With over 8 million residents, Quebec is the second-largest province in Canada by population. Its diversified economy spans sectors such as finance, manufacturing, natural resources, science, and tourism. Quebec’s two major metropolitan areas are Montreal and Quebec City, although other mid-sized cities also play important economic roles.
Understanding the province’s job market, Average Salaries in Canada, compensation levels, and factors influencing earning potential can help inform career planning and financial decisions for current and prospective Quebec residents.
What Are The Average Salaries in Quebec?
According to Statistics Canada, the average salary across all occupations in Quebec is $1,259.63 per week, versus $1,312.16 for the national average in Canada. This places Quebec 9th among 13 provinces and territories in average wages across all occupations (behind the 3 territories and ON, AB, BC, NL, SK).
Annualizing $1,259.63 gives about $65,500.76 ($1,259.63*52 weeks). But keep in mind that average weekly earnings (AWE) can vary from individual annual incomes.
However, focusing only on the average wage in a province does not reveal the large differences across industries, locations, experience levels, and more. Quebec has a diverse economy with key sectors such as finance, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, professional services, construction, and natural resources. Typically, urban areas pay more than rural ones.
Methodological Note: Annualizing weekly earnings by multiplying by 52 assumes that workers are paid every week of the year without any unpaid time off. This method is accurate for salaried workers but only reflects "gross potential earnings" for hourly workers. They make up a significant portion of the SEPH data, as it assumes they worked the whole year.
What Jobs Have the Highest Average Wages in Quebec?
While the average salary across Quebec is $65,500.76, some occupations and industries pay much more due to high demand for specific skills. Typically, the highest-paying positions are in the medical field, senior management, and specialized engineering.
The table below, with data updated as of November 19, 2025, from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, outlines the wage ranges for top-earning occupations in Quebec.
| Occupation | Median Wage | High-End Wage |
| Specialists in surgery | $397,319 per year | $642,495 per year |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | $343,031 per year | $556,888 per year |
| Judges | $310,000 per year | $414,900 per year |
| General practitioners and family physicians | $268,808 per year | $505,024 per year |
| Dentists | $106,000 per year | $228,000 per year |
| Legislators | $96,000 per year | $184,000 per year |
| Mining engineers | $56.73 per hour | $120.19 per hour |
| Computer and information systems managers | $67.55 per hour | $103.84 per hour |
| Corporate sales managers | $56.25 per hour | $102.56 per hour |
| Aerospace engineers | $47.60 per hour | $100.00 per hour |
| Engineering managers | $66.15 per hour | $98.22 per hour |
| Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers | $59.86 per hour | $98.90 per hour |
| Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services | $40.46 per hour | $92.43 per hour |
| Software engineers and designers | $53.60 per hour | $86.54 per hour |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries | $51.98 per hour | $84.13 per hour |
Source: Wages in Québec – jobbank.gc.ca
Note that some professions report annual salaries, while others report hourly wages, reflecting different compensation structures.
These specialized professionals earn well above Quebec’s overall average salary, demonstrating the strong earning power associated with jobs in healthcare and medicine. The advanced expertise and experience required by these occupations lead to high compensation.
Outside of medical and legal careers, other management, professional services, engineering and IT roles also figure amongst Quebec’s highest-paying jobs, including:
Technology sector
- Computer Systems Managers: Median wage of $67.55/hour
- Software Engineers and Designers: Median wage of $53.60/hour
- Data Scientists: Median wage of $46.00/hour
- Cybersecurity Specialists: Median wage of $49.23/hour
Professional services
- Lawyers and Notaries: Median wage of $51.28/hour
- University Professors: Median wage of $61.15/hour
- Pharmacists: Median wage of $63.00/hour
- Civil Engineers: Median wage of $49.74/hour
Senior executive roles
- Utilities Managers: Median wage of $61.06/hour
- Corporate Sales Managers: Median wage of $56.25/hour
- Managers in health care: Median wage of $55.29/hour
- Commissioned police officers: Median wage of $68.75/hour
The salary data show that Quebec values specialized skills and leadership, especially in key sectors of the province’s economy and public well-being.
(The figures in this article are calculated based on the following formula: 1 year has 52 working weeks, 1 week has 40 working hours)
Average Salaries for Top In-Demand Jobs in Quebec
Quebec City has a variety of job opportunities in different sectors. Therefore, if you are looking to build a career there, it is also helpful to examine salaries for some of the most popular and in-demand jobs based on active job postings and searches within Quebec.
