A social worker’s salary in Canada ranges from around $50,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $100,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $75,000 per annum.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Social Worker's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 41300) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 24.00 | 36.00 | 47.50 |
| Alberta | 22.84 | 38.00 | 49.15 |
| British Columbia | 26.42 | 40.00 | 45.79 |
| Manitoba | 23.00 | 34.89 | 46.00 |
| New Brunswick | 22.35 | 34.80 | 40.30 |
| Newfoundland | 25.67 | 38.46 | 46.50 |
| Northwest Territories | 27.64 | 48.73 | 59.63 |
| Nova Scotia | 23.08 | 35.64 | 46.43 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 23.08 | 35.90 | 49.74 |
| Prince Edward Island | 24.04 | 35.90 | 41.42 |
| Quebec | 24.00 | 35.00 | 45.22 |
| Saskatchewan | 26.33 | 38.00 | 43.00 |
| Yukon Territory | 32.12 | 40.83 | 50.00 |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Social Worker’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range social worker’s salary in Canada is in the Northwest Territories, where salaries are around 35% above the national average. After NWT, Yukon Territories and British Columbia have the best-paid social workers.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest social worker’s salary in Canada is found in New Brunswick, followed by Manitoba and Quebec. However, salaries in these provinces are only a few percent below average.
Are Social Workers In Demand In Canada?
According to government projections, the prospects for social workers in Canada range from “moderate” to “good,” depending on the province. The job market is pretty balanced, which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Two factors will impact this job market over the next few years.
- Increases in demand are likely to be fuelled by increased social awareness of issues such as ageing, mental health and violence.
- Budget constraints of some governments will offset this.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for social workers as 22,600, compared to 20,400 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A social worker’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a social worker’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Social Worker In Canada?
The current NOC code for social workers in Canada is 41300 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 4152). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Coordinator of social work
- Medical social worker
- Psychiatric social worker
- Social work supervisor
- Social worker
- Children’s aid investigator
- Correctional social worker
- Child welfare social worker
Can Immigrant Social Workers Work In Canada?
Overseas educated social workers can get jobs in Canada, but you must first have your qualifications assessed for equivalency with Canadian qualifications. Then, if you are suitably qualified, you can apply for a license.
The individual provinces/territories regulate social workers and issue licenses, and each has its own set of standards for licensing.
For most provinces, you can apply to have your credentials assessed through the Canadian Association of Social Workers. However, if you want to work in British Columbia or Quebec, you must apply directly to the province.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Ontario?
A social worker’s salary in Ontario ranges from $48,468 to $104,454 per annum. The mid-range salary is $75,390, which is in line with the national mid-range salary of $75,600.
Social worker salaries in Ontario are highest in the Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie region, closely followed by the Northeast region. Social workers’ salaries in Toronto are just slightly below provincial averages.
What Is A Social Worker’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a social worker in Ontario in 2023 is $48,468. This is slightly lower than the national average starting salary for social workers in Canada, which is $50,400.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range social worker’s salary in Toronto is $72,156, slightly below national and provincial averages. In addition, Toronto is known for its high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, while the salary may seem relatively competitive, you might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Toronto.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range social worker’s salary in Ottawa is $75,390. However, Ottawa has lower property costs than Toronto, so your salary might stretch further in Ottawa than in Toronto, despite the similar salary ranges in these two cities.
Are Social Workers In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, the demand for social workers in Ontario is projected to be “good” from 2022 to 2024. This is driven by factors such as employment growth, limited retirements, and an increase in public sector spending on mental health and addiction services.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Alberta?
A social worker’s salary in Alberta ranges from $47,964 to $103,215. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $79,800, which is higher than the national mid-range salary of $75,600.
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What Is A Social Worker’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a social worker in Alberta is $47,964. This is slightly lower than the national average starting salary for social workers in Canada, which is $50,400.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range social worker’s salary in Calgary is $77,700, slightly higher than national averages. In addition, Calgary has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, which means social workers may enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Edmonton?
A mid-range Social Worker’s salary in Edmonton is $76,500, slightly lower than in Calgary but still above national averages. However, Edmonton has a lower cost of living, especially regarding property prices, which could mean your salary goes further here than in other major cities.
Are Social Workers In Demand In Alberta?
Social workers are in demand in Alberta, and the employment outlook from 2022 to 2024 is projected to be moderate. The job market for Social Workers is pretty balanced and expected to be stable for the foreseeable future.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In BC?
A social worker’s salary in BC ranges from $55,482 to $96,159. The mid-range salary in BC is $84,000, which is significantly higher than the national mid-range salary of $75,600.
What Is A Social Worker’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a social worker in BC is $55,482. This is higher than the national average starting salary for social workers in Canada, which is $50,400.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range social worker’s salary in Vancouver is $79,800. However, Vancouver is known for its high cost of living and some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, while the salary may seem competitive, the cost of living may offset this advantage. You might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Social Worker’s Salary In Victoria?
A social worker’s salary in Victoria is $78,204. Property costs in Victoria are lower than in Vancouver, which means that your salary might stretch further in Victoria than in Vancouver, despite the similar salary ranges in these two cities.
Are Social Workers In Demand In BC?
Yes, social workers are in demand in BC. The job prospects in BC are rated “moderate,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for Social Workers is pretty balanced and expected to be stable for the foreseeable future.
Where To Find More Information About Social Worker Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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