Accounting is one of Canada’s most established business and finance careers. Accountants work across virtually every sector, including banking, healthcare, government, technology, manufacturing, retail, professional services, and nonprofit organizations.
For international students, newcomers, and Canadian graduates considering a career in accounting, one of the most important questions is: How much does an accountant make in Canada?
The answer depends on several factors, including province, experience, professional designation, industry, location, education, and employer.
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the national median wage for financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100) is currently $40.36 per hour. The national low wage is $25.00 per hour, while the high wage is $71.43 per hour.
At 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year, the national median hourly wage is equivalent to approximately $84,000 per year before taxes.
This guide explains accountant salaries in Canada by province, the highest-paying provinces, entry-level and experienced accountant pay, professional certifications, and how to increase your earning potential.
How Much Does an Accountant Make in Canada?
The median accountant wage in Canada is approximately $40.36 per hour, according to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Using a 40-hour workweek, that works out to approximately:
$40.36 × 40 × 52 = $83,949 per year
However, actual salaries can vary considerably.
Approximate Canadian accountant salary levels
| Career Level | Approximate Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry-level accountant | $50,000–$65,000 |
| Junior accountant | $55,000–$70,000 |
| Intermediate accountant | $65,000–$85,000 |
| Senior accountant | $75,000–$105,000+ |
| CPA / experienced accountant | $85,000–$120,000+ |
| Accounting manager | $100,000–$140,000+ |
| Controller / senior leadership | $120,000–$180,000+ |
These are broad market ranges rather than official salary bands. Actual compensation depends on province, industry, experience, designation, and employer.
Accountant Salary by Province in Canada
The following table uses the latest provincial wage information available from Canada’s Job Bank. The figures represent hourly low, median, and high wages, based primarily on the 2023–2024 Labour Force Survey reference period.
| Province/Territory | Low | Median | High | Approx. Median Annual* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $27.70 | $43.27 | $72.12 | $90,002 |
| Saskatchewan | $24.00 | $41.50 | $65.38 | $86,320 |
| Ontario | $24.73 | $40.87 | $72.12 | $85,010 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $21.63 | $39.01 | $60.56 | $81,141 |
| British Columbia | $25.64 | $40.00 | $66.11 | $83,200 |
| Prince Edward Island | $24.10 | $40.00 | $61.25 | $83,200 |
| Quebec | $24.62 | $40.00 | $66.67 | $83,200 |
| Nova Scotia | $21.15 | $36.54 | $57.69 | $76,003 |
| Manitoba | $23.59 | $35.00 | $63.46 | $72,800 |
| New Brunswick | $20.67 | $35.00 | $58.97 | $72,800 |
*Approximate annual equivalent assumes 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year.
The territories can show substantially different figures. Job Bank reports a median of $53.00 per hour in the Northwest Territories, $45.60 in Yukon, and $66.43 in Nunavut. The Nunavut figure is based on a 2024 Small Area Estimation model rather than the same Labour Force Survey reference used for most provinces.
Source: Government of Canada Job Bank, wages for NOC 11100.
Which Province Pays Accountants the Most?
Based on the latest Job Bank provincial median wages, Alberta currently has the highest median accountant wage among Canada’s provinces at approximately $43.27 per hour.
That is equivalent to approximately $90,000 per year for someone working 40 hours per week year-round.
Other provinces with relatively high median wages include:
- Alberta — $43.27/hour
- Saskatchewan — $41.50/hour
- Ontario — $40.87/hour
- British Columbia — $40.00/hour
- Quebec — $40.00/hour
- Prince Edward Island — $40.00/hour
- Newfoundland and Labrador — $39.01/hour
Keep in mind that a higher salary doesn’t necessarily mean a higher standard of living. Housing, transportation, taxes, and other expenses can differ significantly between Canadian provinces.
Accountant Salary in Alberta
Alberta currently has the highest provincial median wage for accountants in the Job Bank data, at approximately $43.27 per hour. The reported low wage is $27.70 and the high wage is $72.12.
