The average wage in Alberta is a key economic indicator for workers and employers in the province. Based on 2023 data from Statistics Canada, the average individual income in Alberta is $74,237 per year, while the median income is a lower figure of $47,700. The province often leads in average weekly earnings, with a figure of $1,386 recorded for July 2026. Understanding these different measures, from average hourly wages to household incomes, provides a clearer picture of Alberta's economic landscape and cost of living.
Key Income Measures: Average, Median, and Weekly Earnings
When examining wages in Alberta, it is crucial to distinguish between different statistical measures as they tell different stories. The average individual income, which was $74,237 in 2023, is calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of individuals. This figure can be skewed upward by very high earners. In contrast, the median individual income, which was $47,700 for the same year, represents the middle point where half of earners make more and half make less, often considered a better reflection of a typical worker's experience. For broader economic tracking, Statistics Canada reports average weekly earnings, which for Alberta ranked first among provinces at $1,386 in July 2026. This measure includes overtime and other pay components, offering a view of total cash compensation. The national average weekly earnings for that period were $1,343, reflecting a 3.3 percent increase from the previous year. Another older data point from Statscan for 2023 listed the Alberta average income at $64,100 with a median of $47,700, showing how specific survey methodologies and data vintages can produce different figures for the average.
Hourly Wage Data and Job Market Indicators
Hourly wage data provides insight into the current job market and compensation trends. In the third quarter of 2024, the average hourly wage for workers in Alberta was $36.36. This figure includes tips and commissions and is derived from the Labour Force Survey. A separate measure, the average offered hourly wage, was $26.40 for the same period. The offered wage, tracked by the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey, represents the wage employers are advertising for vacant positions and excludes overtime, tips, commissions, and bonuses. It is important to note that the offered wage may differ from the actual wage paid once a position is filled. Both of these wage figures are reported before taxes and deductions. These numbers help job seekers understand prevailing wage rates and allow economists to gauge labour market tightness and employer demand. The Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, which uses a different methodology, lists an overall average wage of $41.11 per hour for the occupations it covers, demonstrating the variance that can exist between different data sources.
Household Income and Geographic Variation Within Alberta
Household income aggregates the total income of all members within a home, providing a perspective on family economic well-being. For Alberta, the average household income is $119,700, while the median household income is $96,000. There is significant variation in these figures across the province's cities and regions, reflecting different local economies and costs of living. In Calgary, the average household income is $131,600 and the median is $100,000. Edmonton reports an average household income of $106,700 and a median of $87,000. Smaller centres like Camrose have a lower average household income of $92,300. These disparities highlight that economic conditions and earning potential are not uniform across Alberta. Factors such as the dominant industries in a region, the concentration of high-paying jobs, and the local cost of housing all contribute to these geographic income differences. The data clearly shows that major urban centres, particularly Calgary, have higher aggregate household incomes compared to smaller municipalities.
The average household income in Alberta is $119,700, and the median household income is $96,000. In Calgary, the average household income is $131,600 and the median is $100,000. In Edmonton, the average household income is $106,700 and the median is $87,000. In Camrose, the average household income is $92,300. This geographic breakdown is essential for anyone considering relocation or analyzing regional economic health within the province, as it shows that income potential is closely tied to specific urban economies.
- Alberta (province-wide): Average $119,700, Median $96,000
- Calgary: Average $131,600, Median $100,000
- Edmonton: Average $106,700, Median $87,000
- Camrose: Average $92,300
Provincial and Territorial Wage Comparisons for 2024
Alberta's wage levels are frequently compared to those in other Canadian provinces and territories. The third quarter 2024 data provides a detailed snapshot of how Alberta's hourly wages compare nationally. This comparison is based on two key metrics: the average offered hourly wage from the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey and the average hourly wage from the Labour Force Survey. The national averages for these measures were $27.55 and $35.24, respectively. Alberta's figures of $26.40 for offered wage and $36.36 for actual wage show its position relative to other jurisdictions. The data for the territories is incomplete as the Labour Force Survey does not report average hourly wages for Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, though their offered wages are the highest in the country.
