New Brunswick is one of Canada’s smaller provinces on the eastern coast by the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2021, its population was about 775,610, but it had grown to an estimated 868,630 by late 2025. Despite its size, the job market in the province is dynamic, and some professionals in New Brunswick earn competitive salaries.
This guide looks at average salaries in New Brunswick, compares them to the rest of Canada, highlights the highest-paying cities and jobs, shows in-demand roles, discusses factors affecting earnings, and reviews salary growth trends.
What are the Average Salaries in New Brunswick?
According to Statistics Canada, the Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) (including overtime) for all employees in New Brunswick is $1,193.47 as of October 2025. The province is positioned as 10th among Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories.
Besides, as of October 2025, the average weekly earnings in Canada are about $1,312. Workers in New Brunswick earned approximately 9% less than the average. However, New Brunswick’s wages have been growing faster, rising 2.1% year-over-year. This figure is slightly lower than the 12‑month change nationally (2.2%), but higher than in some larger provinces.
It shows that while New Brunswick’s wages are still lower, they are increasing more quickly than the national average. This is a good sign for job seekers, as the province is trying to attract skilled workers by offering better rates.
Current Data Note: This guide uses the latest Statistics Canada data as of December 2025, including a population estimate from Statistics Canada, earnings data from SEPH, and the November 2025 Labour Force Survey results.
What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in New Brunswick?
The average income in New Brunswick is helpful to know, but many jobs pay much higher. Generally, people with special skills, advanced education, and experience can earn a lot. As a result, the top-paying jobs are primarily in healthcare, management, and specialized technical sectors.
According to Job Bank’s latest data, here are some of the highest-paying jobs in New Brunswick:
| Job title (NOC) | Median pay |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | $421,734 per year |
| Judges (41100) | $414,900 per year |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | $335,358 per year |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | $187,297 per year |
| Dentists (31110) | $132,000 per year |
| Air traffic controllers and related occupations (72601) | $75.19 per hour |
| Senior Managers – Financial, Communications and Other Business Services (00012) | $72.12 per hour |
| Engineering Managers (20010) | $62.50 per hour |
| University Professors and Lecturers (41200) | $60.10 per hour |
| Lawyers (41101) | $59.94 per hour |
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors (72600) | $55.29 per hour |
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021) | $52.20 per hour |
| Administrators – post-secondary education and vocational training (40020) | $48.08 per hour |
Note: Salaries for fee-for-service professionals, such as specialist doctors and dentists, can vary widely depending on their practice, location, and working hours. The figures provided may represent higher earnings and may not reflect a typical income.
It is also worth noting that several other occupations in New Brunswick have very high median hourly wages. These include:
- Senior Managers in Financial, Communications, and Other Business Services (00012) at $72.12 per hour
- Utilities Managers (90011) at $61.78 per hour
- Engineering Managers (20010) at $62.50 per hour
- Lawyers (41101) at $59.94 per hour
- University Professors and Lecturers (41200) at $60.10 per hour
For more details and reference periods, please see the Job Bank source mentioned above.
Which Jobs are Most in Demand in New Brunswick?
In addition to the highest-paying roles, it’s important to understand salaries for in-demand jobs with strong hiring demand in New Brunswick. These occupations offer stability and good career prospects.
In late 2025, New Brunswick’s labour market showed remarkable resilience. According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey released in December 2025, the province added 5,500 jobs in November, representing a 1.4% increase, mainly in full-time positions. It is one of the strongest growth rates in the country.
This strong hiring trend reduced the unemployment rate to 6.6%, a notable improvement from the previous month. This indicates increasing opportunities in both the goods-producing and service sectors. So, employers in Construction, Healthcare, and Transportation need to offer better pay to attract workers.
