Alberta Ahead of Canada’s Income Average

Alberta Income Ahead of Canada’s Average

According to Statistics Canada, average weekly earnings in Alberta are well ahead the Canadian average. Reports show that average weekly earnings in August 2011 were $1,045. This is a 4.4% year over year increase. Through out the recession despite higher unemployment,  wage growth slowed but was still positive.  Employment has picked up since January and household spending has pushed past pre-recession highs.

Alberta is North America’s Job Leader which has an impact on wages. The oil and gas industry pays the highest average wage of $1,750 and then the utility industry comes in second at $ 1,699. Both industries have a huge presence in Alberta which explains some of the difference in wages across the country. Calgary is also the head office capital of Canada on a per capita basis which has a large impact on wages in Calgary.