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 standard of living.
How Average Salaries in P.E.I Compare Nationally?
Let’s start by comparing some key economic indicators:
Lowest GDP Per Capita
According to Statistics Canada 2019, P.E.I. had the lowest GDP per capita of all provinces, at just $39,871. This compared poorly to the national average of $56,304.
GDP per capita measures the total inflation-adjusted value of goods and services produced divided by the population. It indicates that P.E.I. residents’ economic productivity and prosperity significantly trail those of other provinces.
Lowest Median Employment Income at $30,100
P.E.I. holds the undesirable position of having the lowest median employment income in Canada at just $30,100.
Median employment income includes pre-tax wages, salaries, and commissions earned by employed individuals, including employees and the self-employed.
$6,750 Below National Median Income
The median employment income in the rest of Canada (excluding Atlantic provinces) was $36,850, $6,750 higher than P.E.I.’s median income.
This demonstrates the typical employed Islander earns significantly less than most other Canadians. Closing this substantial wage gap remains an economic priority.
Employment Rate 3.1% Below National Average
P.E.I.’s employment rate of 59.3% also trails the 62.4% national employment rate for those aged 25-54.
The employment rate refers to the share of the employed adult population. The 3.1% gap indicates weaker job prospects and opportunities in P.E.I. Boosting the employment rate will require matching skills with industry demand.
Higher Unemployment Than Most Provinces
Finally, according to the Fraser Institute report, P.E.I.’s unemployment rate of 8.8% was much higher than the 5.5% rate in non-Atlantic Canada in 2019.
The unemployment rate represents the share of the labour force that does not have a job but is actively looking for work. The significantly higher unemployment rate in P.E.I. means many Islanders cannot find suitable work.
Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
Now, let’s analyze how salaries in Prince Edward Island translate across different occupations. The average salary across all occupations is $43,220 annually, equal to approximately $20.78 per hour.
Top-Paying Jobs: Medical Specialists Earn Over $300,000
The highest paying occupations in P.E.I. are specialized medical professions earning well over $300,000, including:
- Orthopedic Surgeon – $397,160
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon – $362,746
- Diagnostic Radiologist – $344,562
Other high-earning medical specialties, such as cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and general surgeons, also rank among the top salaries in the province. These salaries demonstrate the substantial compensation for doctors with advanced specializations.
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $397,160 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $362,746 |
| Diagnostic Radiologist | $344,562 |
| Urologist | $340,240 |
| Cardiologist | $337,780 |
| Anesthesiologist | $334,991 |
| General Surgeon | $332,590 |
| Otolaryngologist | $321,177 |
| Cardiac Anesthesiologist | $315,973 |
| Orthodontist | $314,018 |
Salaries for Popular Jobs
Some of P.E.I.’s most in-demand jobs also pay decently above the $43,220 provincial average.
- Mayor – $87,393 annually
- Paramedic – $48,357
- Real Estate Agent – $94,568 for first-year agents
This indicates relatively strong earnings potential in local government, healthcare, and sales roles that are popular on the Island.
Hourly Wage for Entry-Level Roles
According to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, typical wages for more entry-level or lower-skilled occupations like “Employee” dip to around $11.12 per hour on average.
This broad category includes retail salespersons, food service workers, cashiers, general labourers, and other similar roles. It represents the lower end of P.E.I.’s pay scale.
$52,000 Considered Above Average in Charlottetown
In the provincial capital of Charlottetown, an annual salary of $52,000 is considered 12.7% above the city’s average income of $46,160. This suggests an income near the overall P.E.I. average provides a relatively decent standard of living in Charlottetown specifically.
Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island By Location
Location within the province also significantly impacts earning potential. Data shows that proximity to larger urban centers corresponds with higher pay.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Cornwall | $49,370 |
| Charlottetown | $45,220 |
| Belfast | $44,291 |
| Summerside | $40,220 |
| Kensington | $40,043 |
On the other hand, smaller rural communities in P.E.I. offer lower average salaries:
- Montague – $37,454 annually
- Alberton – $36,171
- Souris – $39,444
This creates an urban-rural wage gap exceeding $10,000 annually. Job seekers should carefully weigh earning potential and the cost of living.
Source: Average Salary in Prince Edward Island – ziprecruiter.com
Industries With High Salaries in Prince Edward Island
Beyond occupation and location, the industry itself also impacts pay in P.E.I.
Healthcare and Social Assistance
The healthcare and social assistance sector offers substantial salaries given P.E.I.’s aging population. According to tax data, registered nurses earn a median income of $80,069 provincially. Job postings suggest registered nurses earn $33-$48 per hour.
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
This industry includes high-paying fields like accounting, architecture, engineering, computer systems design, and scientific research. According to tax data, the median income is $80,069. Jobs are concentrated in urban areas.
Public Administration
Government is another relatively well-compensated sector in P.E.I. According to tax data, public administrators earn a strong median income of $70,690. Jobs range from municipal clerks to provincial policy analysts.
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
Factors Affecting Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
What other factors shape the earning potential of P.E.I. residents?
Experience and Education
More work experience and higher education increase salaries as workers gain more excellent expertise. For example, registered nurses can earn 20% above licensed practical nurses in Canada.
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 by over $10,000 between high-paying cities like Cornwall and rural areas like Montague.
Organization Size
Bigger companies and organizations generally offer higher pay than small businesses. For instance, small firms pay 34% less for administrative roles.
Cost of Living and Purchasing Power
While nominal wages appear lower in P.E.I., costs like housing are far more affordable. Charlottetown rents are nearly 50% below Toronto, improving real purchasing power.
Compensation Beyond Salary
Benefits like health/dental insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition assistance, and flexible work arrangements also enhance total compensation beyond base salary.
FAQs related to average salaries in Prince Edward Island
Where are the highest paying jobs in Prince Edward Island located?
The cities and towns with the highest average salaries are concentrated in urban areas like Cornwall, Charlottetown, Belfast and Summerside.
Why is Prince Edward Island's average salary lower than other provinces?
Factors like lower GDP per capita, low median employment income, lower employment rates and higher unemployment contribute to lower average salaries in P.E.I.
When do salaries in P.E.I. tend to be higher?
Salaries tend to be higher for jobs requiring more education, in urban areas, in certain industries like healthcare, and later in one's career with more experience.
Do medical specialists earn high salaries in P.E.I.?
Yes, medical specialists like orthopedic surgeons, oral surgeons and radiologists earn very high average salaries over $300,000 in P.E.I.
Can you earn a good salary as a paramedic in Prince Edward Island?
Yes, paramedics earn above the P.E.I. average salary at $48,357 annually
What is the average salary for an entry-level employee in P.E.I.?
The average hourly wage for entry-level employees is around $11.12 per hour
Which sector pays the highest salary in P.E.I.?
The healthcare and social assistance sector pays the highest salaries in P.E.I. given the aging population, with registered nurses earning a median income of $80,069
How much does experience impact salary in P.E.I.?
More years of experience can increase salaries by up to 20% in fields like nursing as workers gain expertise.
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