Knowing the national median income is useful. Knowing how your income compares to others your own age is far more meaningful for understanding where you actually stand in Canada’s earnings distribution.
Canadian employment income follows a consistent pattern: rising steeply through the 20s and 30s, peaking in the mid-40s to early 50s, then declining gradually as part-time work and semi-retirement become more common. The data below comes from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Income Survey and CRA T1 file statistics. All figures are gross individual employment income in CAD.
Use our Canadian income percentile calculator to find your exact national percentile.
Canadian Employment Income Percentiles by Age Group
Ages 20–24
| Percentile | Annual Employment Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~$18,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~$26,000 |
| 75th | ~$38,000 |
| 90th | ~$52,000 |
Many workers in this age group are in part-time, seasonal, or entry-level roles, or are splitting their time between education and work. The federal minimum wage of $17.75/hour (2025) sets an income floor for full-time workers of approximately $36,888/year — meaning those at or below the median are often in part-time employment. Full-time workers aged 20–24 have a higher median than the overall group.
Ages 25–34
| Percentile | Annual Employment Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 10th | ~$22,000 |
| 25th | ~$33,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~$48,000 |
| 75th | ~$68,000 |
| 90th | ~$95,000 |
This decade covers the full transition from entry-level to established career. University graduates typically enter the workforce at $45,000–$60,000 in professional roles; trades workers often earn $55,000–$75,000 by their late 20s given strong demand for skilled tradespeople in Canada’s construction and energy sectors. Alberta workers consistently earn 15–20% above the national median for this age group.
A worked example: A 29-year-old software developer in Toronto earning $85,000 is above the 75th percentile for their age nationally — and in the top 10% for a 25–34 year old. A 29-year-old in a retail management role at $52,000 is slightly above the median for their age.
Ages 35–44
| Percentile | Annual Employment Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 10th | ~$24,000 |
| 25th | ~$38,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~$58,000 |
| 75th | ~$85,000 |
| 90th | ~$115,000 |
The 35–44 age group shows significant wage divergence by education, occupation, and province. Those in regulated professions (medicine, dentistry, law, accounting, engineering) are typically well above the 75th percentile by their late 30s. Workers in trades — plumbers, electricians, heavy equipment operators — often sit around the 60th–70th percentile nationally.
The 75th percentile of $85,000 is meaningful for federal tax planning: this is where RRSP room accumulation becomes substantial (18% of prior-year earned income, capped at $32,490 for 2026), and strategic contribution timing matters.
A worked example: A 38-year-old licensed electrician in BC earning $90,000 is above the 75th percentile for their age group. A 38-year-old registered nurse at $80,000 (with overtime) is near the 70th percentile nationally.
Ages 45–54
| Percentile | Annual Employment Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 10th | ~$24,000 |
| 25th | ~$38,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~$66,000 |
| 75th | ~$97,000 |
| 90th | ~$130,000 |
This is the peak earning decade for Canadian workers. The median of $66,000 for 45–54 year olds reflects both career seniority and the higher proportion of full-time workers still in the labour force. Workers in senior management, principal engineering, medicine, and law often see their highest compensation in this decade.
For RRSP holders, this decade is critical: contributions made in peak earning years are deducted against the highest marginal tax rates, and tax-sheltered growth has maximum runway before mandatory RRIF conversion at age 71.
A worked example: A 48-year-old pharmacist in Ontario earning $125,000 is at the 88th percentile for their age group nationally. A 48-year-old administrative professional earning $58,000 is at the median for this age group despite years of experience — reflecting the wage ceiling in many administrative roles.
Ages 55–64
| Percentile | Annual Employment Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 10th | ~$18,000 |
| 25th | ~$32,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~$58,000 |
| 75th | ~$88,000 |
| 90th | ~$120,000 |
Median earnings for 55–64 year olds are similar to those for the 35–44 group in dollar terms, but this comparison is misleading: a much higher proportion of 55–64 year olds are working part-time or have reduced their hours, pulling the median down. Full-time workers aged 55–64 who remain in their careers typically earn above the 45–54 median — they are a self-selected high-earning group.
CPP retirement benefits are available as early as age 60 (with penalty) and as late as 70 (with bonus). Many 55–64 year olds begin partial CPP drawdown — this government transfer income is separate from employment income in Statistics Canada data.
Ages 65+
| Percentile | Annual Employment Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~$12,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~$24,000 |
| 75th | ~$48,000 |
Those aged 65+ who continue working typically do so part-time. The lower employment income for this group does not reflect total income — most also receive CPP (average ~$900/month; maximum $1,433/month in 2026), Old Age Security ($727/month), and RRIF or other retirement income. Total income for retirees often exceeds their reported employment income substantially.
Earnings Growth Through a Canadian Career
| Age | Median Employment Income | Growth vs Age 25 |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~$42,000 | Baseline |
| 30 | ~$50,000 | +19% |
| 35 | ~$56,000 | +33% |
| 40 | ~$62,000 | +48% |
| 45 | ~$66,000 | +57% |
| 50 | ~$65,000 | +55% |
| 55 | ~$60,000 | +43% |
| 60 | ~$52,000 | +24% |
Figures represent median full-time individual employment income estimated from Statistics Canada survey data.
How Province Affects Age-Adjusted Income
The national medians above obscure large provincial differences. A 35-year-old in Alberta earns approximately 20% more than the national median for their age, while a 35-year-old in New Brunswick or PEI earns approximately 15% less. When comparing your income to peers at your age, consider whether you are in a high-wage or lower-wage province.
| Province | Adjustment vs National Median |
|---|---|
| Alberta | +18 to +22% |
| Ontario | +5 to +10% |
| British Columbia | +3 to +8% |
| Quebec | -5 to -10% |
| Nova Scotia / PEI | -12 to -18% |
| New Brunswick / Newfoundland | -10 to -16% |
For province-specific income data, see the provincial average income articles in our Canadian income hub.
What Your Income Percentile Means
If your employment income is:
- Below the 25th percentile for your age: in the bottom quarter for your peers — worth exploring whether sector, credentials, or location are limiting your earnings trajectory
- At the 50th percentile: at average for your age group — most Canadians fall here, including many skilled and experienced workers in lower-wage sectors
- At the 75th percentile: top quarter for your age — high earner by Canadian standards, likely in a professional or senior trade/management role
- At the 90th percentile: top 10% for your age — a strong income by any national standard; tax planning (RRSP, TFSA, corporate structure) becomes particularly valuable
Related Articles
- Canadian Income Percentile Calculator
- Average Household Income in Canada
- Average Income in Ontario
- Average Income in Alberta
- Average Net Worth by Age in Canada
Sources
- Statistics Canada. “Canadian Income Survey, 2023.” statcan.gc.ca
- Statistics Canada. “Labour Force Survey.” statcan.gc.ca
- Canada Revenue Agency. “T1 Final Statistics.” canada.ca
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