Newfoundland and Labrador is an eastern Canadian province known for its natural beauty, fishing heritage, and vibrant cultural traditions. While the province has faced some recent economic uncertainties, ample well-paying job opportunities exist across sectors. This in-depth article will explore average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador and the highest-paying roles.
What are the Average Salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
According to Statistics Canada, the average weekly salary in Newfoundland and Labrador across all occupations is $1,293.43 as of October 2025, up 4.0% from the previous year. This growth is among the highest in Canada, nearly double the national average increase of 2.2%.
Newfoundland and Labrador has the fourth-highest average earnings among 10 provinces in Canada, behind Ontario ($1,357.26), Alberta ($1,353.54), and British Columbia ($1,310.62). This puts the province’s salary slightly below the national average wage of $1,312.16 per week, but higher than the other six provinces.
Economic and Job Market Outlook for Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, traditionally focused on natural resources like oil, mining, and fishing, is currently showing resilience and undergoing changes.
As of November 2025, the working population was 244,000, with an unemployment rate of 10.4%, which is higher than the national average. However, unemployment rates differ by region:
- The Avalon Peninsula had the lowest rate at 7.6%,
- The South Coast-Burin Peninsula and Notre Dame-Central-Bonavista Bay region had the highest at 12.9%,
- The West Coast-Northern Peninsula-Labrador region had a rate of 9.7%.
These differences indicate that job opportunities are mainly found in urban areas.
Besides, the job market has changed in different industries. The resource sector gained 1,600 jobs, a 10.7% increase, mainly in forestry and fishing. The accommodation and food services sector added 1,700 jobs, a 12.4% rise. In contrast, the construction sector lost 1,500 jobs, an 8% decrease, but there is still a need for skilled workers in this area.
Therefore, for those entering or advancing in the job market, it’s important to know the latest job trends. The Government of Canada has identified that the list of in-demand occupations includes roles with “good” or “very good” prospects in the coming years.
Top In‑Demand Jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador
Below are some high-demand occupations in the province, sourced directly from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. These roles typically require advanced education, licensing, and significant experience.
| Occupation (NOC) | Outlook (NL) | Median pay | Pay range |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | Very good | $434,053 per year | $143,704-$699,989 per year |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | Very good | $303,112 per year | $114,972-$535,328 per year |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | Very good | $204,492 per year | $86,738-$396,356 per year |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | Very good | $44.00 per hour | $33.65-$52.00 per hour |
| Managers in natural resources production and fishing (80010) | Very good | $67.31 per hour | $36.06-$96.15 per hour |
| Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers (83101) | Very good | $35.00 per hour | $28.75-$60.00 per hour |
| Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing (93100) | Very good | $42.83 per hour | $27.00-$70.00 per hour |
| Managers in social, community and correctional services (40030) | Very good | $45.67 per hour | $28.00-$74.52 per hour |
| Engineering managers (20010) | Good | $62.00 per hour | $40.38-$102.56 per hour |
| Petroleum engineers (21332) | Good | $60.10 per hour | $38.46-$72.12 per hour |
| Geoscientists and oceanographers (21102) | Good | $50.00 per hour | $27.47-$96.15 per hour |
| Managers in health care (30010) | Good | $54.00 per hour | $30.00-$64.10 per hour |
| Pharmacists (31120) | Good | $51.00 per hour | $33.00-$59.00 per hour |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors (31300) | Good | $50.00 per hour | $17.00-$56.25 per hour |
| Medical laboratory technologists (32120) | Good | $38.00 per hour | $32.00-$42.10 per hour |
| Medical radiation technologists (32121) | Good | $38.90 per hour | $36.77-$48.99 per hour |
| Occupational health and safety specialists (22232) | Good | $42.27 per hour | $26.02-$63.62 per hour |
| Supervisors, mining and quarrying (82020) | Good | $56.32 per hour | $32.05-$102.00 per hour |
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021) | Good | $57.69 per hour | $40.00-$96.15 per hour |
| Power engineers and power systems operators (92100) | Good | $45.90 per hour | $25.00-$67.31 per hour |
Source: Job outlooks in Newfoundland and Labrador – Job Bank
Methodology Note: We use Statistics Canada’s average weekly earnings data for general salary information. For specific occupations, we refer to the median hourly wages from Job Bank and specify the time period.
