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Average Salary in Nova Scotia 2024

How much money does a person working in Nova Scotia make?


Average Yearly Salary
113,000 CAD
( 9,430 CAD monthly)

LOW
28,500
CAD
AVERAGE
113,000
CAD
HIGH
503,000
CAD
All salary figures displayed here are per year except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Nova Scotia typically earns around 113,000 CAD. Salaries range from 28,500 CAD (lowest average) to 503,000 CAD (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Nova Scotia vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Nova Scotia

Median and salary distribution Nova Scotia yearly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
216,000 CAD or more
10% of people earn
169,000 to 216,000 CAD
20% of people earn
65,800 CAD or less
65% of people earn
65,800 to 169,000 CAD
Minimum Salary
28,500 CAD
Median
99,500 CAD
Maximum
503,000 CAD




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per year except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Nova Scotia range from 28,500 CAD (starting salary) to 503,000 CAD (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 99,500 CAD, which means that 50% of the population in Nova Scotia earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Nova Scotia earn less than 71,800 CAD while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 151,000 CAD while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Nova Scotia. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 65,800 CAD to 169,000 CAD. Approximately 20% fall under the 65,800 CAD cap. Ten percent of wages are from 169,000 CAD to 216,000 CAD. Only 5% of people grossed 216,000 CAD or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Nova Scotia, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Nova Scotia comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Canada is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 50,000 CAD to 150,000 CAD and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Nova Scotia

Salary comparison by gender Canada yearly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Canada, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 5% across all career fields.

Male
123,000 CAD
Female-5%
117,000 CAD
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Nova Scotia

How much are annual salary increments in Nova Scotia? How often do employees get salary raises?

Canada

Employees in Canada are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 9% every 15 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Canada
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Canada is 7%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in Canada

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Canada
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100% of surveyed staff in Canada reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
%
No Bonus
100%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant80,100 CAD
Accounting Assistant64,000 CAD
Accounting Manager168,000 CAD
Bookkeeper55,100 CAD
Chartered Accountant98,900 CAD
Corporate Treasurer149,000 CAD
Financial Analyst150,000 CAD
Financial Manager227,000 CAD
Internal Auditor107,000 CAD

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant61,900 CAD
Office Manager99,800 CAD
Receptionist53,000 CAD
Secretary50,800 CAD

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director118,000 CAD
Creative Director112,000 CAD
Graphic Designer71,400 CAD
Photographer65,600 CAD

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer140,000 CAD
Air Traffic Controller123,000 CAD
Flight Attendant81,500 CAD
Pilot205,000 CAD

Architecture
Architect132,000 CAD
CAD Drafter61,100 CAD

Automotive
Mechanic44,900 CAD
Service Advisor78,000 CAD

Banking
Bank Branch Manager205,000 CAD
Teller43,000 CAD

Bilingual
Teacher90,700 CAD
Translator98,900 CAD

Business Planning
Business Analyst144,000 CAD
Business Development Manager178,000 CAD
Project Manager145,000 CAD

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny48,400 CAD
Nursery Teacher45,000 CAD

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer103,000 CAD
Construction Project Manager194,000 CAD
Health and Safety Officer51,300 CAD

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative43,300 CAD
Customer Service Manager154,000 CAD
Customer Service Representative43,700 CAD

Engineering
Civil Engineer108,000 CAD
Electrical Engineer111,000 CAD
Engineer111,000 CAD
Mechanical Engineer114,000 CAD

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer269,000 CAD
Chief Financial Officer245,000 CAD
General Manager200,000 CAD
Project Manager129,000 CAD

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef74,600 CAD
Executive Chef81,500 CAD
Hotel Manager198,000 CAD
Receptionist42,500 CAD
Travel Agent71,600 CAD
Waiter / Waitress36,500 CAD

Health and Medical
Dentist261,000 CAD
Dietitian231,000 CAD
Laboratory Technician90,400 CAD
Nurse91,200 CAD

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager176,000 CAD
Human Resources Officer69,500 CAD

Information Technology
Computer Technician86,000 CAD
Database Administrator116,000 CAD
Developer / Programmer112,000 CAD
Information Technology Manager184,000 CAD
Network Engineer104,000 CAD

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer71,500 CAD

Legal
Attorney230,000 CAD
Legal Assistant63,100 CAD

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist133,000 CAD

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer95,200 CAD
Pharmacist147,000 CAD

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier43,200 CAD
Sales Manager200,000 CAD
Sales Representative76,800 CAD

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher79,400 CAD
Secondary School Teacher89,200 CAD

Average Hourly Wage in Nova Scotia


54 CAD per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Nova Scotia is 54 CAD.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Nova Scotia is 14 CAD. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Halifax117,000 CAD

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Canada is 4% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
117,000 CAD
Public Sector+4%
122,000 CAD
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Nova Scotia?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Nova Scotia would range anywhere between 99,500 CAD and 151,000 CAD.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Nova Scotia ranges from 28,500 CAD to 71,800 CAD. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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