Alberta has a complex economy and a changing job market that offers competitive salaries, but it is facing increased competition from other provinces. Thus, our guide looks at average salaries in Alberta using the latest government data. It covers overall salary ranges, industry-specific pay, salaries by experience level, geographic differences, and wages for specific jobs.
What are the Average Salaries in Alberta?
The average weekly earnings in Alberta, including overtime, are $1,353.54, as of October 2025, which is above the average salaries in Canada of $1,312.16.
This places Alberta in 2nd place among Canadian provinces, behind only Ontario at $1,357.26. When the territories are included (Nunavut: $1,774, Northwest Territories: $1,753, Yukon: $1,514), Alberta ranks 5th overall in Canada.
However, Alberta’s year-over-year wage growth is only 0.5%, much lower than the national rate of 2.2%. It suggests that, while Albertans earn more on average, wages in other provinces are increasing faster.
Source: Payroll employment, earnings and hours, and job vacancies, October 2025 – Statistics Canada
Factors Affecting Wages in Alberta
Note that actual salaries can differ widely depending on the five intersecting factors that shape compensation in Alberta:
- Location: Major urban centers and economically strong regions typically offer higher salaries than rural areas.
- Years of experience: More experience generally leads to higher salaries.
- Education and certifications: Advanced degrees, training programs and certifications drive higher pay.
- Industry conditions: Sectors like healthcare, engineering and tech pay more for in-demand skills.
- Company size and revenue: Large global companies and wildly profitable startups pay above small businesses.
Which are the Highest-paying Jobs in Alberta?
The best-paying jobs are mostly in specialized medicine, senior management, and specific engineering and technology fields. According to the latest data from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the table below shows the 15 top-earning jobs in Alberta, including low-, median-, and high-wage estimates.
| Occupation (NOC) | Low Wage | Median Wage | High Wage |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | $180,159/year | $508,561/year | $984,111/year |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | $129,664/year | $272,306/year | $728,244/year |
| Judges (41100) | $348,102/year | $348,102/year | $414,900/year |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | $66,798/year | $178,213/year | $327,151/year |
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (00012) | $59.57/hour | $86.54/hour | $170.00/hour |
| Managers in natural resources production and fishing (80010) | $46.15/hour | $72.62/hour | $142.86/hour |
| Administrators – post-secondary education and vocational training (40020) | $40.87/hour | $54.95/hour | $136.75/hour |
| Lawyers and Quebec notaries (41101) | $27.88/hour | $78.85/hour | $126.92/hour |
| Engineering managers (20010) | $56.00/hour | $82.00/hour | $120.19/hour |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321) | $32.00/hour | $57.69/hour | $120.19/hour |
| Chemical engineers (21320) | $44.23/hour | $64.90/hour | $118.79/hour |
| Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers (11103) | $26.96/hour | $57.29/hour | $113.56/hour |
| Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities (00015) | $25.28/hour | $56.18/hour | $110.60/hour |
| Psychologists (31200) | $43.87/hour | $58.00/hour | $109.00/hour |
| Senior government managers and officials (00011) | $52.57/hour | $76.92/hour | $108.17/hour |
Source: Wages in Alberta – Government of Canada Job Bank
To earn a high income in Alberta’s strong economy, you usually need advanced education and several years of experience. For example, the medical field, especially for surgeons, offers some of the highest salaries, sometimes nearing one million dollars a year. This high pay reflects the extensive training required for their essential jobs. Other medical specialists and general practitioners also earn good incomes, showing the value of healthcare professionals in Alberta.
In addition to healthcare, senior managers in sectors like finance, communications, and natural resources also earn substantial salaries. Their high pay is related to the critical decisions they make that affect their companies and industries. It indicates that many career paths can lead to high income for those who excel.
What are the Top in-demand Jobs and their Salaries in Alberta?
Alberta’s labour market in the coming years remains strong, especially in sectors such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and client services. To understand job opportunities from 2024 to 2026, we use the Government of Alberta’s “Occupations in Demand” list and the latest wage data from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. All of this information is summarized in the table below.
| Occupation (NOC 2021) | Demand level (ALIS 2024-2026) | Employed in AB (ALIS) | Wage range |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | Hot | 47,300 | $30.00 – $54.49 per hour |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102) | Hot | 33,400 | $19.00 – $26.46 per hour |
| Financial auditors and accountants (11100) | Hot | 31,500 | $27.70 – $72.12 per hour |
| Sales and account representatives – wholesale trade (non‑technical) (64101) | Hot | 30,700 | $20.00 – $55.29 per hour |
| Material handlers (75101) | Hot | 29,400 | $16.50 – $31.95 per hour |
| Transport truck drivers (73300) | Balanced | 51,100 | $21.00 – $42.31 per hour |
| Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations (65201) | Balanced | 46,400 | $15.00 – $20.00 per hour |
| Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers (65102) | Balanced | 36,700 | $15.00 – $23.08 per hour |
| Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (12200) | Balanced | 35,100 | $20.00 – $50.96 per hour |
Source: ALIS Occupations in Demand (2024-2026 Alberta Short‑Term Employment Forecast – Government of Alberta & Job Bank Wages (Nov 19, 2025)
If you are seeking entry-level jobs with room for growth, consider becoming an accounting technician or working in store operations. These roles can open doors to supervisory or specialized positions, especially if you get relevant certifications.