That makes Alberta particularly interesting for accounting professionals looking for strong compensation.
Major employment markets include:
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Red Deer
- Lethbridge
Alberta’s economy has significant activity in:
- Energy
- Financial services
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Professional services
- Healthcare
- Technology
Accountants with experience in corporate finance, taxation, auditing, financial reporting, and energy-related businesses may find opportunities across the province.
Accountant Salary in Ontario
Ontario is one of Canada’s largest accounting employment markets.
The Job Bank reports a median accountant wage of approximately $40.87 per hour, with a high wage of $72.12.
Major employment centres include:
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Mississauga
- Hamilton
- London
- Kitchener-Waterloo
Ontario has a particularly diverse economy, creating accounting opportunities in:
- Banking
- Financial services
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Government
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Professional services
Toronto is one of Canada’s most important financial centres, making Ontario an attractive destination for accountants.
Accountant Salary in British Columbia
British Columbia has a median accountant wage of approximately $40.00 per hour, according to Job Bank. The high wage is approximately $66.11 per hour.
Vancouver is the province’s largest employment market.
For the Lower Mainland–Southwest region, Job Bank reports a median wage of $38.46 per hour, compared with $40.00 for British Columbia as a whole.
Accounting opportunities exist in:
- Real estate
- Technology
- Tourism
- Construction
- Financial services
- Professional services
- Government
One important consideration is the relatively high cost of housing in the Vancouver area.
Accountant Salary in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has a median accountant wage of approximately $41.50 per hour, making it one of the highest-paying provinces based on the current Job Bank data.
The province’s economy includes:
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Government
Accountants can find opportunities in both large organizations and smaller businesses.
Accountant Salary in Manitoba
Manitoba’s median accountant wage is approximately $35.00 per hour, according to Job Bank.
Winnipeg is the province’s primary employment centre.
Accountants work across:
- Financial services
- Government
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Retail
Although the median wage is lower than Alberta or Ontario, living costs can also be lower in many parts of Manitoba.
Accountant Salary in Quebec
Quebec has a median accountant wage of approximately $40.00 per hour. The reported high wage is about $66.67 per hour.
Montreal is an important accounting and financial services market.
One important consideration for accountants planning to work in Quebec is French-language proficiency, particularly for positions involving local clients, government organizations, and many employers.
Accountant Salary in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has a median accountant wage of approximately $36.54 per hour.
Halifax is the province’s largest business and employment centre.
Accountants may find opportunities in:
- Financial services
- Government
- Healthcare
- Education
- Professional services
- Small and medium-sized businesses
Accountant Salary in New Brunswick
The median accountant wage in New Brunswick is approximately $35.00 per hour, with a reported high wage of about $58.97 per hour.
The province has employment opportunities in cities such as:
- Moncton
- Fredericton
- Saint John
Bilingual English-French skills can be valuable in parts of New Brunswick.
Accountant Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador has a median accountant wage of approximately $39.01 per hour.
The province’s economy includes:
- Energy
- Fisheries
- Government
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Professional services
St. John’s is the province’s main business centre.
Entry-Level Accountant Salary in Canada
New accountants generally earn less than experienced professionals.
An entry-level accountant may earn approximately $50,000–$65,000 per year, depending on location, employer, education, and job responsibilities.
Common entry-level positions include:
- Junior Accountant
- Accounting Assistant
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
- Bookkeeper
- Audit Associate
- Tax Associate
An entry-level position can provide valuable experience that helps you qualify for higher-paying accounting roles.
Junior Accountant Salary in Canada
Junior accountants generally perform more accounting-specific work than accounting assistants.
Responsibilities can include:
- Preparing journal entries
- Reconciling accounts
- Preparing financial reports
- Managing accounts payable and receivable
- Assisting with audits
- Preparing tax documentation
- Maintaining accounting records
Junior accountants may earn approximately $55,000–$70,000 annually, although compensation varies by province and organization.
