For years, Alberta enjoyed the highest average wages in Canada due to its thriving oil and gas industry. However, while the average salary in Canada continues to rise, Alberta has recently lost its top position as salaries have stagnated.
This article will analyze the current average salary in Alberta in detail. We will examine average provincial earnings, look at which cities and occupations pay the most, discuss declines in wage growth, and provide possible solutions to restore Alberta’s high incomes.
What is the Average Salary in Alberta?
The most recent Statistics Canada data for November 2024 shows the average weekly wage rate for all employees in Alberta is $1,393.51 CAD. This translates to an average salary of approximately $6,038.54 CAD (monthly) or $72,462.52 CAD (annually). Compared to the overall Canadian average weekly wage, Alberta continues to maintain a premium, reflecting its historically strong labor market and higher-paying industries.
It is important to consider both average and median earnings for a comprehensive view. The average wage of $1,393.51 CAD represents the aggregate provincial weekly wage divided by total employees. Meanwhile, the median weekly wage for Alberta in November 2024 is reported at $1,227.60 CAD, showing the “middle” value, with 50% of workers earning above and below this amount. The difference between the average and median indicates a slightly skewed wage distribution, influenced by higher-earning occupations raising the average.
Below is a breakdown of the Average weekly wage rate and Median weekly wage rate for each month from January to November 2024, highlighting how wages in Alberta have evolved throughout the year:
| Month | Average Weekly Wage Rate (CAD) | Converted to Average Monthly Wage | Median Weekly Wage Rate (CAD) | Converted to Median Monthly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | $1,335.66 | $5,787.86 | $1,151.25 | $4,988.75 |
| February 2024 | $1,342.29 | $5,816.59 | $1,153.75 | $4,999.58 |
| March 2024 | $1,351.70 | $5,857.37 | $1,154.00 | $5,000.67 |
| April 2024 | $1,385.74 | $6,004.87 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 |
| May 2024 | $1,376.45 | $5,964.62 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 |
| June 2024 | $1,364.06 | $5,910.93 | $1,160.00 | $5,026.67 |
| July 2024 | $1,393.79 | $6,039.76 | $1,160.00 | $5,026.67 |
| August 2024 | $1,388.36 | $6,016.23 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 |
| September 2024 | $1,386.71 | $6,009.08 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 |
| October 2024 | $1,391.10 | $6,028.10 | $1,200.00 | $5,200.00 |
| November 2024 | $1,393.51 | $6,038.54 | $1,227.60 | $5,319.60 |
From this data, we observe that the average weekly wage rate in Alberta saw a steady increase throughout the year, starting at $1,335.66 CAD in January and reaching $1,393.51 CAD by November. Similarly, the median weekly wage rate in Alberta started at $1,151.25 CAD in January and climbed to $1,227.60 CAD by November. The increase in both average and median wages suggests a positive trend in Alberta’s labor market, though the difference between the two continues to highlight some wage inequality, as higher earners pull the average above the median.
Overall, the latest salary data confirms Alberta’s continued advantage in average earnings over the Canadian average. While the gap has narrowed compared to historical double-digit premiums, the province still offers some of the highest wages in the country. However, Alberta’s lead as the top-wage province has diminished over the years, reflecting broader national wage growth and economic shifts.
What are the Highest Paying Cities in Alberta?
Salaries can vary significantly depending on which city you live in. Urban centers in Alberta offer incomes well above the provincial average:
Average Salary in Calgary
With an average salary estimated to be around $76,000 – $78,000 CAD, Calgary ranks as the highest-paying big city in the province. Calgary’s high wages likely reflect its concentration of head offices in finance, energy and other sectors. Highly paid roles like geologists, engineers, accountants, and IT professionals are abundant. However, Calgary also boasts the highest cost of living in Alberta, meaning real income adjusts downwards.
Average Salary in Edmonton
As Alberta’s capital and second largest metropolitan area, Edmonton provides an average salary of around $73,000 – $75,000 CAD. This places it amongst the province’s major cities above the overall mean. Edmonton hosts major government and healthcare institutions that employ many highly paid nurses, doctors and administrators. It also has key industrial, construction and logistics industries that lift wages. Edmonton has a lower cost of living than Calgary.
