With the new year approaching, many Quebecers are considering fresh starts in their careers. If your bank account has been hinting at a career change, you're not alone. New data from Statistics Canada shows exactly which industries are bringing home the largest paychecks in Quebec, and some sectors are significantly out-earning the provincial average.
According to updated data from StatCan, the average weekly wage for full-time workers in Quebec is now $1,280. However, depending on your field, you could be earning hundreds more—or quite a bit less. From low-paying hospitality jobs to six-figure careers in energy and public administration, the wage gap across industries is substantial enough to make anyone reconsider their career path.
Here's how every major sector compares, from the lowest to the highest earners.
17. Accommodation and Food Services — $741/week
Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and catering jobs are at the bottom of Quebec's wage ladder. If your dream career involves tips and table numbers, this remains the province's lowest-paying sector.
16. Agriculture — $964/week
From farm work to greenhouse production, this field falls below the $1,000 mark. The work is essential, but wages remain modest.
15. Business, Building, and Other Support Services — $972/week
Roles in janitorial services, call centres, HR, and administrative contracts stay just below the provincial median.
14. Wholesale and Retail Trade — $1,000/week
Warehouse employees and retail workers barely break into four digits.
13. Other Services (Except Public Administration) — $1,154/week
A mixed category that includes everything from car repairs to community organizations.
12. Health Care and Social Assistance — $1,083.25/week
From hospitals to long-term care, this essential sector pays above some service fields but below the Quebec average—despite high demand.
11. Services-Producing Sector — $1,249.20/week
This StatCan umbrella category covers a wide range of occupations across the service economy.
10. Transportation and Warehousing — $1,250/week
Moving goods and people pays consistently well, especially in logistics and freight.
9. Manufacturing — $1,275/week
Whether it's aerospace, food production, or consumer goods, factory work aligns closely with Quebec's weekly median.
8. Educational Services — $1,480.85/week
Teachers and academic staff earn well above average wages, despite ongoing labour pressures.
7. Information, Culture, and Recreation — $1,467.38/week
Film, media, gaming, and cultural industries are more lucrative than some might think.
6. Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing — $1,500/week
Banks, insurance firms, and real estate companies remain dependable high-earners.
5. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services — $1,538.40/week
This category covers a wide range of white-collar fields, such as law, engineering, architecture, IT, and consulting.
4. Construction — $1,600/week
From cranes to condos, construction offers strong wages and steady demand.
3. Public Administration — $1,625/week
Government roles pay extremely well and come with high job security and benefits.
2. Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Quarrying, Oil, and Gas — $1,848/week
Resource extraction is the second-highest-earning field. The work is rugged and remote, but the paychecks are substantial.
1. Utilities — $1,965.07/week
Energy, power distribution, and water systems top Quebec's income ladder. If you control the power grid, you likely don't stress about your hydro bill.
For context, these wage figures come from Statistics Canada's October 2025 payroll data and reflect the median weekly earnings of full-time workers in each industry. This means they represent a midpoint, not a guaranteed salary. Every sector includes a mix of entry-level roles, specialized jobs, union positions, and high-earning professionals.
So if an industry appears low or surprisingly high, remember that it captures the entire range of jobs under that umbrella, not just the top or bottom.
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