Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
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Work — Weekly Earnings
Relevance
Weekly earnings show the financial return from paid employment. This is an important measure of the quality of paid employment.
Summary
- National Picture — In 2008, the average earnings of employed Canadians before taxes and other deductions was $783 per week.
- Gender — In 2008, men earned on average $903 per week, whereas women earned $661.
- Age — Individuals aged 25 to 54 received the most from paid employment in 2008 earning an average of $876 per week.
- Regions — Average weekly earnings varied from $632 in Prince Edward Island to $905 in Alberta in 2008.
National Picture
Average weekly earnings in Canada have increased slightly over recent years, from $724 in 1997 to $783 in 2008, after adjusting for inflation.
Source: HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour Force Historical Review 2008 (Table Cd3T01an). Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2009 (Cat. No. 71F0004XCB); and Statistics Canada. Consumer price index (CPI), 2005 basket, annual (CANSIM Table 326-0021). Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2009.
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 723.54 | 726.57 | 733.34 | 736.77 | 741.71 | 741.58 | 735.61 | 740.87 | 750.02 | 761.13 | 768.80 | 783.09 |
Gender
The average weekly earnings adjusted for inflation increased slightly more for women than for men between 1997 and 2008. For men, average weekly earnings increased by 6.5%, from $848 to $903, while for women, average weekly earnings increased by 12.7%, from $587 to $661. The difference between men's and women's average weekly earnings declined from $261 in 1997 to $242 in 2008.
Source: HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour Force Historical Review 2008 (Table Cd3T10an). Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2008 (Cat. No. 71F0004XCB); and Statistics Canada. Consumer price index (CPI), 2005 basket, annual (CANSIM Table 326-0021). Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2009.
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 848 | 852 | 859 | 864 | 869 | 865 | 856 | 858 | 866 | 878 | 886 | 903 |
| Women | 587 | 591 | 598 | 600 | 606 | 611 | 610 | 619 | 630 | 641 | 649 | 661 |
Age
In 2008, the average earnings of employees aged 25 to 54 was $876 per week. This compares to $377 for employed youth aged 15 to 24, and $830 for employed individuals 55 years of age and over.
Source: Statistics Canada. Labour Force Historical Review 2008 (Table Cd3T01an). Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2009 (Cat. No. 71F0004XCB).
| 15-24 years | 25-54 years | 55+ years |
|---|---|---|
| 377 | 876 | 830 |
Regions
In 2008, only two provinces had higher average weekly earnings than the national average of $783. These were Alberta ($905) and Ontario ($816). Prince Edward Island residents earned the least on a weekly basis ($632).
Source: Statistics Canada. Labour Force Historical Review 2008 (Table Cd3T01an). Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2009 (Cat. No. 71F0004XCB).
| CAN | NL | PE | NS | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 783 | 735 | 632 | 675 | 672 | 711 | 816 | 704 | 763 | 905 | 781 |
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