Prince Edward Island is renowned for beautiful sandy beaches, fresh lobster rolls, and a relaxed seaside lifestyle. But how do Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island compare to the average salaries in Canada and the rest of the country?
This guide will analyze P.E.I. salaries across numerous metrics, occupations, locations, industries, and factors impacting earning potential. By the end, you’ll have a data-driven perspective on wages and the standard of living.
What are the Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island?
As of October 2025, Statistics Canada reports the average weekly salary, including overtime, across all occupations is $1,141.86. It increased by 4.3% from October 2024 to October 2025, which is much higher than the national rate of 2.2%. Workers seeking to maximize their earnings should focus on top-paying jobs, high-demand sectors, and suitable locations within PEI.
How Does Inflation Impact Your Average Salary in P.E.I?
We need to consider the cost of living to understand if this is a real improvement. In October 2025, P.E.I.’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items increased by 1.4% year-over-year, the lowest increase in Canada. This is mainly because energy costs dropped by 5.5% and gasoline prices fell by 9.9%.
When compared to the strong wage growth of 4.3%, Islanders are experiencing a real wage increase of about 2.9%, which is giving them more purchasing power.
However, not all costs are decreasing despite decreases in other areas:
- Shelter: Rent went up by 3.8% from last year.
- Food: Grocery prices increased by 4.6%.
- Insurance: Car insurance premiums rose by 10.9%.
Therefore, even though your paycheck has more purchasing power than last year, renters and commuters facing high insurance costs may feel a greater financial strain than they realize. Job seekers should look at both the salary offered and the local inflation rate when assessing pay.
How Does the Job Market Outlook in P.E.I Look?
Despite a national decline in job vacancies, Prince Edward Island’s job market remained strong in the third quarter of 2025. Statistics Canada reported an increase of 400 job openings, bringing the total to 2,400, indicating a good demand for workers. There are significant labour shortages in key areas like healthcare, skilled trades, and childcare.
The P.E.I. Office of Immigration is working to attract skilled workers to address these shortages. At the same time, jobs in sales and service may have more competition and are not a focus for immigration.
A table below provides information on job outlooks and salary expectations for in-demand occupations in P.E.I., with updated wage data from November 2025.
| Occupation (NOC) | Job Bank Outlook (PEI) | Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) |
| Financial managers (10010) | Good | $25.00 | $51.23 | $65.13 |
| Human resources managers (10011) | Good | $36.53 | $50.00 | $83.33 |
| Financial auditors and accountants (11100) | Good | $24.10 | $40.00 | $61.25 |
| Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (11202) | Good | $21.23 | $30.89 | $50.05 |
| Chemists (21101) | Good | $22.00 | $36.41 | $51.79 |
| Business systems specialists (21221) | Good | $28.84 | $38.34 | $52.85 |
| Information systems specialists (21222) | Good | $24.04 | $40.00 | $61.54 |
| Database analysts and data administrators (21223) | Good | $18.00 | $36.30 | $49.23 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers (21230) | Good | $30.67 | $38.97 | $47.18 |
| Managers in health care (30010) | Good | $51.00 | $52.30 | $76.92 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | Very good | $103,834 (Annual) | $318,714 (Annual) | $473,486 (Annual) |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | Very good | $73,872 (Annual) | $530,709 (Annual) | $309,016 (Annual) |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | Very good | $89,508 (Annual) | $209,676 (Annual) | $333,708 (Annual) |
| Veterinarians (31103) | Good | $29.33 | $51.82 | $71.23 |
| Pharmacists (31120) | Good | $46.88 | $55.50 | $62.50 |
| Dietitians and nutritionists (31121) | Good | $30.77 | $40.38 | $44.00 |
| Physiotherapists (31202) | Good | $19.23 | $41.88 | $45.00 |
| Occupational therapists (31203) | Good | $36.00 | $39.46 | $47.56 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors (31300) | Good | $23.08 | $43.08 | $53.00 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | Very good | $31.50 | $42.00 | $49.98 |
| Nurse practitioners (31302) | Very good | $37.74 | $50.65 | $59.54 |
| Licensed practical nurses (32101) | Very good | $25.00 | $31.00 | $32.25 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111) | Good | $39.00 | $46.00 | $48.00 |
| Medical laboratory technologists (32120) | Good | $17.00 | $37.57 | $41.75 |
| Medical radiation technologists (32121) | Good | $32.00 | $37.57 | $48.26 |
| Social workers (41300) | Good | $25.33 | $40.00 | $46.56 |
| Educational counsellors (41320) | Good | $31.05 | $42.55 | $56.27 |
| Business development officers and market researchers and analysts (41402) | Good | $19.00 | $37.00 | $48.08 |
| Construction managers (70010) | Good | $31.14 | $45.33 | $73.53 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (72014) | Good | $23.00 | $35.00 | $46.15 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (72402) | Good | $21.02 | $31.21 | $34.02 |
Source: Job outlooks in Prince Edward Island – Government of Prince Edward Island, Job Bank
Preparing for Your Future Career in P.E.I New Industries
While healthcare and trades are currently in demand, Prince Edward Island is growing in several new sectors. The P.E.I. BioAlliance is focused on bioscience and biomanufacturing, creating high-value jobs in research and advanced manufacturing. The aerospace and renewable energy sectors, especially wind and solar, are also expanding. Job seekers should keep an eye on these fields for long-term career growth and good salaries, as they will help drive the island’s future economy.