The Government of Canada’s Job Bank has employment outlooks for 2024-2026, particularly for the Fredericton area, which reflects broader provincial trends. Here’s a look at some of the most in-demand jobs in New Brunswick, along with their wage data.
| Job title (NOC) | 3‑Year outlook (2024-2026) | Median pay |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | Very good | $44.77 per hour |
| Licensed practical nurses (32101) | Very good | $31.50 per hour |
| Pharmacists (31120) | Good | $52.00 per hour |
| Medical laboratory technologists (32120) | Very good | $35.78 per hour |
| Engineering managers (20010) | Very good | $62.50 per hour |
| Computer and information systems managers (20012) | Good | $56.61 per hour |
| Information systems specialists (21222) | Good | $38.46 per hour |
| Police officers (except commissioned) (42100) | Good | $50.00 per hour |
| Transport truck drivers (73300) | Good | $23.00 per hour |
| Social workers (41300) | Good | $40.00 per hour |
Source: Job outlooks in New Brunswick – Government of Canada
Tip: Use the Job Bank Outlook tool to check your local economic region and verify the local rating before negotiating.
How is New Brunswick’s Economic Landscape?
To fully understand salary potential in New Brunswick, it’s essential to consider the province’s economic structure. New Brunswick is shifting its economy from traditional industries such as forestry, fishing, and mining to knowledge-based industries to support future growth and higher wages.
According to a government report from July 2025, key contributors to the provincial GDP include real estate, public administration, and healthcare, which together account for over a third of the economy.
The government’s economic development strategy for 2026, led by agencies such as Opportunities NB, aims to accelerate growth in emerging sectors. These sectors include:
Energy Innovation: With assets like the Port of Belledune and a commitment to the green transition, the province is promoting research and development in renewable energy.
ICT and Cybersecurity: New Brunswick is recognized as a hub for cybersecurity, digital health, and agri-tech, attracting investment and talent in these high-value industries.
Advanced Manufacturing and Exports: As Canada’s most export-dependent province, New Brunswick is working to diversify its markets beyond the United States and eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers to strengthen its manufacturing sector.
This strategic transition from traditional to knowledge-based industries is vital for future wage growth. It highlights why specialized technology and engineering roles rank among the highest-paid and most in-demand occupations.
Future Economic Outlook and Salary Trends in New Brunswick
It is essential to understand the future of New Brunswick’s economy if you are planning to pursue a career there. For 2026, forecasts indicate steady but moderate growth. RBC Economics predicts a 1.2% increase in real GDP, despite some challenges from a slowing U.S. economy. Meanwhile, TD Economics is more optimistic, estimating 1.3% growth due to rising infrastructure spending and a strengthening housing market.
What Factors Impact Average Salaries in New Brunswick?
Salaries can vary substantially among professionals in New Brunswick based on below 8 key factors:
Location
The location has a significant impact on earning potential. Cities tend to offer higher pay than rural areas and smaller towns. Job seekers should target major employment hubs that support their industry. Even within cities, salaries may be higher in specific neighbourhoods or regions with many corporate offices.
Experience Level
More work experience frequently leads to higher pay. Those early in their careers tend to earn the minimum wage in New Brunswick for their occupation. However, salaries can increase substantially with years of experience. Some professions have sharp salary jumps at certain experience milestones. The “years of experience” factor accounts for significant salary differences among occupations.
Industry
Your industry or field of work impacts salary averages. Technology and healthcare are two sectors that tend to pay higher than hospitality, retail, and other service-related industries. Working for a significant, high-paying industry player can lead to above-average compensation.
The Bilingualism Bonus
New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, so being able to speak both English and French is very valuable for jobs there. Many government and other employer job postings require bilingualism, especially in healthcare, social services, and public administration. This can lead to more job opportunities and quicker promotions.
Moreover, with more remote work options, tech professionals in Information Systems (NOC 21222) can earn higher wages from companies in Ontario or British Columbia, which is pushing up salaries locally.
Education and Training
Advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized training qualify professionals for the highest-paying occupations. For example, a Ph.D. or medical degree enables careers as physicians, surgeons, and scientists. Certain technical certifications also command substantial pay. Education level correlates closely with salary.
Company Size
In general, larger companies have higher budgets and pay higher salaries for top talent. Major corporations tend to pay above-market rates for in-demand specialties like software development, data science, nursing, etc. Small companies may face pay constraints and pay below average.