In-demand jobs with “Good” or “Very good” employment prospects are listed below, along with their median hourly wages, mainly from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Healthcare Professions
| Occupation (NOC) | Job Outlook (Québec City) | Wage Range (Québec) | Median |
| Dentists (31110) | Very good | $33,109-$228,000 per year | $106,000 per year |
| Optometrists (31111) | Very good | $33,109-$178,000 per year | $97,000 per year |
| Psychologists (31200) | Good | $38.60-$60.00 per hour | $50.00 per hour |
| Cardiology technologists and diagnostic electrophysiology technologists (32123) | Very good | $22.53-$41.33 per hour | $31.38 per hour |
| Registered dental hygienists (32111) | Very good | $30.00-$46.19 per hour | $39.00 per hour |
| Medical administrative assistants (13112) | Very good | $19.23-$28.00 per hour | $24.00 per hour |
| Nursing assistants, caregivers and patient attendants (33102) | Good | $19.00-$26.50 per hour | $24.89 per hour |
Technology and IT Positions
| Occupation (NOC) | Job Outlook (Québec City) | Wage Range (Québec) | Median |
| Cybersecurity specialists (21220) | Good | $30.67-$71.43 per hour | $49.23-$49.52 per hour |
| Software engineers and designers (21231) | Limited | $35.00-$86.54 per hour | $53.60 per hour |
| Software developers and programmers (21232) | Moderate | Use the software design engineer (21231) job category to estimate wages if local data is limited. Check specific sub-occupations on Job Bank. The median wage is usually around $50 per hour in Quebec. | |
| Data scientists (21211) | Limited | $31.73-$64.84 per hour | $46.00 per hour |
| Computer network and web technicians (22220) | Moderate | $25.71-$56.57 per hour | $37.02 per hour |
| User support agents (22221) | Limited | $22.00-$44.80 per hour | $30.00 per hour |
Education and Public Service Opportunities
| Occupation (NOC) | Job Outlook (Québec City) | Wage Range (Québec) | Median |
| University professors and lecturers (41200) | Moderate | $25.96-$84.25 per hour | $57.69 per hour |
| College and vocational instructors (41210) | Moderate | $26.00-$59.34 per hour | $48.61 per hour |
| Librarians (51100) | Moderate | $27.88-$51.28 per hour | $45.64 per hour |
Other High-Demand Professions
Several specialized fields show good and very good prospects:
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (12200): $20.25-$43.75 per hour (median $28.02)
- Document management technicians (12112): $16.63-$34.95 per hour (median $27.47)
- Property management agents/administrators (13101): $22.00-$60.10 per hour (median $34.77)
The data show that management and specialized fields such as civil engineering and cybersecurity have strong earning potential. The healthcare sector, which often has a high demand for jobs, also pays well, especially for leadership roles. This information, along with job outlook ratings, helps with career planning in Quebec City.
Source: Job prospects in Quebec – guichetemplois.gc.ca
What Impacts Average Salaries in Quebec?
For some people, the average wage in Quebec may not be enough for certain life events now or in the future. But remember that you can maximize your income depending on different factors, including:
- Experience Level: More experienced employees will typically earn higher compensation than entry-level and intermediate counterparts. Time spent developing expertise in a field is strongly correlated with pay.
- Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees, diplomas, licenses and credentials tend to lead to greater responsibility and higher salaries.
- Industry: Jobs in sectors like technology, finance, medicine, and engineering generally offer compensation that exceeds roles in retail, food services, and hospitality.
- Company Size: Larger companies and organizations typically offer higher pay to compete for talent.
- Location: Major urban centers offer higher wages, though some rural regions may pay more due to industry demand. The cost of living is also a location-based factor.
- Negotiating Ability: Salary negotiation skills and the ability to persuasively communicate value to employers affect pay.
- Benefits and Perks: Comparing total compensation beyond just base salaries is important.
Understanding how these elements interact to determine pay is crucial when evaluating average salaries in Quebec and earnings potential. Pursuing education, skills and opportunities in high-paying fields can maximize earning power.
How does the Cost of Living Impact Real Wages in Quebec?
