Education Makes a Big Difference
Your level of education plays a huge role in how much you can earn in Canada. The higher your education, the better your chances of earning a good income.
Here’s what the numbers say:
| Education Level | Average Income (2021) |
| No diploma or degree | $27,400 |
| High school diploma | $32,920 |
| Postsecondary certificate or diploma (below a bachelor’s) | $42,920 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | $65,200 |
A college or university education can lead to a big jump in income. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher made more than twice as much as those without any formal education.
What Else Affects Immigrant Earnings?
Income is not just about education or years in Canada. Other factors also have an impact.
According to Statistics Canada, here are three key things that influence immigrant earnings:
- Pre-landing work experience in Canada: Immigrants who worked in Canada before becoming permanent residents tend to earn more.
- Age at arrival: Younger immigrants usually earn more over time. In fact, younger newcomers earned up to 44% more than older ones; even 10 years later.
- Language skills: Strong English or French skills help immigrants do better in the job market.
Final Thoughts
The data shows that income for immigrants in Canada varies widely. It depends on how long they’ve been in the country, their education, their age when they arrived, and their language abilities.
Still, the longer immigrants stay in Canada, and the more skills they gain, the better their chances of earning a strong income.
If you’re an immigrant or planning to move to Canada, these numbers give you a clearer idea of what to expect and how to improve your earning potential.