Annual estimates are clearly marked (e.g., based on 52 weeks). For self-employed individuals such as dentists and real estate agents, we provide annual income figures from Census and Job Bank data, noting that these figures can vary significantly.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador
Medical specialists, senior executives, and specialized managers have the highest earnings in Newfoundland and Labrador. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the following 10 occupations offer the highest salaries in the province:
| Occupation (NOC) | Median pay | Pay range |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | $434,053 per year | $143,704-$699,989 per year |
| Judges (41100) | $426,900 per year | $311,400-$426,900 per year |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100) | $303,112 per year | $114,972-$535,328 per year |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | $204,492 per year | $86,738-$396,356 per year |
| Dentists (31110) | $180,000 per year | – |
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (00012) | $86.00 per hour | $65.87-$120.19 per hour |
| Air traffic controllers and related occupations (72601) | $70.70 per hour | $35.70-$107.83 per hour |
| Utilities managers (90011) | $69.64 per hour | $47.69-$106.31 per hour |
| Managers in natural resources production and fishing (80010) | $67.31 per hour | $36.06-$96.15 per hour |
| Engineering managers (20010) | $62.00 per hour | $40.38-$102.56 per hour |
Source: Wages in Newfoundland and Labrador – Job Bank
As the data show, most of the highest-compensated positions are:
Medical specialists: Surgeons top the list, earning over $699,000 a year. Other specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine can make over $535,000. These jobs require 8 to 12 years of education, including residency and often further training.
Legal professionals: Federal judges earn about $338,800 per year, while lawyers can earn between $27.47 and $76.92 per hour, resulting in varying annual incomes.
Senior Management: Positions such as senior financial managers and engineering managers can pay more than $100 per hour. These roles usually need a bachelor’s degree and 5 to 10 years of experience.
In summary, occupations requiring advanced medical expertise and training are rewarded with the highest salaries, substantially above the norm in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Is Newfoundland and Labrador a Good Place to Live and Work?
Beyond wage earnings, professionals often look at the quality of life as well as salary. Newfoundland and Labrador is known for being safe and welcoming. Although average incomes may be lower than in other provinces, salaries can still offer a good standard of living when considering local costs and lifestyle advantages.
Here are 5 factors that you should consider when searching for a job in this province:
- Cost of Living in Newfoundland and Labrador: The provincial inflation rate was a moderate 2.2% in November 2025. However, shelter costs rose by 3.3% and food by 4.0%. This was offset by a 7.7% decrease in gasoline prices.
- Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador: The general minimum wage is $15.60 per hour, providing a baseline for entry-level earnings.
- Safety and Community: Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the lowest crime rates in North America. The communities here are friendly and rich in culture, with many festivals celebrating local food and music.
- Environment: Residents enjoy beautiful scenery, clean air, fresh water, and vast open spaces, offering excellent work-life balance and proximity to outdoor recreation.
- Public Services: The province provides strong public services, including healthcare and education, as well as modern transportation infrastructure.
Source: Learn about Newfoundland and Labrador – Government of Canada
By aligning your skills with what matters to you in life, you can find a job that pays well, has great benefits, and offers a good quality of life in the province.
Tips to Earn the Top Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador
For residents or those considering relocating to Newfoundland and Labrador, here are 8 some key job search and career advancement tips:
Research In-Demand Roles
Carefully research the occupations forecast to see strong demand and continuous hiring in your regions of interest. Pay special attention to any technical skills shortages. Targeting a truly in-need profession will enhance bargaining leverage.