Hours Worked
Salaried employees who work longer hours, overtime, and take on more workload tend to earn more in total compensation. Hourly workers who log more hours directly increase their pay. The willingness to work beyond a regular schedule can drive higher salaries.
Employer Financial Situation
Well-funded institutions, successful companies, and thriving organizations usually offer above-average pay. Startups and struggling businesses frequently pay below-market salary rates. Seeking out financially healthy, growing employers is advantageous for compensation.
Negotiation Skills
Strong negotiation and persuasion skills can help you argue for higher offers and raises, maximizing your salary. Advocating for your value and competing offers can result in thousands more in pay.
In summary, pursuing the proper education and training, gaining ample experience, working for major employers in top industries, and negotiating effectively can all help optimize salaries in New Brunswick. The key is making strategic career decisions.
Example of How Salary is Affected in New Brunswick
For example, the role of an Engineering Manager (NOC 20010) in New Brunswick is among the highest-paying jobs, with a median hourly wage of $62.50. This high salary is driven by factors such as the industry’s focus on Energy Innovation, the need for an engineering degree and professional certifications, and significant management experience.
Similarly, Registered Nurses (NOC 31301) are in high demand, especially with the Bilingualism Bonus, as many healthcare jobs require fluency in both English and French, which boosts job security and opportunities in this field.
To help you understand pay scales across Canada, we’ve compiled this series on average salaries by region:
- Average Salaries in Ontario
- Average Salaries in Manitoba
- Average Salaries in Quebec
- Average Salaries in British Columbia
- Average Salaries in Nunavut
- Average Salaries in Yukon
- Average Salaries in Northwest Territories
Key Takeaways about Average Salaries in NB
Average salaries in New Brunswick may face challenges compared to other regions, but there are still good opportunities for high earnings. Four things to take note of are:
- The average weekly salary in NB for October 2025 is $1,193.47.
- Medical and tech professionals earn the highest wages.
- Skilled trades and government jobs also pay well.
- Your city can also impact your salary, as some locations offer higher wages.
Understanding these factors can help people make smart career choices in the province.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and was last updated on January 2026. The data comes from official sources and reputable institutions, with links for verification. Salary and economic data can change quickly. This is not financial or career advice. Readers should use this information as a starting point and should do their own research or consult a professional before making decisions. EBsource does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.
FAQs related to average salaries in New Brunswick
Why are wages for doctors and surgeons so high in New Brunswick?
Specialist doctors and surgeons earn high salaries because they require extensive education, have specialized skills, work long hours, and are in high demand in healthcare.
What jobs pay over $100,000 a year in New Brunswick besides healthcare?
Many high-paying jobs are in medicine, but others include Engineering Managers, Senior Business Services Managers, Lawyers, and experienced IT roles like Information Systems Managers.
When do salaries typically peak in New Brunswick?
Salaries in New Brunswick tend to peak after decades of experience, often between the ages of 50 and 65, before retirement. The highest salaries go to highly experienced specialized professionals.
Can location impact salary in New Brunswick?
Yes, location has a major impact on salary. Cities like Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John pay higher than rural areas in New Brunswick.
Is education level linked to higher pay in New Brunswick?
Yes, higher levels of education strongly correlate with higher pay in New Brunswick. Workers with doctorates earn almost triple what those with just a high school diploma earn.
What benefits do jobs in New Brunswick offer?
Typical benefits include health/dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation & holidays, sick days, education assistance, gym memberships, and other perks depending on the employer.
How does my salary in New Brunswick compare to the rest of Canada when considering the cost of living?
The average salary in New Brunswick is lower than in provinces like Alberta or Ontario, but the lower cost of living, especially for housing, often offsets this. As a result, your disposable income in New Brunswick could be similar or even higher than if you earned a bigger salary in a more expensive city.
Is remote work affecting salaries in New Brunswick?
Yes, the rise of remote work is affecting local wages in New Brunswick. Tech workers can now get better-paying jobs from companies in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver without moving. This is leading to higher salaries for skilled positions in the province, as local companies must match national pay rates.