Senior Accountant Salary in Canada
Senior accountants typically have several years of professional experience.
Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing financial statements
- Managing month-end close
- Reviewing financial records
- Preparing tax returns
- Performing financial analysis
- Supervising junior employees
- Supporting audits
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
Senior accountants can potentially earn $75,000–$105,000 or more.
Obtaining a CPA designation can further improve career opportunities.
How Much Does a CPA Make in Canada?
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is a highly respected professional designation in Canada.
CPAs can work in:
- Public accounting
- Corporate accounting
- Financial reporting
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Management accounting
- Consulting
- Government
- Financial management
Experienced CPAs can potentially earn six-figure salaries, particularly when they move into management and leadership positions.
Examples include:
- Accounting Manager
- Finance Manager
- Controller
- Director of Finance
- Chief Financial Officer
Compensation at senior levels varies substantially by company size, industry, location, and responsibility.
Accountant Salary vs CPA Salary
It is important to distinguish between an accountant and a CPA.
“Accountant” describes a broad occupation.
CPA describes a professional designation.
An accountant without a CPA may still have a successful career, particularly in corporate accounting, bookkeeping, financial analysis, or other accounting-related positions.
However, a CPA can open additional opportunities in auditing, public accounting, taxation, financial reporting, and senior management.
Highest-Paying Accounting Careers in Canada
If your goal is to maximize your income, you don’t have to remain in a traditional staff accountant position.
Potential career paths include:
Accounting Manager
Accounting managers supervise accounting operations and financial reporting.
Financial Controller
Controllers oversee financial reporting, accounting systems, and internal controls.
Finance Manager
Finance managers combine accounting expertise with financial planning and business strategy.
Tax Manager
Tax managers specialize in corporate, personal, or international taxation.
Audit Manager
Audit managers oversee audit engagements and teams.
Director of Finance
Directors of finance provide strategic financial leadership.
Chief Financial Officer
CFOs are senior executives responsible for an organization’s financial strategy.
What Factors Affect Accountant Salaries in Canada?
Several factors influence how much an accountant can earn.
1. Province
The Job Bank data shows significant differences between provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario currently have some of the highest provincial median wages.
2. Experience
Accountants generally earn more as they gain experience.
3. CPA Designation
Professional certification can open the door to more specialized and senior positions.
4. Industry
Accounting professionals in financial services, technology, energy, and other high-value industries may earn more.
5. Company Size
Large corporations often have more senior accounting positions and broader compensation structures.
6. Location Within a Province
Salary can vary considerably between major cities and smaller communities.
7. Specialization
Tax, audit, financial reporting, forensic accounting, and other specialized areas can affect earning potential.
Skills That Can Increase an Accountant’s Salary
Accounting is becoming increasingly technology-driven.
Developing additional skills can make you more competitive.
Advanced Excel
Excel remains an important tool for accountants.
Accounting Software
Experience with platforms such as:
- QuickBooks
- Sage
- Microsoft Dynamics
- SAP
- Oracle
can be valuable.
Data Analytics
Knowledge of:
- SQL
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Python
can help accountants move toward financial analytics and business intelligence.
Financial Modeling
Financial modelling is valuable for corporate finance and investment-related roles.
Taxation
Tax expertise can provide opportunities for specialized positions.
Audit
Audit experience can help professionals progress toward senior public accounting roles.
Is Accounting a Good Career in Canada?
Accounting can be a strong career choice for people who enjoy finance, business, analysis, and problem-solving.
The Canadian Job Bank currently lists approximately 247,300 people employed in the broader financial auditors and accountants occupational group, based on 2023 employment data.
Job Bank also reports that national labour demand and supply for this occupation are expected to be broadly in balance over the 2024–2033 period.
Provincial outlooks vary.
For the next three years, Job Bank currently rates prospects as:
- Good: Prince Edward Island, Manitoba
- Moderate: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories
- Limited: Quebec
- Undetermined: Nunavut
This means prospective accountants should consider both salary and local employment opportunities when choosing where to live.