Get Licensed and Specialize
Consider what advanced certifications, licenses, diplomas, degrees or specializations could help set you apart in a chosen field. Specialists earn far higher salaries and have better advancement prospects. Even basic credentials like an accounting or HR certificate can boost pay substantially.
Learn High-Value Software and Technical Skills
Mastering niche technical abilities can really benefit roles like software development, data analytics, network engineering, and trades work. Keep expanding your skills in the latest programming languages, CAD tools, equipment operation, drones, laser scanning, etc. These specialized abilities command top dollar, especially on major industrial projects.
Consider Temporary Contract Roles
Taking contract positions at large resource development sites or for government initiatives can earn much higher short-term pay, although benefits may be fewer. Travel nurses and tradespeople especially capitalize on urgent temporary hiring needs.
Relocate for Your Profession
Research where salaries are most competitive for your occupation and consider relocating if necessary. Rural and northern regions often pay premiums to attract doctors, technicians, nurses and more. You can always move back to your preferred locations once you gain experience.
Choose Industries Strategically
Focus on key sectors that are attracting significant provincial investment and demand. For instance, the rise of wind-hydrogen projects is increasing jobs in renewable energy. Similarly, the tech sector is looking for positions such as AI Developers and Ocean Mapping Specialists under the Priority Skills NL immigration program.
Negotiate Salary and Benefits
When offered a role, don’t hesitate to negotiate pay, bonuses, vacation time, pension contributions, and other benefits. Employers expect this and are flexible. Knowing your value and systematically requesting higher compensation often works.
Change Companies Strategically
Once you have a few years of experience, leverage your expertise to earn major pay increases by changing companies. Look for businesses desperate for your niche skills. Carefully timed company changes early in a career can boost long-term salary potential.
In summary, proactively managing your career and acquiring specialized skills in high-demand fields will help maximize your earnings in Newfoundland and Labrador. Seek out and create opportunities.
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 Saskatchewan
- Average Salaries in Alberta
- Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
- Average Salaries in Quebec
Key takeaways of the Average Salary in NL
Average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador reach $1,293.43 as of October 2025. This is an increase of 4% from the previous year, driven by a growing resource-based economy. For workers in NL, there are 3 key ideas to note to access the high wages:
- Specialized roles in healthcare, oil/gas, and mining often exceed the provincial medians.
- Technical and professional roles are commanding increasing wage premiums due to labour shortages.
- While the cost of living is rising, it remains manageable compared to other major Canadian centres, though food and shelter are key expenses to budget for.
Overall, there is a strong correlation between education, specialization, and salary potential across all top-paying occupations in the province.
Disclaimer: This article shares general information about the job market and wages in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is not a substitute for financial, legal, career, or tax advice. Always check official sources and consult qualified professionals before making decisions.
FAQs related to average salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador
How much do registered nurses earn in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses in Canada have a "Very good" job outlook. They earn a median wage of $44.00 per hour, with typical wages ranging from $33.65 to $52.00 per hour, depending on experience and specialization.
Do skilled trades earn good salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Skilled trades are in high demand and pay well. For example, construction millwrights and industrial mechanics have good job prospects and earn a median wage of $42.35 per hour, with pay ranging from $26.00 to $57.30 per hour. The strong demand for these skills, especially in industrial, construction, and natural resources, leads to these competitive earnings.
Which major companies in Newfoundland and Labrador pay high salaries?
The data highlights that the highest-paying job sectors are natural resources, healthcare, and public administration. Positions like "Managers in natural resources production and fishing" and "Oil and gas well drillers" offer great salary and job outlook.
This shows that companies in oil, gas, mining, and fishing pay very well. Additionally, senior roles in public service and specialized healthcare jobs are also highly paid.
What sectors have the highest salaries in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The healthcare sector has some of the highest-paying jobs, with specialists in surgery and clinical medicine earning over $500,000 a year. Other well-paying fields include law and public administration, where judges make between $311,400 and $426,900 annually, along with senior management positions in finance and business services.