Average Salary in Fort McMurray
Although smaller in population, Fort McMurray offers high salaries averaging $80,000 – $85,000 CAD annually. This mining community generates above-average salaries in the province due to its proximity to oil sands projects. Petroleum engineers, geologists, trades workers and equipment operators command premium rates in the oil-driven economy. However, costs like housing and food also run higher than in other cities.
Average Salary in Red Deer
Situated between Edmonton and Calgary, Red Deer provides typical salaries of roughly $65,000 – $70,000 CAD per year. This places it in a competitive range compared to other mid-sized cities in Alberta. Red Deer has an economy driven by oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and healthcare. It offers a moderate cost of living.
Average Salary in Devon
Serving as a southern suburb of Edmonton, Devon offers high average salaries of $73,000 – $75,000 CAD per year. This salary exceeds the Alberta average, boosted by residents commuting into Edmonton’s high paying jobs. Housing costs are moderate.
Average Salary in Sherwood Park
As a bedroom community east of Edmonton, Sherwood Park provides average salaries of $70,000 – $78,000 CAD annually. Located in the Edmonton metro area, residents benefit from proximity to the city’s high-paying jobs. The cost of living is affordable compared to that of Calgary or Edmonton.
Alberta’s major urban centers pay substantially more than smaller towns. These cities likely benefit from high concentrations of high-paying jobs in sectors like oil & gas, finance, technology, and corporate headquarters. However, higher costs of living, especially in Calgary and Fort McMurray, offset some of these big-city wage gains.
Individuals seeking the optimal mix of high salaries and affordable living may find mid-size cities like Red Deer or Lethbridge to be the sweet spot. Alternatively, living in smaller communities like Devon or Sherwood Park while commuting to larger centers like Edmonton can provide a compromise between salary and cost of living.
What are the Highest Paying Jobs in Alberta?
Certain occupations and specializations command much higher salaries in Alberta compared to average wages. According to JobBank Canada data, the 10 professions with the highest median annual salaries in the province are:
Plastic Surgery Specialist – $486,469/year
Plastic surgeons in Alberta earn a median salary of over $400,000 annually. This top-tier pay reflects the specialized skills and training required to perform complex reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures. As highly trained medical specialists, plastic surgeons are well compensated for their expertise.
Judge – Law – $348,102/year
Judges earn a median annual salary of $348,102 in Alberta, reflecting the credentials and responsibilities assumed when overseeing legal cases and proceedings. This places judges among the province’s highest paid public servants.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist – $270,912/year
With advanced training in helping patients recover from debilitating injuries and illnesses, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians earn a median income of $270,912 in Alberta. Their specialized expertise in managing complex rehabilitation cases commands compensation almost five times higher than average provincial earnings.
General Practitioner (GP) – $178,213/year
As frontline physicians providing primary healthcare, Alberta’s general practitioners earn a median salary of $178,213 annually. This places them among the province’s highest paid professionals, with income over 5 times higher than average provincial wages. The pay reflects GPs’ critical role and the advanced medical training required. Shortages in recent years have also driven up compensation.
Chairman/woman – Financial, Communications and Other Business Services – $181,812/year
As senior executives and leaders within Alberta’s financial, communications and professional services sectors, these professionals earn median hourly wages of $87.41 or approximately $181,812 per year. Their strategic oversight commands pay nearly 4 times average.
Air Traffic Controller (ATC) – Canadian Armed Forces – $143,582/year
Leveraging specialized skills to coordinate military aircraft, air traffic controllers in the Canadian Armed Forces earn a median hourly salary of $69.03 in Alberta, or approximately $143,582 annually. This places them in the top echelon of paid occupations. The technical requirements and high-stakes nature of guiding military flights translate into strong compensation. Demand remains robust for qualified candidates.
Petroleum Engineer – $130,000/year
Leveraging technical skills in the oil and gas industry pays off for petroleum engineers, with median hourly wages of $62.50 translating to around $130,000 annually. This places them among the province’s highest-paid specialized professionals.
Insurance Lawyer – $144,996/year
With specialized expertise in a field that intersects law and finance, insurance lawyers earn median hourly wages of $69.71 in Alberta. This equates to annual pay of approximately $144,996.
Dentist – $120,000/year
Dentists in Alberta earn median annual salaries of $120,000. This pay level of more than double the overall provincial average reflects the advanced skills and specialized equipment needed to operate a dental practice. Strong demand also pushes dentist pay higher.
