With a small population of just 48,278 as of July 1, 2025, scattered across a vast wilderness territory, Yukon is unlikely to have a thriving job market or attractive salaries. However, its robust industries still provide ample employment opportunities for job seekers.
Understanding average salaries in Canada across occupations, experience levels, education backgrounds and locations in Yukon can help job seekers evaluate positions and negotiate fair compensation.
Whether you’re considering a move to scenic Yukon or are already living there, you’ll have the insights needed to position yourself for success.
What are the Average Salaries in Yukon?
Statistics Canada shows that the average weekly salary in Yukon is $1,514.94 as of October 2025, the third-highest in Canada. This figure represents a 3.2% increase from last year, compared to Canada’s overall increase of 2.2%. The high salary is mainly due to a strong public sector and the need for well-paid workers in its resource-driven economy, especially in mining.
What Jobs Have the Highest Average Salaries in Yukon?
High-paying positions usually require advanced education, special skills, and experience. These jobs are mainly found in important sectors like healthcare, public administration, professional services, and skilled trades.
Below is a list of some of the highest-paying jobs in the territory, with wage information from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
| Occupation (NOC) | Low | Median | High |
| Specialists in surgery (31101) | N/A | 395,184 | N/A |
| Judges (41100) | 319,145 | 329,145 | 408,700 |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | 82,632 | 219,382 | 424,378 |
| Senior government managers and officials (00011) | 59.98 | 77.05 | 127.34 |
| Construction managers (70010) | 48.00 | 54.49 | 80.00 |
| Police officers (except commissioned) (42100) | 48.08 | 53.92 | 60.58 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | 33.00 | 48.50 | 60.88 |
| Financial managers (10010) | 38.46 | 61.54 | 77.88 |
| Heavy‑duty equipment mechanics (72401) | 30.34 | 44.17 | 56.86 |
| Social workers (41300) | 44.23 | 47.69 | 57.44 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) (72200) | N/A | 41.55 | N/A |
Source: Government of Canada, Job Bank Wage Report for Yukon
The table shows that specialized medical and judicial jobs in the Yukon pay some of the highest wages, requiring extensive education and training, often 10 to 15 years for medical specialists. Senior management roles in government and industry also need strong leadership experience and relevant degrees.
However, a university degree is not the only way to earn a good salary in the Yukon. Technical jobs and skilled trades are well-paying and in demand. For instance, heavy-duty equipment mechanics earn about $44.00 per hour, and electricians make around $41.55 per hour. These careers usually involve a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship, providing a practical path into the job market.
To support local residents in pursuing these opportunities, Yukon University offers programs and certifications for in-demand jobs, making education more accessible and advancing local careers.
What are the Highest Paying Industries in Yukon?
As mentioned, Yukon’s high average salary is mainly driven by two factors: a strong public sector and the need for skilled workers in its resource-based economy. The top 4 sectors that you should consider when looking for jobs in this territory are:
Public Administration: The public sector is one of the largest employers, offering stable jobs with good pay and benefits, which raises the average wage.
Mining: The mining industry pays above-average salaries for roles such as geological engineers and heavy equipment operators to attract talent in gold, silver, lead, and zinc mining.
Construction: Large infrastructure projects create high demand for construction managers and skilled tradespeople, often leading to higher-than-usual wages.
Healthcare: As the population grows and ages, there is a strong demand for healthcare professionals, leading to competitive pay in both the public and private sectors.
What are the Most In-Demand Job Forecasts for Yukon?
The Government of Canada’s job outlook for 2024-2026 shows that Yukon has strong demand for skilled workers in several sectors. Jobs in public safety, healthcare, construction management, and social services are expected to grow, creating great opportunities for job seekers.
The need for healthcare professionals remains a top priority, with roles such as Registered Nurses and Paramedical Occupations showing a “Good” employment outlook due to an aging and growing population. This leads to ongoing job openings for qualified workers.
Outside of healthcare, there are also good job prospects in other fields. Police Officers have the best outlook, labelled “Very good,” while Construction Managers and Lawyers have a “Good” outlook, indicating a need for their skills as the territory continues to develop.
