Choosing the right career path in Manitoba can mean the difference between earning $30,000 or $300,000 annually. Understanding average salaries in Manitoba and comparing them to average salaries in Canada can provide valuable insights for students, job seekers, and professionals planning their next career in the province. This article analyzes how location, industry, and skill levels shape earnings across Manitoba.
What Are The Average Salaries in Manitoba?
The overall current average salary for all occupations in Manitoba is $1,177.18 per week as of October 2025. It represents a 1.8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. According to Statistics Canada, this rate in Manitoba also ranks 9th among provinces, trailing the national average by 10.3%.
Here is the table of comparative provincial wages in Canada:
| Province | Weekly Earnings (as of Oct 2025) | Rank |
| Canada | $1,312.16 | – |
| Ontario | $1,357.26 | 1 |
| Alberta | $1,353.54 | 2 |
| British Columbia | $1,310.62 | 3 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,293.43 | 4 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,277.40 | 5 |
| Quebec | $1,259.63 | 6 |
| New Brunswick | $1,193.47 | 7 |
| Nova Scotia | $1,179.42 | 8 |
| Manitoba | $1,177.18 | 9 |
| PEI | $1,141.86 | 10 |
| Yukon | $1,514.94 | – |
| Northwest Territories | $1,753.40 | – |
| Nunavut | $1,774.16 | – |
Note: The three territories, which are Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, are excluded from the rank column due to their unique conditions and locations in Canada.
What Factors Influence Average Salaries in Manitoba?
While useful for comparison, average salaries themselves don’t tell the whole story. The following six factors cause salaries to vary significantly within occupations:
Experience Level: Entry-level pay starts lower, while salaries increase with more years on the job.
Education and Credentials: Advanced degrees, certifications, specialized skills, and training can greatly boost pay.
Field/Industry: Industries like healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance feature higher compensation ranges than other sectors.
Employer: Salaries fluctuate based on company size, budgets, notoriety, and geographic location of offices.
Location: As shown earlier, salaries in significant cities and economically vibrant areas tend to exceed provincial averages.
Labour Supply/Demand: Incomes trend higher for high-demand roles with limited qualified candidates.
Jobs Receive the Highest Average Salaries in Manitoba
Medical specialists earn the highest salaries, while technology and skilled trades provide strong middle-income opportunities. The tables below display the top highest-paying jobs in Manitoba and their average salaries:
Top Manitoba occupations by high hourly wage
| Occupation (NOC) | Low ($/year) | Median ($/year) | High ($/year) |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | 161,289 | 457,991 | 826,328 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | 118,433 | 343,507 | 699,304 |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | 97,422 | 240,395 | 487,678 |
| Judges (41100) | 354,017 | 354,017 | 455,000 |
| Dentists (31110) | N/A | 116,000 | N/A |
| Optometrists (31111) | N/A | 119,000 | N/A |
| Chiropractors (31201) | N/A | 91,000 | N/A |
| Real estate agents and salespersons (63101) | 34,810 | 68,000 | 174,000 |
| Legislators (00010) | 34,810 | 70,000 | 154,000 |
| Musicians and singers (51122) | N/A | 38,800 | N/A |
Keep in mind that physician earnings depend on clinical payments, payment types, specialty, and hours worked. To know the physician pay, use MB Job Bank specialty wages and CIHI indicators, and clarify whether it’s gross income or salary.
Note: Many jobs, like dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, and real estate agents, are often self-employed or earn commissions, so their earnings can vary based on how many hours they work, their business costs, and market conditions.