Legislator – $93,000/year
The median annual salary for Alberta legislators, predominantly members of the provincial legislative assembly, is $93,000. This pay reflects the senior status of elected representatives enacting laws and public policy.
The premium wages reflect scarce skills, high education requirements, and strong market demand. Individuals who develop expertise in these high paying specializations can expect significantly above average salaries.
In general, Alberta’s top salaries go to those combining specialized expertise with high demand. Particular occupations may shift with industry and economic trends, but the province rewards those positioned at the apex of their field.
What are the Most Common Occupations In Alberta?
While specialized roles in medicine, engineering, and management garner the highest pay in Alberta, most residents work in more mainstream occupations. Many of the most common jobs offer salaries moderately above the provincial average.
Retail Salespersons – $30,000
Workers in retail sales make up Alberta’s largest occupational group. Median earnings are around $30,000 annually, equivalent to hourly wages of $15-20. Retail work provides entry-level opportunities but limited wage growth potential.
Truck Drivers – $50,000
As a major goods-producing province, Alberta employs tens of thousands of truck drivers earning median salaries approximately $50,000. Class 1 license holders and oil field drivers earn towards the top end. The seasonal nature of hauling creates periodic unemployment.
Food Counter Attendants and Kitchen Helpers – $27,000
Many Albertans work in food service and preparation roles like fast food cooks and kitchen staff, typically earning around $27,000 per year. Unstable shift work makes it difficult to supplement these low wages.
Administrative Assistants – $40,000
With median earnings of $40,000, administrative assistants are paid slightly below Alberta’s overall average. Computer literacy supplements pay, but advancement prospects are limited.
Carpenters – $60,000
Leveraging construction demand pays off for Alberta carpenters, whose median income is $60,000. Apprenticeships and trade certifications are essential for accessing these solid blue-collar wages.
Accountants – $70,000
Strong financial sector and oil industry demand sustains wages of around $70,000 for accountants. Obtaining a professional accounting designation provides salary upside and career stability.
Retail Salespersons – $30,000
Workers in retail sales make up Alberta’s largest occupational group. Median earnings are around $30,000 annually, equivalent to hourly wages of $15-20. Retail work provides entry-level opportunities but limited wage growth potential.
Truck Drivers – $50,000
As a major goods-producing province, Alberta employs tens of thousands of truck drivers earning median salaries approximately $50,000. Class 1 license holders and oil field drivers earn towards the top end. The seasonal nature of hauling creates periodic unemployment.
Food Counter Attendants and Kitchen Helpers – $27,000
Many Albertans work in food service and preparation roles like fast food cooks and kitchen staff, typically earning around $27,000 per year. Unstable shift work makes it difficult to supplement these low wages.
Teachers – $60,000
With a median salary of $60,000, teachers earn moderately above the overall provincial average. Secure pensions and benefits help offset lower wage growth over their career.
Registered Nurses – $75,000
Strong demand enables nurses in Alberta to earn approximately $75,000 annually, 50% above average earnings. Willingness to work shifts, overtime and remote sites can further supplement pay.
Receptionists – $38,000
With typical wages of $38,000 per year, receptionists fall below the provincial mean. Advancement prospects are limited, but administrative skills can support wage growth.
Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers – $70,000
Overseeing store and sales operations pays retail managers median earnings of around $70,000. Larger store volumes and worker oversight provide salary upside.
Construction Managers – $80,000
Managing worksites and trades crews nets construction managers typical salaries of approximately $80,000. Knowledge of building codes, materials and regulations is needed to coordinate projects.
Software Developers – $75,000
Leveraging IT skills pays off with Alberta software developers earning $75,000 or more. Financial services and energy sectors offer the top pay for programmers and coders.
Mainstream jobs like retail, food service, driving, and reception generally pay near the overall Alberta average. However, strong demand for nurses, teachers, accountants, and trade workers pushes pay 15-25% above provincial means. These salary premiums reflect tight labour market conditions in fast-growing fields. Individuals with interests and skills aligned to in-demand occupations can realize substantially higher earnings.
What Impacts Salaries in Alberta?
Salaries in Alberta are influenced by a number of economic, industry, and geographic factors:
- Oil and gas industry – Salaries tend to be higher in Alberta due to the prominent oil and gas industry centred in Calgary and Edmonton. Petroleum engineering and technical roles earn well above average wages.
- Public sector – Government, healthcare, and education are significant employers that provide stable salaries and benefits on par or above provincial averages.