| Province/Territory | Avg. Offered Hourly Wage (Q3 2024) |
|---|---|
| Canada | $27.55 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $25.15 |
| Prince Edward Island | $24.05 |
| Nova Scotia | $24.60 |
| New Brunswick | $25.45 |
| Quebec | $27.45 |
| Ontario | $28.35 |
| Manitoba | $24.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.30 |
| Alberta | $26.40 |
| British Columbia | $28.90 |
| Yukon | $31.10 |
| Northwest Territories | $33.25 |
| Nunavut | $34.35 |
The table reveals that Alberta's average hourly wage of $36.36 is very competitive, sitting just below Ontario and British Columbia. However, its average offered wage is below the national average, suggesting advertised pay for new vacancies may be relatively lower. A 2022 analysis of median employment earnings, adjusted for inflation and converted to Canadian dollars, found that Alberta's median of $38,969 lagged behind every U.S. state. This comparison underscores that while Alberta often has strong average earnings within Canada, its median income may not be as competitive in a broader North American context.
The Living Wage Concept and Local Calculations
A living wage is distinct from the minimum wage or average wage. It is the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover basic expenses and participate modestly in their community. The Alberta Living Wage Network calculates these figures for various municipalities using a standard methodology. These rates, valid as of November 2025, do not include extras like benefits or paid time off beyond the legal minimum. Employers can be certified if an employee's total compensation, including the value of such extras, meets or exceeds the local living wage. The calculations show substantial variation across the province, reflecting differing local costs for necessities like housing, food, and transportation. The 2024 calculations were valid from November 17, 2024, to November 13, 2025, and these figures are updated periodically to reflect changing economic conditions.
The living wage rates for selected Alberta communities as of November 2025 include $29.00 in Airdrie, $26.50 in Calgary, $22.30 in Edmonton, $22.00 in Brooks, $22.15 in Bonnyville, $21.55 in Barrhead, $20.35 in Drayton Valley, and $19.10 in Cold Lake. A living wage is the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community. These figures are typically higher than the provincial general minimum wage of $15.00 per hour, which has been in effect since October 1, 2018. The living wage provides a benchmark for what is required to achieve a basic standard of living, which is a different measure from what is legally required or what is statistically common in the market. The living wage calculation is a critical tool for understanding the gap between legislated minimums and the actual cost of living in different parts of the province.
- Airdrie: $29.00 per hour
- Barrhead: $21.55 per hour
- Bonnyville: $22.15 per hour
- Brooks: $22.00 per hour
- Calgary: $26.50 per hour
- Cold Lake: $19.10 per hour
- Drayton Valley: $20.35 per hour
- Edmonton: $22.30 per hour
Occupational Wage Data and the Alberta Wage Survey
For specific career planning, the Alberta Wage and Salary Survey provides detailed occupational wage information based on the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This data allows individuals to look up average wages and salaries for specific occupations. The broader survey indicates an overall average wage of $41.11 per hour and an average salary of $85,644.00 across the occupations it covers. It is recommended that job seekers and employers supplement this survey data with other wage sources, such as industry associations, unions, or government reports, as not all sources are available for every occupation. This occupational data is crucial for making informed decisions about career paths, salary negotiations, and workforce planning. The survey information was updated on November 19, 2025, providing relatively current occupational benchmarks for the Alberta labour market.
Examples of specific occupational data from the survey include an average wage of $41.11 per hour and an average salary of $85,644.00 for one occupation. For another occupation with the 2021 NOC code 82030, the average wage is $35.51 per hour and the average salary is $75,373.00. These figures demonstrate the level of detail available for those researching specific career fields within the provincial economy. The wage estimates used in broader federal sources are produced using a Small Area Estimation model developed by Statistics Canada, which is a different methodology than the provincial survey. These figures demonstrate the level of detail available for those researching specific career fields within the provincial economy. The wage estimates used in broader federal sources are produced using a Small Area Estimation model developed by Statistics Canada, which is a different methodology than the provincial survey.
Income Trends and the Impact of High Earners
Income figures in Alberta are significantly influenced by high earners, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, senior management, and specialized professions. This effect is why the average individual income of $74,237 is substantially higher than the median income of $47,700. The presence of these extreme outliers pulls the average upward, meaning the average does not represent what most Albertans earn. This disparity is a common point of confusion when interpreting wage statistics. Historical data shows that average incomes can fluctuate from year to year based on economic conditions. For instance, the average annual income for Canadians was $63,181.04 in 2023 and $59,300 in 2022, with a national average for 2024 reported as $72,000. These national trends provide context for understanding that Alberta's figures are part of a dynamic economic system. Analysts often prefer the median as a more stable indicator of central tendency for workers because it is less sensitive to very high or very low values at the extremes of the income distribution. The wage estimates used in some sources are produced using a Small Area Estimation model developed by Statistics Canada to provide more localized data, which accounts for some of the variation in reported figures.