Quebec earnings are about 4.0% lower than the national average, mainly due to a lower cost of living and a different industry mix in the province. So, it is essential to factor in the real wages, which reflect both what you earn and what you pay for everyday expenses. You should carefully consider living costs when comparing salaries across Canada and Quebec cities, as choosing affordable areas can lead to higher disposable income.
6 key factors that most affect real incomes in Quebec are:
Housing Costs
In Quebec, the job vacancy rate decreased to 2.9% in Q3 2025, down from 3.2% a year earlier. Meanwhile, the rental vacancy rate in Montreal increased to 2.9%, while Québec City’s agglomeration grew by 2.2% in 2025, up from 0.9% in 2024.
As of October 2025, the average rent in Quebec was $1,232 per month. In Montreal, a two-bedroom apartment averaged $1,346, which is lower than in Toronto ($2,046) and Vancouver ($2,363).
This shows that living costs in Quebec’s major cities can be more affordable. In Montreal, rents for two-bedroom apartments increased by 7.2% in 2025, underscoring the need to check local market rates when considering rental options.
Transportation
Transportation costs vary based on how far you commute and your means of travel, including parking and public transit fees. In 2023, Quebec households had the lowest average transportation expenses in Canada at $11,022 per household. Lower transportation costs can significantly increase disposable income, depending on how you commute.
Child Care
In 2025, subsidized child care in Quebec will cost families $9.65 per day. This financial support helps lower the out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families, positively affecting their disposable income.
Taxes
While Quebec gross salaries are competitive, residents face higher income taxes because they pay both federal and provincial taxes. However, this is offset by lower costs for services like childcare ($9.35/day) and post-secondary education.
You should use CRA’s Payroll Deductions Online Calculator for federal and provincial payroll deductions outside Quebec, and Revenu Québec’s WebRAS for Quebec deductions. These tools can help you estimate your take-home pay in Quebec after taxes and contributions.
Inflation
In November 2025, Quebec’s all‑items Consumer Price Index (CPI) was up 3.0% year over year, while the Bank of Canada projects CPI inflation to hover around 2% into early 2026.
Household Spending
In 2023, Quebec households spent an average of $65,344 on goods and services, the lowest among Canadian households. When comparing income, consider both spending habits and wages.
Together, these indicators suggest purchasing power is sensitive to price trends and varies by household and location. Even if some cities have higher salaries, costs like housing and taxes can reduce the real benefits. For example, $60,000 in Montreal has less purchasing power than the same amount in a smaller town.
Methodology note: Wage figures are based on Statistics Canada’s Average Weekly Earnings, which can be converted to an annual amount. Budget and spending data come from the Survey of Household Spending. Rent data is from the CMHC Rental Market Survey, while Consumer Price Index figures are sourced from the Institut de la statistique du Québec and the Bank of Canada/Statistics Canada. These metrics are different and should be used appropriately.
How Are Salaries Expected to Grow in Quebec in the Coming Years?
As of October 2025, average weekly earnings in Quebec increased by 2% compared to the previous year, and the Bank of Canada expects inflation to stay around 2% into early 2026. This suggests that companies are using higher pay to stay attract and keep talent in a competitive market, even amid economic uncertainty. However, growth may vary significantly by occupation.
The following occupational groups are expected to see strong salary growth based on labour market trends and demand:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: There is a high demand for roles such as registered nurses and personal support workers due to an aging population and labour shortages, though public-sector contracts may constrain salary growth.
- IT Professionals: As industries undergo digital transformation, there is a growing need for IT specialists, especially software developers and cybersecurity experts.
- Skilled Trades: A shortage of qualified tradespeople, such as welders and electricians, is driving up wages as companies compete for talent.
- Engineering and Engineering Technologists: There is a strong demand for various engineering roles essential to construction, manufacturing, and technology.
- Professional and Legal Services: The legal services sector is expected to see some of the highest salary increases.
Many areas are facing a shortage of skilled workers due to an aging population and skill mismatches. As demand for specialized skills grows, employers may need to offer higher pay and better benefits to attract qualified candidates.
On the other hand, lower-skilled jobs are expected to see slower wage growth as the market stabilizes after a period of high inflation. Even industries like retail, which are also dealing with recruitment challenges, anticipate wage increases.
Top Considerations for Job Seekers in Quebec
For current and future job seekers planning careers in Quebec, 6 key advices includes:
- Thoroughly research average salaries in Quebec for target occupations using multiple reputable sources. Look at ranges, distributions and factors like experience.