How Average Salaries in P.E.I Compare Nationally?
Average salaries in Prince Edward Island are lower than the national average, ranking 13th among Canada’s provinces and territories. This is due to its small economy, lack of industrial variety, and seasonal jobs that impact year-round earnings. Let’s compare some important economic indicators:
Challenging Economic Factors
PEI depends mainly on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. However, they are seasonal, which doesn’t create many high-value jobs. For example, many people find work in agriculture during harvest season, but there aren’t enough year-round jobs.
As of November 2025, the Accommodation and Food Services sector gained 2,000 jobs, the Health and Social Services sector gained 2,500 jobs, and the Professional, Scientific, and Technical sector gained 900 jobs compared to the previous year.
However, the goods-producing sector lost a total of 2,600 jobs, with Agriculture losing 1,300 jobs, Manufacturing losing 100 jobs, Construction losing 600 jobs, and Other Primary Industries losing 600 jobs.
A key challenge is that population growth exceeds job creation. Despite a 1.8% year-over-year increase in PEI’s population, the employment rate dropped to 60.6% in November 2025, down 1.4 percentage points. This indicates that job growth is not keeping pace with the province’s rapid population growth.
Higher Unemployment Than Most Provinces
The unemployment rate shows the percentage of workers looking for jobs but unable to find one. In PEI, this rate is usually higher than the national average, indicating a tough job market.
| Province | November 2025 Unemployment Rate |
| Quebec | 5.1% |
| Saskatchewan | 5.6% |
| Manitoba | 6.1% |
| British Columbia | 6.4% |
| Canada (National) | 6.5% |
| Alberta | 6.5% |
| New Brunswick | 6.6% |
| Nova Scotia | 6.7% |
| Ontario | 7.3% |
| Prince Edward Island | 7.7% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 10.4% |
Source: Labour Force Survey Monthly – princeedwardisland.ca
Youth employment in PEI has dropped by 7.1% since January 2025, while jobs for those aged 25 and older have grown by 1%. Besides, the working-age population has increased by only 1.8% year-over-year, reducing the pressure on employers to raise wages.
The unemployment rate represents the share of the labour force that is not employed but actively seeking work. The significantly higher unemployment rate in P.E.I. means many Islanders cannot find suitable work.
Remote Location
Geographic isolation can increase transportation and operational costs for businesses, thereby impacting profits and, in turn, putting downward pressure on wages. While rural areas may offer a lower cost of living, they typically have fewer services and job opportunities compared to urban centres.
What are the Top-Paying Jobs in Prince Edward Island?
According to Job Bank’s P.E.I. wage table (updated Nov 19, 2025), the highest annual salaries are for Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, reaching up to $473,486, and Judges, earning up to $455,000.
The table below shows the top 10 highest-paying professions in PEI:
| Occupation (NOC) | Unit | Low | Median | High |
| Specialists in surgery (31101)* | $/year | $73,872 | $530,709 | $309,016 |
| Judges (41100) | $/year | N/A | $414,900 | $455,000 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | $/year | $103,834 | $318,714 | $473,486 |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | $/year | $89,508 | $209,676 | $333,708 |
| Senior government managers and officials (00011) | $/hour | $42.46 | $56.29 | $108.69 |
| Computer and information systems managers (20012) | $/hour | $19.94 | $58.97 | $87.18 |
| Lawyers and Quebec notaries (41101) | $/hour | $25.64 | $57.69 | $81.03 |
| University professors and lecturers (41200) | $/hour | $32.05 | $57.69 | $87.02 |
| Government managers – economic analysis, policy development and program administration (40011) | $/hour | $41.11 | $61.54 | $71.79 |
| Other managers in public administration (40019) | $/hour | $35.90 | $61.54 | $74.36 |
| Pharmacists (31120) | $/hour | $46.88 | $55.50 | $62.50 |
| Managers in health care (30010) | $/hour | $51.00 | $52.30 | $76.92 |
Source: Wages in Prince Edward Island – Job Bank
*For surgery specialists (NOC 31101), the median wage appears higher than the highest wage because of how the data is collected. A few very high earners can significantly affect the median figure.