Alberta's Cost of Living and Affordability Context
Income levels must be considered alongside the cost of living to assess economic well-being accurately. Alberta is often noted for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other high-income provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. For a single person, the average monthly cost of living excluding rent is estimated at $2,449. This affordability is particularly evident in housing, where the average home price in Alberta is $401,706, which is less than half the average price in British Columbia. Furthermore, Alberta's tax structure contributes to affordability for consumers, as the province charges only the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5 percent and does not have a provincial sales tax (PST). This combination of higher-than-average incomes and a lower cost of living, especially for housing, is a defining feature of Alberta's economic landscape and a key factor in interprovincial migration decisions. The cost of living is a major reason why a higher average income does not automatically translate to greater disposable income or financial security, as seen in provinces with higher costs.
Key affordability metrics for Alberta include an average individual income of $74,237. The average cost of living for a single person is $2,449 per month without rent, and the average rent is $1,669 per month. The average price to purchase a home in Alberta is $401,706. These factors collectively make Alberta one of the more affordable jurisdictions for high-income earners in Canada. When comparing provincial averages, it is important to consider that in some places the cost of living is high, as is the average income, so it can actually be more expensive to live there despite higher wages.
- Average monthly cost of living (excluding rent): $2,449
- Average monthly rent: $1,669
- Average home purchase price: $401,706
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST): 0% (GST only at 5%)
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Alberta?
Based on 2023 data, the average individual income in Alberta is $74,237 per year. It is important to distinguish this from the median income, which is $47,700, as the average is skewed higher by top earners. Occupational data from the Alberta Wage and Salary Survey shows an average salary of $85,644.00 for the occupations it covers. Different sources may cite slightly different averages due to varying methodologies and data vintages.
What is the average hourly wage in Alberta?
In the third quarter of 2024, the average hourly wage for employed individuals in Alberta was $36.36. This figure includes tips and commissions. The average wage employers were offering for vacant positions in the same period, known as the average offered hourly wage, was lower at $26.40. The Alberta Wage and Salary Survey reports a different overall average wage of $41.11 per hour for the occupations it covers.
How does Alberta's average income compare to other provinces?
Alberta's average individual income of $74,237 is higher than the national average and ranks among the top provinces, though it is below Saskatchewan's average of $88,424. In terms of average weekly earnings, Alberta ranked first among provinces at $1,386 in July 2026. For hourly wages in Q3 2024, Alberta's $36.36 was slightly below BC and Ontario. A 2022 comparison showed Alberta's median earnings lagged behind all U.S. states.
What is the minimum wage in Alberta?
The general minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour, which has been in effect since October 1, 2018. This legislated minimum is distinct from the living wage calculated by the Alberta Living Wage Network, which is based on local costs for basic expenses. For example, the living wage in Calgary is $26.50 and in Edmonton it is $22.30 as of late 2025. The living wage is a voluntary benchmark for employers, not a legal requirement. The minimum wage in Alberta is scheduled to increase to $16.40 per hour in the future, following a planned adjustment.
What is the average household income in Alberta?
The average household income in Alberta is $119,700, while the median household income is $96,000. These figures provide a snapshot of family economic well being across the province. There is significant variation by city, with Calgary reporting an average household income of $131,600 and Edmonton reporting $106,700. In contrast, smaller centres like Camrose have a lower average of $92,300. Household income represents the total income of all members living together, offering a different perspective than individual wage or salary data.
Why is there a big difference between average and median income in Alberta?
There is a substantial difference because the average individual income in Alberta, reported as $74,237, is calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the population, making it sensitive to extremely high earnings. In contrast, the median individual income of $47,700 represents the middle point where half of earners make more and half make less. This gap indicates significant income inequality, where a relatively small number of high earners pull the average upward. The median is generally considered a better measure of what a typical worker earns, as it is not skewed by outliers. This pattern is consistent with national data showing average income often exceeds median income.
Sources and further reading
- Wages in Alberta jobbank.gc.ca
- Look up Wages and Salaries in Alberta, ALIS alis.alberta.ca
- What is it?, Alberta Living Wage Network livingwagealberta.ca
- Map 1 Average offered hourly wage and ... www150.statcan.gc.ca
- The Average Income by Province in Canada springfinancial.ca
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.