Canadian newcomers’ average starting wage is growing, according to Statistics Canada.
In 2016, newcomers were earning $25,900 on average - $5,500 more than in 2006.
After adjusting for inflation, a newcomer’s average starting salary in 2006 was $20,400. Their Canadian-born counterparts who made starting wages of $36,000, newcomers with Canadian education and credentials made more than Canadian-born citizens, at $39,800. Those with no prior work experience made starting wages of $19,000, and those with only Canadian education credentials made $12,500.
The study noted that the jump in starting wages can be partially due to the increase in work permit holders transitioning to permanent residence. Newcomers’ wages tend to catch up with Canadian-born citizens’ wages if they have prior experience under a work permit, and those who came to Canada with both a work permit and student visa had the highest median income over time at $63,800. Newcomers who came with only a work permit made $48,100, and those that came with only a student visa made $37,600. Asylum seekers made an average entry wage of $14,000 in 2007, with their average wage rising to $28,600 in 2017.