- Cost of living – Major urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton have higher costs of living, especially housing, which pushes wages higher. Remote, rural areas offer lower salaries.
- Labor supply and demand – Tight labor markets and skills shortages in occupations like technology, healthcare, and trades tend to bid up salaries more quickly. Oversupply depresses wages.
- Education and experience – Workers with higher education, sought-after skills, and more years of experience typically earn much higher salaries than entry-level roles.
- Unions – Unionized employees, especially in sectors like construction, transportation, and manufacturing, tend to earn higher hourly wages and benefits.
So in summary, salaries in specific occupations and regions of Alberta can be influenced by a wide mix of factors ranging from industry composition, supply and demand dynamics, geographic differences in costs of living, and an individual worker’s own education and experience.
What are the Salary Growth Trends in Alberta?
Looking at average weekly wage rates in Alberta from 2002 to 2023 reveals steady salary growth over the past two decades, with some acceleration in recent years:
- From 2002 to 2010, weekly wages in Alberta grew at an average annual rate of 2.4%, increasing from $684 in 2002 to $973 in 2010.
- Growth picked up pace between 2010 and 2014, with wages rising at a 3.5% annual clip, ending at $1,121 in 2014.
- The oil downturn led to a period of wage stagnation between 2014 and 2017, with average weekly earnings holding flat in the $1,100 to $1,160 range.
- A recovery began in 2017, with wage growth rebounding to 2.4% annually from 2017 to 2023, taking average weekly wages from $1,158 to $1,322.
- From 2002 to 2022, average wages in Alberta rose overall by about 85%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%.
The data reflects periods of rapid salary increases during boom times followed by plateaus in downturns. Going forward, Alberta’s economic and industry growth will determine if wages sustain a 2-3% annual growth trajectory. Continued gains in occupations like technology, healthcare, and trade could place upward pressure on wages.
The data shows Alberta’s wages growing at a faster pace than the national average over most of the past two decades. This reflects Alberta’s strong economy and high salaries in sectors like oil & gas. The gap has narrowed slightly in recent years as wage growth in Alberta has moderated. However, the province still maintains average weekly earnings around 8% higher than Canada-wide.
Examining Alberta’s Declining Wage Growth
For most of the 21st century, Alberta enjoyed the highest average wages in Canada due to its thriving oil and gas sector. However, the province has lost this top position over the past 5 years as salaries have stagnated.
Four Key reasons for Alberta’s declining wage growth include:
- Annual Earnings Growth: Hourly wages rose just 2% annually from 2018-2023 versus a national average of 3.4%
- Minimum Wage Freeze: Alberta froze minimum wage at $15/hour for over 5 years while other provinces saw 27% growth.
- Anti-Union Legislation: Bills passed to mandate union disclosure of finances and ban picketing have reduced membership.
- Public Sector Limits: Government has restricted wage increases for nurses, teachers and other public workers below inflation.
Four Impacts on Alberta Workers:
- Weakest wage growth in Canada
- Hourly pay in Alberta now lower than Ontario & British Columbia
- Real wage value declining due to inflation above 2%
- Drop from highest paid province to middle of the pack
Economists attribute much of the stagnant wage growth to deliberate policy decisions by Alberta’s government to restrain salaries rather than just market factors.
Reversing the declining wage growth may require measures to support higher minimum wages, stronger collective bargaining rights, and ending public sector restrictions. The government also needs to invest in diversification and skills training to strengthen wage prospects.
What are the Solutions to Restore High Wages in Alberta?
Alberta likely needs a combination of public policy reforms and private sector initiatives to regain its traditionally high national wage rankings.
Potential public policy solutions include:
- Gradually increasing the $15 minimum wage to match inflation
- Easing restrictions on union organizing drives
- Removing caps on public sector wage increases
- Expanding childcare support to boost workforce participation
- Investing in affordable housing to reduce living costs
The private sector can also help by:
- Offering higher pay to attract workers in tight job markets
- Embedding regular wage reviews tied to inflation or performance
- Providing skills training and development opportunities to boost productivity
- Introducing profit sharing, bonuses and other incentive pay programs
- Investing in automation and technology to enhance output per worker
With deliberate effort across industries and thoughtful policy reforms, Alberta can regain its competitive wage advantage. This will require making worker pay a priority again.