Here’s a list of in-demand jobs with a “Good” or “Very Good” outlook, along with their median hourly wages.
| Occupation (NOC) | Employment outlook | Median pay in Yukon |
| Police officers (except commissioned) (42100) | Very good | $53.92 per hour |
| Managers in health care (30010) | Good | $56.31 per hour |
| General practitioners and family physicians (31102) | Good | $219,382 per year |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) | Good | $48.50 per hour |
| Paramedical occupations (32102) | Good | $38.83 per hour |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102) | Good | $33.00 per hour |
| Lawyers and Quebec notaries (41101) | Good | $61.54 per hour |
Source: Government of Canada, Job Bank – Job outlooks in Yukon
These jobs pay well and have good long-term stability. Although the experience required varies, there is constant demand in these fields, making them appealing and dependable career options for those in or moving to the Yukon.
How does Experience Impact Average Salaries in Yukon?
How does job experience translate to higher pay in Yukon? Government jobs in Yukon mainly use structured pay grids that define salaries based on job roles and experience.
For example, jobs under the Yukon Employees’ Union have specific pay bands that allow for annual raises. Similar pay scales exist for managers, legal officers, nurses, and teachers. This clear system helps ensure predictable salary growth, but larger pay increases usually come from promotions or job reclassifications rather than just time spent in the position.
In the private sector, experience is a key factor in determining your earnings. An employee with ten years of experience can earn 50% more than a beginner. However, staying in the same job for too long can stop salary growth. To earn more, it’s important to seek promotions and negotiate your salary.
However, pay increases are not automatic. Changing jobs and negotiating periodically are key to maximizing earnings. Employees who stay in the same role for long periods tend to experience slower salary growth.
How Gender Impacts Average Salaries in Yukon?
While a gender pay gap exists nationally, Yukon has one of the smallest gender wage gaps in Canada. According to Yukon Bureau of Statistics data from 2021, women earned 97% of what men made per hour, while the national average was 89%.
This means the gender pay gap in Yukon was about 3% that year. The small pay gap is mainly due to a high rate of union membership and a strong public sector, which has strict pay equality rules.
However, women are more often in part-time jobs, which usually pay less. Even though part-time women earned more per hour than part-time men in 2021, many women working part-time can mean lower overall yearly earnings.
Here’s a table that shows differences in pay and work patterns between genders in Yukon:
| Indicator | Women | Men | Gap (women vs men) | Unit |
| Average hourly wage (all employees) | – | – | 97% of men’s wages | % of men’s wages |
| Average hourly wage, full‑time employees | 36.50 | 37.01 | 99% of men’s wages | $/hour |
| Average hourly wage, part‑time employees | 25.89 | 23.63 | 109% of men’s wages | $/hour |
| Likelihood of part‑time work | – | – | Women 1.5× more likely than men | ratio |
Note that because of small sample sizes, we should be careful when interpreting these numbers.
Source: Economic equality and employment – Government of Yukon
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 Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Salaries in Prince Edward Island
- /Average Salaries in Nova Scotia
Key Takeaways on Average Salaries in Yukon
There are 5 things to take note of about wages in Yukon:
- The average weekly earnings in Yukon are $1,514.94, one of the highest in Canada (as of October 2025).
- The minimum wage is $17.94 per hour (effective April 1, 2025).
- High-paying jobs are mainly found in healthcare, public administration, mining, and construction.
- Salary growth is largely influenced by experience, especially in the public sector.
- The gender pay gap for full-time workers is only 1%, and it’s important to consider the high cost of living when evaluating salaries.
For job seekers in Yukon, it’s important to consider the job sector as well as the salary. Public sector jobs provide stability and regular pay increases, while private sector jobs in mining and construction may offer higher pay but can vary depending on project timelines.
Additionally, given the high cost of living, negotiating benefits such as housing allowances or relocation support is just as important as negotiating salary.
While salaries are not quite as high as in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Yukon rewards hard work and offers tremendous opportunities in its untamed wilderness!
FAQs related to average salaries in Yukon
Do education levels impact salary in Yukon?
Yes, higher education usually leads to higher pay in Yukon. Jobs that need more education, like doctors and judges, pay the most. Having a graduate degree can greatly increase your earning potential in many professional roles.
Do salaries increase with experience in the same role?
In some cases, salaries can stagnate if you stay in the same job without seeking promotions or negotiating pay. In the public sector, pay increases are set, but large raises often need a promotion. In the private sector, changing jobs or renegotiating your salary can help boost your overall earnings.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not intended as financial, legal, tax, or employment advice. The data comes from sources like the Government of Yukon, Statistics Canada, and Job Bank.
Wage and outlook data may change, so always check the latest official publications and job postings. For personalized advice, please consult a qualified professional or the appropriate government authority.
