These are the highest-paying industries in Canada in 2025 and some average over $50/hour
One industry averages nearly triple the pay of another.
Canada's highest-paying jobs are in these industries, and one averages $56/hour.
If you're wondering what jobs pay the most in Canada right now, we've got the latest scoop on the average hourly wages in different industries across the country.
Fresh data from Statistics Canada shows just how much Canadians are making in various industries, and the gap is staggering when it comes to salaries in Canada.
Whether you're considering a career change, looking for a high-paying job or just curious about what sectors are the most lucrative, this breakdown of the highest-paying industries in Canada will give you a clear picture of where the money is in 2025.
The data includes both full- and part-time employees and takes into account not just base salaries but also any commissions, tips and bonuses employees are getting. That means these numbers offer a more complete view of what workers in these industries are actually taking home.
Across all industries, the national average hourly wage in Canada sits at $36.14 — but some sectors are blowing that number out of the water.
So which industries pay the most in Canada? Here's a look at the top-paying sectors based on average hourly wages from February 2025.
Accommodation & food services
The lowest-paying industry on the list, this sector — which includes restaurants, hotels and hospitality jobs — averages $21.21 per hour, including tips.
Workers in B.C. make the most of all 10 provinces on average in this industry at $23.28 an hour, while Saskatchewan has the lowest average at $17.62.
Agriculture
Covering farming, livestock production and other agricultural work, this industry averages $27.14 per hour across Canada.
The prairie province of Saskatchewan leads the country with $29.21 per hour, whereas Nova Scotia brings in the least at just $21.94 on average.
Wholesale & retail trade
Employees in this industry, which includes sales roles and store operations, earn an average of $27.20 per hour.
British Columbia offers the highest average at $29.24 per hour, while Prince Edward Island falls behind at $22.24.
Business, building & other support services
This sector, which includes corporate management, administrative support and waste management, has an average wage of $28.84 per hour in Canada.
It's a broad industry covering a wide range of services, but the common thread is that these are all businesses that support the day-to-day functioning of other organizations. It includes everything from holding companies to staffing agencies and office administration to security, janitorial work and cleanup.
Alberta leads the provinces in this industry with an average hourly wage of $32.64, while Manitoba is at the bottom with $24.47.
"Other services"
Covering a variety of jobs from repair services to personal care and religious organizations, this sector averages $31.37 per hour across Canada.
This industry includes a mix of hands-on trades and service-based professions, such as mechanics, appliance repair technicians, dry cleaners, hairdressers and funeral service providers. It also includes religious organizations, non-profits, social advocacy groups and professional membership associations. Additionally, private households that employ workers like nannies, housekeepers and gardeners fall under this category.
Ontario offers the highest wages at $32.98, while New Brunswick has the lowest at $25.49.
Transportation & warehousing
This industry, which includes trucking, air transport and logistics, has an average hourly wage of $33.65.
The highest wages in this sector are in B.C. at $38.36, while P.E.I. is shockingly far behind with the lowest, $27.87.
Health care & social assistance
Averaging $34.60 per hour, this sector covers all medical and social support roles, including medical jobs in hospitals and medical clinics, labs and nursing homes, as well as those providing social assistance like counselling, social work, community housing, child care and more.
British Columbia is the highest-paying province in this sector at $37.62, while Manitoba offers the lowest wages at $30.63.
Information, culture & recreation
With an average wage of $34.84 per hour, this sector includes jobs in media, arts, entertainment and recreational activities.
This industry covers a wide range of professions, from film, television and music production to journalism, publishing and telecommunications. It also includes jobs related to live entertainment, such as theatre production, concert venues and professional sports. Additionally, it encompasses cultural institutions like museums, libraries and heritage organizations, as well as recreational businesses such as casinos, amusement parks and sports facilities.
British Columbia has the highest wages in this industry at $37.81, while Prince Edward Island, the lowest, is far behind at $23.87.
Manufacturing
Averaging $34.88 per hour, this sector involves the production and fabrication of all kinds of goods.
The highest-paying province is British Columbia at $37.18, while Prince Edward Island has the lowest at $28.43.
Construction
Offering $37.91 per hour on average, the construction industry includes roles in building and infrastructure development.
Once again, B.C. is the highest-paying province at $39.88, while P.E.I. has the lowest at $28.79.
Educational services
With an average hourly wage of $41.36, this sector covers teaching and educational support roles.
The highest wages are in Ontario at $42.76, while the lowest are found in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick at $35.46 and $35.50, respectively.
Finance, insurance, real estate, rental & leasing
Averaging $43.22 per hour, this sector includes jobs in financial services, insurance, real estate and leasing.
The highest wages are in Ontario at $45.25, while P.E.I. again offers the lowest at just $28.56.
Public administration
This sector, encompassing governmental roles at the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal levels, offers an average wage of $46.67 per hour.
Ontario — home to the national capital and Canada's parliament — unsurprisingly has the highest wages in this sector at $49.67, while Prince Edward Island has the lowest at $41.09.
Professional, scientific & technical services
Averaging $47.62 per hour, this sector includes jobs in legal services, accounting, engineering, specialized design and computer systems design.
Ontario and B.C. are tied for the highest wages in this industry at $49.54 and $49.53 respectively, while P.E.I. has the lowest at $36.11.
Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil & gas
With an average hourly wage of $51.80, this sector covers a range of lucrative natural resource extraction activities and is one of Canada's highest-paying industries — that is, if you live in one of the hotspots.
Alberta is, unsurprisingly, the highest-paying province in this industry at $58.04, while Nova Scotia has the lowest at $27.86 — less than half of Alberta's rate.
Utilities
Taking the top spot, the utilities sector offers the highest average hourly wage in Canada at $56.06.
This industry includes jobs related to electricity, gas, water and sewage services, encompassing roles in power generation, natural gas distribution, water treatment and sewer systems.
Alberta leads the country with the highest wages in this sector at a whopping $59.22 per hour, while P.E.I. has the lowest at $43.46 — still that province's most lucrative industry.
Understanding these industry averages can provide valuable insights for career planning and development, helping Canadians navigate the evolving job market.
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