- Pursue education, certifications and skill development that align with high-paying, promising fields like healthcare, engineering and technology.
- Target positions, employers, and locations that offer strong current salary levels and projected growth.
- Negotiate salary strategically by demonstrating value and using relevant pay data comparisons.
- Carefully weigh and compare job offers based on salary, growth outlook, and total compensation, such as benefits.
- Adjust salary expectations based on qualifications and market conditions. Experience brings earning power.
With sound research and planning, professionals in Quebec can maximize their lifetime earning potential by carefully targeting lucrative, promising occupational fields.
A Real-World Example of Expected Salaries for Job Seekers
Imagine you are a software engineer with two job offers: one in Montreal for $105,000 per year and another in Toronto for $115,000 per year. Although the salary in Toronto is higher, it’s important to consider other factors.
For instance, Quebec has lower average housing costs; the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Montreal is $1,346, compared to $2,046 in Toronto.
Additionally, if you have children, Quebec offers subsidized daycare at a rate of $9.35 per day, which can lead to significant savings.
When you factor in these lower living costs, the seemingly lower salary in Montreal may actually provide you with higher disposable income and a higher quality of life.
To help you understand pay scales across Canada, we’ve compiled this series on average salaries by region:
- Average Salaries in Alberta
- Average Salaries in Ontario
- Average Salaries in Manitoba
- Average Salaries in Nunavut
- Average Salaries in Yukon
- Average Salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Salaries in New Brunswick
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on official data from December 2025. Individual pay rates may vary. For accurate take-home pay estimates, consult CRA PDOC or Revenu Québec WebRAS, as well as current collective agreements or employer policies.
Key Takeaways on Average Salaries in Quebec
Overall, Quebec offers competitive salaries in professional fields while maintaining lower living costs than major Canadian cities. Beyond that, there are still 5 key takeaways when discovering the average salaries in Quebec:
- Quebec offers average provincial earnings of approximately $1,259.63 weekly across all occupations. Actual incomes vary significantly.
- In Quebec for 2025, the vacancy rate is 2.7% and the average rent is $1,232. For Canada overall, the vacancy rate is 3.1% and the average rent is $1,488, according to CMHC Summary Statistics.
- The highest salaries are in skilled fields like medicine, sciences, engineering, law and management.
- Major factors impacting pay include location, education, experience, skills, industry and cost of living.
- Government and self-employment offer additional salary options beyond traditional employment.
By understanding all of them, you, as workers in Quebec, can maximize your opportunities for career growth and quality of life.
Note: This article presents average salary data for Quebec. Keep in mind that these numbers cover various professions and experience levels and reflect both full-time and part-time work. The salaries mentioned are gross amounts before taxes and deductions. Your actual earnings can vary based on your skills and experience. Use this information as a starting point for your own research.
FAQs related to average salaries in Quebec
Do Quebec salaries keep pace with inflation?
The Bank of Canada's projections estimate inflation will be around 2% until early 2026, which should roughly keep pace with normal inflation levels in Canada. You can use this information to compare with current salary budgets and evaluate real wage growth.
What perks come with top paying jobs in Quebec?
In addition to high salaries, top paying roles often come with generous benefits like pensions, bonuses, paid time off, equity compensation, and more.
Which college programs lead to top paying jobs in Quebec?
Degrees like engineering, computer science, accounting, nursing, and finance lead to many of Quebec’s highest paying careers.
Do bilingual Quebec workers earn more?
Many employers in Quebec, particularly in Montréal and the Québec CMA, require employees to be bilingual in English and French. However, recent reports have not provided specific information on wage benefits for being bilingual across the province.
Can foreign workers expect similar salaries in Quebec?
Recent data from StatCan shows that entry wages for new immigrants can be lower than those of Canadian-born workers. For example, the median entry-level salary for new immigrants in Quebec was $44,000 (tax year 2023), the highest among provinces that year. And they are more likely to earn lower wages.
Why do salaries vary so much in Quebec?
Experience, education, skills, industry, employer, location, and cost of living all impact actual earning potential substantially beyond just occupation.
Which industries pay the most in Quebec?
The finance, technology, healthcare, sciences, utilities, professional services, engineering, and construction sectors generally offer the highest average compensation.
