Statistics Canada’s newest numbers on average pay by industry in Quebec show exactly how much workers in different sectors are earning — and there are some big surprises in the rankings.
The updated report isn’t focused on individual job titles like “surgeon” or “software developer.” Instead, the data breaks down hourly wages across major industries, covering both full- and part-time employees. That means each category includes a wide range of roles and salaries, from entry-level to senior management, with big differences depending on overtime, schedules and union coverage.
While jobs in medicine, law, or engineering often top people’s lists for high salaries, the data show that working in those fields doesn’t guarantee the biggest paycheck. In some industries, earnings are higher across the board, regardless of job title, offering insight into where your skills could pay off the most.
Here’s how every industry in Quebec stacked up in July 2025, ranked by average hourly wage (lowest to highest).
Accommodation & food services
Average hourly wage: $20.64
Restaurants, hotels, catering and bars all fall into this category. At $20.64 an hour, it’s the lowest-paying sector in Quebec — but it’s also a key employer for students, part-time workers and people looking to build customer service experience.
Agriculture
Average hourly wage: $22.85
From farms and orchards to fisheries and greenhouses, agriculture saw one of the biggest month-to-month drops in July, down from $24.93 in June. Seasonal work and fluctuating hours can have a big impact on earnings here.
Wholesale & retail trade
Average hourly wage: $26.77
This includes wholesalers selling in bulk to businesses and retailers selling directly to consumers. The gap between the lowest and highest earners can be huge, thanks to everything from minimum-wage retail jobs to high-commission sales roles.
Business, building & other support services
Average hourly wage: $27.04
This broad category covers services like cleaning, security, staffing, call centres and administrative support. While pay is on the lower end, it’s a diverse sector with plenty of entry points.
Other services (except public administration)
Average hourly wage: $30.26
Think repair shops, pet grooming, non-profits, laundry services and more. Pay here tends to vary depending on specialization and client base.
Health care & social assistance
Average hourly wage: $31.72
Hospitals, clinics, elder care, childcare and social services are included here. While most doctors make way more than $32 an hour, the field mixes high-paying specialized medical roles with lower-paid care and support jobs.
Transportation & warehousing
Average hourly wage: $31.93
Covers everything from airlines and public transit to trucking, shipping and storage. Quebec’s size and trade links keep this industry in demand.
Information, culture & recreation
Average hourly wage: $32.35
Film, publishing, broadcasting, museums, gyms and sports facilities all fit here. It’s a sector where a handful of top earners can skew the average.
Manufacturing
Average hourly wage: $35.44
Factories and plants producing goods from cars to pharmaceuticals make up this sector. Stable demand and union coverage help keep wages competitive.
Construction
Average hourly wage: $37.50
Residential, commercial and infrastructure projects, plus trades like plumbing and electrical, fall here. Skilled labour shortages have kept pay strong.
Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil & gas
Average hourly wage: $38.16
Physically demanding and often remote, these jobs remain some of the best-paid in Quebec despite monthly fluctuations.
Public administration
Average hourly wage: $43.73
Federal, provincial and municipal government jobs make up this sector, known for stability, benefits and competitive pay.
Finance, insurance, real estate & leasing
Average hourly wage: $43.76
Banks, insurers, mortgage brokers, real estate firms and rental companies are all in this category, which consistently ranks near the top in wages.
Professional, scientific & technical services
Average hourly wage: $44.16
Legal services, accounting, engineering, IT, consulting and design are part of this diverse field, where pay varies widely depending on specialization.
Educational services
Average hourly wage: $45.19
Schools, colleges, universities and training programs fall here. Pay is relatively even across the board compared to other industries.
In July, the median weekly wage rose 3.57% year-over-year to $1,449.98, with the hourly rate up 3.31% to $40.90. Wages also jumped 8.56% from June, suggesting summer jobs in this sector, though fewer, tend to pay more.
Utilities
Average hourly wage: $54.13
Electricity, natural gas, water and sewage services top the list as Quebec’s highest-paying industry. Wages here are among the most consistent, with fewer extreme gaps between roles.
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This story was adapted from an August 11 article that was originally published on Narcity.
