Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest incomes among Atlantic provinces, driven primarily by the offshore oil and gas sector and mining. However, employment volatility tied to commodity prices creates income uncertainty. The province’s average income falls below the national average, but above its Atlantic neighbours.
Income data on this page is from the Canada Income Survey (CIS), released by Statistics Canada in May 2025, covering the 2023 reference year — the most recent income data available. The next CIS release, with 2024 data, is expected in spring 2026.
Average and median income in Newfoundland and Labrador
| Metric | Amount | vs. Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Average Individual Income | $50,500 | -$5,600 |
| Median Individual Income | $38,600 | -$5,600 |
| Average Household Income | $125,100 | -$21,500 |
| Average After-Tax HHI | $102,900 | -$17,700 |
| Median Household Income | $103,900 | -$17,100 |
| Median After-Tax HHI | $90,200 | -$14,600 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Canada Income Survey, May 2025 release (2023 reference year).
Newfoundland has a wider gap between average and median individual income than most provinces, reflecting the influence of high-paying oil and gas jobs that pull the average up while the median remains lower. Use our salary calculator to see your Newfoundland after-tax take-home pay.
Key industries driving Newfoundland income
- Offshore oil and gas — The Hibernia, Terra Nova, White Rose, and Hebron platforms are the backbone of the economy, with average salaries well above $100,000 for offshore workers
- Mining — Iron ore mining in Labrador West (operated by Rio Tinto IOC and Tacora Resources) and nickel mining at Voisey’s Bay provide high-paying jobs
- Federal and provincial government — Public sector is a major employer, particularly in St. John’s
- Fishing and aquaculture — Traditional industries that remain important, particularly in rural communities. Snow crab and shrimp are the highest-value fisheries.
- Healthcare and education — Memorial University and the provincial health authority are significant employers
- Hydroelectric power — The Muskrat Falls project and Churchill Falls generating station (one of the largest in the world)
Newfoundland’s tax environment
- HST of 15% — Tied for the highest in Canada with other Atlantic provinces
- Provincial income tax rates — 8.7% to 21.8%, among the highest in Canada
- Temporary deficit reduction levy — An additional tax that has been applied in recent years
The combination of high tax rates and lower average incomes reduces take-home pay significantly. An individual earning $80,000 in Newfoundland takes home less than the same earner in Alberta or Ontario. Calculate your exact take-home with our income tax calculator.
How Newfoundland compares to other Atlantic provinces
| Province | Avg Individual Income | Median Individual Income | Avg HHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland | $50,500 | $38,600 | $125,100 |
| Nova Scotia | $48,200 | $38,100 | $120,800 |
| PEI | $46,400 | $37,200 | $119,100 |
| New Brunswick | $46,800 | $37,600 | $114,600 |
| Canada | $56,100 | $44,200 | $146,600 |
Newfoundland leads all Atlantic provinces in income, though all four remain below the national average. The province’s economy is more volatile than its neighbours due to oil and gas dependence. Use our income percentile calculator to see how your income ranks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Newfoundland and Labrador? The average employment income in NL is approximately $55,000–$60,000 for full-time workers. The province has historically lagged the national average, but offshore oil employment skews average incomes upward significantly. Many traditional resource industries (fishing, forestry) pay below-average wages for entry-level workers.
Is Newfoundland a good place to live on an average salary? NL has some of Canada’’s lowest housing costs — average home prices in St. John’’s are $350,000–$400,000, far below national averages. The lower cost of living partially offsets lower wages. However, the province has higher income tax rates and fewer employment opportunities than Ontario or Alberta.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Newfoundland? Offshore oil and gas (drilling engineers, marine technicians), healthcare (physicians, specialists), government, and skilled trades in resource industries offer the highest incomes. Federal and provincial public service positions are among the most stable high-income employers in the province.
Income by city in Newfoundland
| City/Region | Average employment income |
|---|---|
| St. John’’s | ~$62,000 |
| Mount Pearl | ~$58,000 |
| Corner Brook | ~$51,000 |
| Gander | ~$53,000 |
| Grand Falls-Windsor | ~$52,000 |
| Offshore oil workers (all regions) | ~$100,000–$150,000 |
St. John’’s, as the capital and economic hub, has the province’’s highest wages outside of offshore oil workers, who may live throughout the province but work on rotation.
Cost of living context for NL incomes
NL’’s lower incomes are partially offset by lower costs:
- Average home price (St. John’’s): ~$380,000 (vs $900,000+ in Toronto)
- Average rent (1-bedroom, St. John’’s): ~$1,400–$1,700/month
- Groceries: comparable to national average; remote communities pay more
- Transportation: car-dependent; lower transit costs but higher car ownership costs
For workers in offshore oil who earn premium wages while residing in NL, the combination of high income and relatively modest living costs creates strong savings potential.
Related tools and resources
- Income Percentile Calculator — See where your income ranks in Canada
- Salary Calculator — Calculate your Newfoundland after-tax pay
- Income Tax Calculator — Estimate your Newfoundland income tax
- Newfoundland Mortgage Rates — Find the best rates
- Newfoundland Housing Market — Current home prices
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much home can you afford