We examine average salaries across Canada, first with a national overview, then deep dives into wages in key provinces. This coast-to-coast tour of earnings will help readers understand how location impacts pay. Be sure to check out our interesting study on average salary in other provinces as well:
- Average Salary in British Columbia
- Average Salary in Ontario
- Average Salary in Quebec
- Average Salary in Saskatchewan
- Average Salary in Manitoba
- Average Salary in New Brunswick
- Average Salary in Nova Scotia
- Average Salary in Prince Edward Island
- Average Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador
Summary
This analysis aimed to provide an in-depth examination of the salary landscape in Alberta. To summarize:
- Average annual salaries in Alberta are around $70,000, with wide variations by occupation.
- Major cities like Calgary and Edmonton offer salaries 15% above average.
- Roles in medicine, engineering, sciences and trades provide the highest pay
- Mainstream jobs in healthcare, construction and hospitality pay 15-25% above means.
- Alberta’s wage growth has stagnated below national averages since 2018.
- Policy decisions on minimum wage, unions and spending contributed to the decline.
- Solutions exist in both the public and private sectors to restore high wage growth.
Overall, Albertans still earn relatively strong wages compared to other Canadians. However, the province has certainly lost the sizeable pay premium it previously enjoyed. With thoughtful effort by policymakers and employers, regaining Alberta’s coveted status as Canada’s highest-salary province can become achievable once again.
FAQs related to average salaries in Alberta
Q: How much does the average person make in Alberta per year?
A: The average annual salary across all occupations in Alberta is approximately $66,000 per year. However, pay varies significantly by industry, education level, and geographic region.
Q: What is considered a good salary in Alberta?
A: In Alberta, an annual income of $60,000 to $100,000 for an individual is generally considered a good middle-class salary and provides a comfortable lifestyle. Higher salaries approaching $150,000+ are accessible in high-paying sectors.
Q: Where are the highest paying jobs in Alberta located?
A: The cities of Calgary and Edmonton, as well as areas near oil operations like Fort McMurray tend to offer the highest salaries. Major urban corporate centers have the top-paying professional services roles.
Q: Why are salaries higher in Alberta than other provinces?
A: Salaries tend to be higher due to Alberta's oil and gas sector, strength of industries like construction and manufacturing, and higher demand for skilled trades, engineering, technology, and healthcare roles.
Q: When did salaries in Alberta start increasing rapidly?
A: Salary growth accelerated in the 2000s during the oil boom years up until 2014, before plateauing due to the downturn. Wage growth has rebounded modestly since 2017.
Q: Do salaries increase with the education level in Alberta?
A: Yes, higher education credentials like bachelor's, master's, and professional degrees lead to significantly higher salaries in Alberta, especially in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Q: Can foreign workers earn the same salaries as Albertans?
A: Salaries for foreign workers in Alberta depend on skill level but are generally comparable to local pay rates, especially in high demand occupations where talent shortages exist.
Q: How often do salaries increase in Alberta?
A: Alberta has seen average wage growth around 2-3% annually over the past decade. Individual raises vary by performance and economic conditions. Cost-of-living adjustments are common.
Q: What sectors pay the highest salaries in Alberta?
A: Oil/gas, construction, utilities, professional services, mining, manufacturing, and tech/telecom tend to have the highest paying roles based on industry data.
Q: How does Alberta salary growth compare to other provinces?
A: Wage growth in Alberta has been among the highest nationally, but other provinces like Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec have seen accelerating tech/knowledge economy salaries recently.
Q: What entry-level jobs pay well in Alberta?
A: Sectors like construction, healthcare, IT, and engineering provide the highest entry-level salaries of $50,000+ for roles like carpenters, nurses, and programmers.
Q: Are salaries rising or falling in Alberta in 2022?
A: After strong gains in 2021, early indications point to wage growth moderating in 2022 as labor supply increases and economic growth slows.
Q: How often do government salaries increase in Alberta?
A: Salaries for provincial and municipal government roles typically increase based on union agreements, often annually or bi-annually, depending on budgets.
Source:
- Wages in Alberta – jobbank.gc.ca
- Employee wages by industry, annual – statcan.gc.ca
- Average Salary in Alberta – ziprecruiter.com
- Wages in Alberta among the highest in Canada, StatsCan report says – cbc.ca
- List of Salaries by City in Alberta, Canada – salaryexpert.com
- Employee wages by industry, monthly – Table: 14-10-0063-01 – www150.statcan.gc.ca