Accounting Jobs for International Students in Canada
Accounting is also a popular career path for international students studying in Canada.
International students may pursue programs such as:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Commerce
- Economics
After graduation, eligible graduates may explore Canadian work authorization options depending on their program, institution, and individual circumstances.
However, studying accounting in Canada does not automatically guarantee permanent residence.
International graduates should separately research:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility
- Provincial immigration programs
- Express Entry
- Canadian work experience requirements
- CPA requirements
- Employer opportunities
Can Accountants Get Permanent Residency in Canada?
Accounting can potentially provide a pathway toward Canadian permanent residence, but there is no automatic PR pathway simply because someone works as an accountant.
Eligibility depends on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Language ability
- Canadian work experience
- Foreign work experience
- Job offer
- Provincial nomination
- Express Entry profile
- Other immigration factors
Accountants should evaluate their individual circumstances against current federal and provincial immigration requirements.
Accountant Salary vs Cost of Living
The province with the highest salary isn’t necessarily the best place financially.
For example, an accountant earning $90,000 in Alberta may have a different financial situation from someone earning $85,000 in Ontario or British Columbia.
When comparing accounting jobs, consider:
Salary + benefits − taxes − housing − transportation − living expenses
Job Bank reports that 93.9% of Canadian workers in this occupational group receive at least one type of non-wage benefit, which can include pensions, insurance, paid leave, and other benefits.
Therefore, look beyond the advertised salary when evaluating job offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average accountant salary in Canada?
The national median wage for financial auditors and accountants is approximately $40.36 per hour, according to Canada’s Job Bank.
Which province pays accountants the most in Canada?
Among the provinces, Alberta currently has the highest median accountant wage at approximately $43.27 per hour, followed by Saskatchewan at $41.50 and Ontario at $40.87.
How much does an entry-level accountant make in Canada?
Entry-level accountants commonly earn approximately $50,000–$65,000 per year, although salaries vary by province, employer, education, and experience.
How much does a senior accountant make in Canada?
Senior accountants can potentially earn approximately $75,000–$105,000 or more, depending on experience, industry, location, and professional designation.
Is CPA worth it in Canada?
For many accounting professionals, yes. A CPA can expand opportunities in public accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting, management, and executive-level finance.
Can accountants make $100,000 in Canada?
Yes. Experienced accountants, CPAs, accounting managers, controllers, finance managers, and specialized professionals can potentially earn $100,000 or more.
Is accounting in demand in Canada?
Accounting remains a large occupation in Canada. Job Bank’s current national outlook indicates that labour demand and supply are expected to be broadly balanced through 2033, although prospects vary considerably by province.
Is accounting a good career for international students?
It can be. Accounting provides opportunities across many industries, but international students should consider licensing, Canadian work authorization, professional designation requirements, and immigration pathways when planning their careers.
Final Thoughts
Accounting remains a solid professional career in Canada, with opportunities across virtually every major industry.
The latest Government of Canada data puts the national median accountant wage at $40.36 per hour, equivalent to roughly $84,000 per year for a full-time 40-hour workweek.
Among the provinces, Alberta currently has the highest median wage at $43.27 per hour, while Saskatchewan and Ontario also report relatively high median wages.
However, salary should not be the only factor when choosing where to work.
Consider:
Salary + CPA opportunities + job availability + cost of living + career progression + immigration options.
For someone starting out, the most valuable long-term strategy is to combine accounting expertise with technology and analytical skills. Knowledge of Excel, accounting software, data analytics, Power BI, SQL, financial modelling, and automation can help accountants remain competitive as the profession continues to evolve.
And for professionals who want to maximize their earning potential, the path can extend well beyond traditional accounting:
Accountant → Senior Accountant → CPA → Accounting Manager → Controller → Finance Director → CFO.
That progression can turn accounting from an entry-level business career into a highly rewarding long-term profession.