing that the average salary in Toronto is $62,050, for instance, allows a professional to assess offers against a major market standard. For companies and enterprises, knowledge of average pay across job sectors is essential for setting competitive compensation to attract and retain talent within Ontario's labour force. Finance departments use this data to budget accurately for total employer costs, which include statutory contributions on top of gross salary. Employers also need to consider industry-specific averages, as the utilities sector nationally has the highest average wage at $49.41 per hour, while food services and accommodation has the lowest at $19.68 per hour. This information helps employers support job seekers with realistic expectations and ensures companies can fully participate in Canada's economy by engaging effectively with its talented workforce.
Frequently asked questions
How does the average salary in Toronto compare to the Ontario average?
The average salary in Toronto is higher than the overall Ontario average. In 2026, the average salary in Toronto is reported as $62,050 per year. This is 14% higher than a cited Canadian average salary of $54,450 for that year. Toronto's status as the financial and commercial capital of Canada, with a high concentration of professional and technology roles, drives its higher average earnings compared to the provincial figure.
What was Ontario's unemployment rate in 2025?
Ontario's unemployment rate was 7.8% in April 2025, an increase from 7.5% in March of that year. This rate has increased significantly since reaching a near-record low of 5.0% in April 2023. The unemployment rate for women was 7.5% and for men was 8.0% in April 2025. The youth unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 was 15.8% in the same month.
How can I find wage information for a specific job in Ontario?
Detailed wage data for specific occupations in Ontario is available through tools like Statistics Canada's Job Bank. This provides low, median, and high wage estimates for hundreds of occupations. This data is updated periodically, with notes indicating updates as recent as November 19, 2025. The estimates are produced using a Small Area Estimation model developed by Statistics Canada. This provides localized wage information that is more precise than provincial averages alone.
What is the average salary in Ontario in 2026?
As of October 2026, the average salary in Ontario is $26.36 per hour or $54,836 per year. In April 2025, the average hourly wage rate for employees in Ontario was reported as $37.36. This provincial average hourly rate was above the national Canadian average of $36.13 for that month. These figures illustrate that salary data can vary based on the specific source, time period, and whether mean or median values are used.
What is the difference between average and median income?
The average income is the mean, calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of people, which can be skewed upwards by very high salaries. The median income is the middle point where half of earners make more and half make less. Nationally, Statistics Canada reports the median income for individuals, excluding zeros, was $46,900. The median is frequently viewed as a more accurate reflection of a typical worker's experience, especially in markets with significant income disparity or many young people in unstable jobs.
Sources and further reading
- Wages in Ontario jobbank.gc.ca
- Average salary in Canada (2026) - Boundless HQ boundlesshq.com
- Labour market report, April 2025 ontario.ca
- Average Salary In Canada: Top Paying Provinces and ... knitpeople.com
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.