If you are a registered nurse or planning to enter the nursing field, there is a strong demand and stable, unionized pay scales that support long-term career growth. Nurse aides also enjoy steady demand, making this an excellent option for those looking to enter healthcare with shorter training programs.
Besides, the finance sector is picking up steam. Auditors and accountants are in high demand, with a wide range of wages that vary based on credentials (such as CPA certification), industry sector, and overtime opportunities during busy periods. Sales jobs are also strong, especially for wholesale account representatives, who can earn well above average through commissions.
And, logistics and supply chain roles are steady earners. Truck drivers and material handlers are essential, and higher wages can be found in northern or remote areas, as well as in energy-related operations.
How does the Cost of Living Affect Salaries in Alberta?
While a high salary is appealing, its real value depends on how much it can buy. Alberta has some of the highest incomes in Canada, but it’s important to consider housing, taxes, and everyday expenses to understand your purchasing power.
Compared to British Columbia and Ontario, Alberta is more affordable, mainly due to lower housing costs and no Provincial Sales Tax (PST). However, living costs can vary widely between cities and rural areas, so it’s important to look at the details if you are considering moving there.
Income Tax in Alberta
Alberta has a tax system that helps residents keep more of their money. It’s the only province in Canada without PST, so people pay only a 5% federal GST on most purchases. This saves them money on things like cars and furniture.
Take‑home pay in Alberta is also affected by recent tax changes. Starting in 2025, Alberta’s personal income tax system is competitive, featuring a 10% rate on the first $151,234 of taxable income. Additionally, an 8% tax bracket for the first $60,000 of income takes effect, lowering the tax burden for many. Overall, the combination of low sales and income taxes means Albertans get to keep more of their earnings.
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing and taxes, everyday costs play a significant role in Alberta’s monthly budget, covering groceries, transportation, utilities, and child care.
In November 2025, grocery prices went up by 4.7% compared to the previous year. Also, when it comes to utilities and communication, costs can vary based on usage, so it’s better to check CPI movements for items like electricity and internet.
On a positive note, child care has become cheaper thanks to a federal-provincial agreement. Full-time licensed care costs about $15 per day (around $326.25 monthly) as of April 2025 and is expected to decrease to about $10 per day by 2026, which will help working parents financially.
Housing Costs
In November 2025, shelter prices increased by 2.3% compared to last year, while gasoline prices fell by 7.8%. The CMHC reports that while rent growth has slowed and some landlords are giving incentives to attract new tenants, there is still high demand for affordable units. Keep in mind that local conditions can vary, so check rental trends in your area when considering offers.
To help you understand pay scales across Canada, we’ve compiled this series on average salaries by region:
- Average Salaries in British Columbia
- Average Salaries in Nunavut
- Average Salaries in Nova Scotia
- Average Salaries in Quebec
- Average Salaries in Ontario
- Average Salaries in Yukon
- Average Salaries in Manitoba
- Average Salaries in Saskatchewan
Workers can use industry-specific wage data, online calculators, and government statistics to estimate average salaries in Alberta.
Key Takeaways on Average Salaries in Alberta
In summary, five key points on average salaries in Alberta include:
- Alberta’s weekly average wage is $1,353.54, making it the second-highest in Canada, just after Ontario.
- Salary growth is 0.5% year-over-year, lower than the national average of 2.2%.
- Top earners include specialized medical professionals and senior managers, with surgeons making over $500,000 a year.
- Healthcare workers and material handlers are the most in-demand jobs in the province.
- Consider your take-home pay, taxes under the new 8% bracket, and living costs such as auto insurance and transit.
As a result, although wages are high, workers must consider local costs, such as insurance and utilities, to assess their real financial situation.
Disclaimer: Earnings, CPI, and policy figures change often. This page reflects official sources as of December 2025. Please check with Statistics Canada, Alberta.ca, CMHC, Job Bank, and municipal sites before making financial decisions.
FAQs related to average salaries in Alberta
What industries in Alberta pay the highest salaries?
Some of the highest paying industries include healthcare, engineering, technology, construction, finance, and energy. These sectors feature in-demand jobs that command competitive salaries in Alberta.
How much do software engineers make in Alberta?
In Alberta, software engineers and designers (NOC 21231/21232) earn a median hourly wage of about $48.08 to $51.92, translating to an annual salary of roughly $100,000 to $108,000 based on a typical work year of 2,080 hours. Wages are even higher in Calgary, reaching up to $51.92 per hour.
Do salaries increase with higher education in Alberta?
Yes, completing advanced degrees, certifications, and training programs for your field generally results in higher pay in Alberta, as you develop specialized expertise.
What types of jobs pay $100,000+ per year in Alberta?
Roles that can earn over $100,000 per year in Alberta include various physician specialties, senior executives, software engineers, senior managers, finance professionals, specialized engineers, senior construction tradespeople, and experienced attorneys.
How much does location affect salary in Alberta?
Location significantly impacts salaries, with major urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton as well as economically strong regions generally paying more than rural areas of the province.