Data show that P.E.I. has good earning potential in medical, legal, and senior management jobs. It’s vital to understand wage data accurately. For example, public administration roles offer competitive hourly wages rather than relying on broad provincial averages, which can be misleading.
Governments pay economic policy managers (NOC 40011) a median wage of $61.54 per hour, while senior government managers (NOC 00011) earn about $56.29 per hour, leading to over $117,000 annually for full-time work. There are also high-paying jobs in technology; computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012) earn a median hourly wage of $58.97. These figures highlight the real earning potential for specific roles and experience levels.
Important note: Most jobs on Job Bank show pay in dollars per hour. However, some physician and public office positions are listed with annual salaries due to data limitations. The table below maintains the original format to prevent confusion.
Which Industries Pay the Most in Prince Edward Island?
Beyond occupation and location, the industry you work in greatly affects how much you can earn in Prince Edward Island. While agriculture and fisheries remain important, recent data show that the highest-paying jobs are mainly in specialized, knowledge-based, and public service sectors.
Here are some of the highest-paying industries in P.E.I.:
Healthcare and Social Assistance
This industry is leading in job growth, adding 2,500 jobs each year. High salaries are due to the demand for specialized medical professionals.
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
This sector includes fields like IT, engineering, and bioscience. It grew by 900 jobs last year, indicating a strong demand for skilled workers.
Public Administration
Government jobs at all levels offer stable, well-paying positions, especially in senior management roles, which are among the highest in the province.
Manufacturing
Though jobs in this sector can vary, advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, continues to thrive, providing competitive wages for skilled technicians and managers.
Source: Island Economy – Government of Prince Edward Island
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 British Columbia
- Average Salaries in Nova Scotia
- Average Salaries in Quebec
- Average Salaries in Manitoba
Other Factors Affecting Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
Several factors influence how much people earn in Prince Edward Island, including experience, education, industry, location, cost of living and compensation. By understanding these deeply, you can help explain why salaries differ across industries and jobs.
Experience and Education: More work experience and higher education increase salaries as workers gain more expertise.
Industry and Occupation: As discussed, compensation varies enormously by industry and occupation. Nurses, engineers, developers, and government workers earn far more than retail or food service roles.
Location Within Province: Based on labour supply and demand, salaries swing between high-paying cities and rural areas.
Organization Size: Bigger companies and organizations generally offer higher pay than small businesses.
Cost of Living and Purchasing Power: While nominal wages appear lower in P.E.I., costs like housing are far more affordable.
Compensation Beyond Salary: Benefits such as health/dental insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition assistance, year-end bonus, and flexible work arrangements also enhance total compensation beyond base salary.
Key takeaways of the Average Salary in PEI
Average salaries in Prince Edward Island of $1,141.86 weekly reflect structural economic challenges. However, with strategic career planning, there are 5 pathways to earn higher incomes.
- Target in-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and emerging sectors.
- Pursue professional certifications or specialized training to move into higher-paying roles.
- Be aware that some positions in the service sector tend to offer more limited growth opportunities.
- The youth job market is showing a concerning decline, making experience and specialization even more critical for young workers.
- Remember to negotiate total compensation packages that go beyond just the base salary when making career transitions.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice. Wages depend on factors like employer, hours worked, union coverage, and experience. All statistics are current as of the specified date and linked to official sources; we update the page when new data is available.
FAQs related to average salaries in Prince Edward Island
Why is Prince Edward Island's average salary lower than other provinces?
Factors such as a smaller GDP, a large seasonal employment sector (tourism and agriculture), and a less diversified economy contribute to lower average salaries than in larger provinces like Ontario or B.C.
Do medical specialists earn high salaries in P.E.I.?
Yes, medical specialists are among the highest earners in the province. Surgeons, clinical medicine specialists, and family physicians all command six-figure salaries.
Can you earn a good salary as a paramedic in Prince Edward Island?
Yes, paramedics earn above the P.E.I. median salary of $27.31 per hour.
What is the average salary for an entry-level employee in P.E.I.?
In Prince Edward Island, entry-level wages typically begin near the minimum wage, which is $16.50 per hour as of October 1, 2025. As confirmed by the Government of Prince Edward Island, it will increase to $17.00 per hour on April 1, 2026. While this is the legal minimum, positions in high-demand fields may offer higher starting pay.
What benefits besides salary do P.E.I. jobs offer?
Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, vacation time, tuition assistance, and remote work options.