Top Manitoba occupations by high hourly wage
| Occupation (NOC) | Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) |
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (00012) | 57.69 | 89.74 | 137.02 |
| Architecture and science managers (20011) | 30.00 | 51.65 | 128.21 |
| Managers in natural resources production and fishing (80010) | 41.92 | 68.04 | 115.67 |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries (21210) | 34.19 | 56.41 | 112.82 |
| Air traffic controllers and related occupations (72601) | 31.95 | 64.29 | 105.26 |
| Commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services (40040) | 36.53 | 72.66 | 98.39 |
| Physicists and astronomers (21100) | 35.02 | 64.71 | 96.38 |
| Corporate sales managers (60010) | 27.77 | 56.92 | 89.74 |
| Computer and information systems managers (20012) | 41.83 | 58.65 | 87.82 |
| Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers (11103) | 21.92 | 42.75 | 84.53 |
Note: Wage data for different jobs comes from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and is updated regularly, with the latest update on November 19, 2025. Readers can check wages for any job using the “Compare wages” tool on Job Bank by entering the NOC code. For jobs with annual salaries, the hourly wage is calculated using a standard 2,080-hour work year.
The high compensation reflects the advanced expertise, extensive training, and high demand required for these critical healthcare roles. However, achieving these positions takes many years of education and experience.
Source: Wages in Manitoba – Job Bank
Most In-Demand Jobs in Manitoba
According to the official Manitoba Labour Market Outlook for 2025-2029, the province expects to have 138,400 job openings. The sectors with the highest demand will be:
Health occupations: 23,800 openings (as part of the broader “Healthcare and social assistance” industry group). An aging population and the continued need for patient care drive this demand. Health authorities are actively hiring for different positions to meet this need.
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations: 25,600 openings. This demand comes from ongoing construction, a strong transportation and logistics sector, and the need for skilled mechanics to service heavy equipment used in agriculture and manufacturing.
Sales and service occupations: 29,000 openings. The wholesale and retail trade industry will account for 17,600 of those openings.
Business, finance and administration occupations: 26,800 openings. These jobs are crucial for the effective functioning of businesses in all industries.
This table lists the Top 10 jobs with the most expected job openings and their hourly wages.
| Occupation (NOC 2021) | Projected job openings (2025-2029) |
| Transport truck drivers (73300) | 4,700 |
| Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (64100) | 4,500 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102) | 4,000 |
| Retail and wholesale trade managers (60020) | 3,000 |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (41221) | 3,000 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | 2,900 |
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (43100) | 2,400 |
| Early childhood educators and assistants (42202) | 2,300 |
| Administrative assistants (13110) | 2,200 |
| Light‑duty cleaners (65310) | 2,200 |
Source: Manitoba Labour Market Outlook – Government of Manitoba
So, for those seeking employment rather than self-employment, positions in healthcare, skilled trades, and specialized teaching roles provide the most substantial income potential with active job markets.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced Salaries in Manitoba
Entry-level salaries for new professionals are generally lower than those for experienced workers. Manitoba’s minimum wage is $16.00 per hour starting October 1, 2025. So, a full-time job at this wage earns about $33,280 a year (based on 2,080 hours).
According to data from the Government of Canada and Statistics Canada, starting salaries are available in fields such as sales, administration, and support services. The exact salary can vary based on:
- Job type (NOC code)
- Level of education
- Industry
- Size and location of the employer
For up-to-date salary information specific to Manitoba, check the Government of Canada Job Bank or Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey.
Career Progression Examples: A Registered Nurse in Manitoba typically earns between $34.00 and $52.40 per hour (median $45.00). With 10-15 years of experience and specialization, nurses can become Nurse Practitioners, earning between $50 and $63 per hour (median $55.00).
Understanding Manitoba Salaries by Education
Educational attainment is a key factor influencing earning potential. People with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn about 55% more per hour than those with only a high school diploma or less, according to Statistics Canada 2024 data.
However, the field of study, occupations, experience, and other factors also significantly influence incomes. Smart education and career choices can maximize the ROI of education.
Note on Salary Calculations: Annual salary figures in this article are based on a standard work year of 2,080 hours (40 hours per week for 52 weeks). Weekly earnings are calculated over a whole year, but actual earnings can vary due to factors such as overtime, benefits, bonuses, and the number of weeks worked. This follows Statistics Canada's practices.
Job Market Outlook in Manitoba
It’s essential to recognize that job markets vary across the province. The official Manitoba Labour Market Outlook for 2025-2029 provides a regional breakdown that indicates where job openings are most concentrated. Of the projected 138,400 job openings, the majority are located in the Winnipeg economic region:
- Winnipeg: 92,400 job openings
- Southeast: 13,900 job openings
- North Central and South Central: 10,900 job openings
- Southwest: 9,900 job openings
- Interlake: 6,600 job openings
- Parklands and North: 4,700 job openings
Major cities like Winnipeg usually offer higher salaries and more job opportunities, especially in business and finance. In contrast, areas like the Southeast focus more on construction and trades. Job seekers should consider these regional differences when planning their careers.
Pro tip: While average weekly earnings in Manitoba are $1,177.18, the living wage varies significantly by region. According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba Living Wage Update 2025, the Winnipeg living wage is $19.77/hour (2025), Brandon is $16.22/hour, and Thompson is $17.89/hour. Therefore, job seekers should check whether the salaries they are considering meet or exceed these living wage levels to ensure financial stability.
Source: Manitoba Labour Market Outlook – Regional Forecast – Government of Manitoba
Average Salaries in Canada vary widely between provinces and territories due to factors like cost of living, labour supply, and economic strength. 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 Alberta
- Average Salaries in Saskatchewan
- Average Salaries in Nunavut
- Average Salaries in Yukon
- Average Salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Salaries in Quebec
- Average Salaries in Ontario
Key Takeaways From Manitoba Salary Analysis
To sum up, the average weekly earnings in Manitoba are $1,177.18 as of October 2025. This amount places the province ninth nationally, with 5 key features:
- Salaries vary significantly by occupation, education, experience, industry, location, and other factors.
- Highly specialized fields like medicine and engineering result in the highest-paying jobs, but they require extensive education and training.
- Big cities like Winnipeg offer higher incomes than rural areas.
- In-demand nursing and software development roles offer strong income potential based on current hiring demand.
- Education level correlates directly with higher earning ability over the long term.
Understanding these trends and average salaries in Manitoba can help inform strategic career planning and education decisions tailored to your personal goals.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information from Statistics Canada, the Government of Canada Job Bank, and Manitoba government sources, and other sources as of October 2025. Salary details can vary widely depending on factors like job type, industry, experience, education, location, hours worked, and economic conditions.
This information is for reference only and should not be the only resource for meaningful career or financial decisions. Actual salaries may be different from what is presented. For specific salary information related to your job, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank or Statistics Canada. For detailed financial or career planning, it's best to talk to a qualified professional, such as a financial advisor or career counsellor.
FAQs related to average salaries in Manitoba
What are the highest paying jobs in Manitoba?
The highest paying jobs in Manitoba are in specialized medicine, including roles like vascular surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, oncologist, cardiologist, and radiologist. These jobs average well over $300,000 per year.
What is the average salary for nurses in Manitoba?
Registered nurses in Manitoba earn an average salary of $92,853 per year. Salaries depend on years of experience, employer, specialty, and credentials.
Is Winnipeg or rural Manitoba better for salaries?
On average, salaries for the same roles tend to be moderately higher in major cities like Winnipeg versus rural areas of Manitoba. However, cost of living differences also impact take-home pay.
Is Winnipeg or rural Manitoba better for salaries?
On average, salaries for the same roles tend to be moderately higher in major cities like Winnipeg than in rural areas of Manitoba. However, cost-of-living differences also impact take-home pay.
How can I maximize my salary potential in Manitoba?
Ways to maximize your salary in Manitoba include pursuing high-demand fields like healthcare and technology, attaining higher education credentials, gaining specialized skills and experience, networking, researching salaries, and negotiating pay competitively.
How long does it take to reach the maximum salary in a career?
It typically takes at least 10-15 years of progressively advancing experience to reach the maximum or close to maximum salary in most professional careers. Gaining specialized expertise takes significant time.
Which Manitoba cities have the lowest cost of living?
Some Manitoba cities with relatively low costs of living include Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Thompson, Selkirk, and Brandon compared to Winnipeg or other major urban centers. However, salaries may be lower too.
