British Columbia offers stunning natural beauty, a mild Pacific coast climate, and some of Canada’s most dynamic industries. However, it also has some of the country’s highest living costs—particularly in Metro Vancouver, where housing prices have created a challenging affordability landscape. With a population of approximately 5.4 million (2024), BC is Canada’s third most populous province and third largest economy.
British Columbia income percentile table
The table below shows what income is needed to reach each percentile in British Columbia. These figures are derived from Statistics Canada census and tax filer data.
| Percentile | Individual Income | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $5,000 | 90% of British Columbians earn more |
| 20th | $13,000 | Part-time and seasonal workers |
| 25th | $17,000 | Lower quartile |
| 30th | $21,000 | |
| 40th | $30,000 | |
| 50th (Median) | $39,000 | Half earn more, half earn less |
| 60th | $49,000 | |
| 70th | $61,000 | |
| 75th | $68,000 | Upper quartile |
| 80th | $78,000 | |
| 90th | $108,000 | Top 10% of earners |
| 95th | $150,000 | Top 5% |
| 99th | $260,000+ | Top 1% |
Based on Statistics Canada data. Includes all persons aged 15+ with income.
BC income statistics
| Metric | Individual | Household |
|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $39,000 | $74,000 |
| Average Income | $53,000 | $98,000 |
| Top 10% Threshold | $108,000 | $175,000 |
| Top 1% Threshold | $260,000 | $420,000 |
The gap between BC’s median ($39,000) and average ($53,000) individual income—36%—reflects substantial income inequality. Vancouver’s concentration of tech wealth, real estate gains, and high-earning professionals creates a long right tail in the income distribution.
Historical income trends in British Columbia
British Columbia’s economy has undergone dramatic transformations over the past century, shaping today’s income patterns.
The resource extraction era (1900-1980)
BC’s early prosperity came from “extraction industries”—forestry, mining, fishing, and later oil and gas:
- 1950s-1970s: Resource sector jobs provided middle-class incomes without requiring advanced education
- Forestry peak: In 1980, over 90,000 British Columbians worked in forestry and logging
- Union influence: Strong labour unions in resource industries established BC as one of Canada’s higher-wage provinces
During this era, BC’s median income typically exceeded the national average by 5-10%.
The transition period (1980-2000)
Global competition and environmental concerns disrupted BC’s resource-dependent economy:
| Industry | 1980 Employment | 2000 Employment | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry/Logging | 90,000 | 55,000 | -39% |
| Mining | 25,000 | 12,000 | -52% |
| Fishing | 15,000 | 8,000 | -47% |
| Film/TV | 2,000 | 25,000 | +1,150% |
| Technology | 5,000 | 50,000 | +900% |
The 1990s saw the emergence of Vancouver’s tech industry and film production, but these sectors initially employed fewer people at polarized wage levels.
The Vancouver real estate boom (2000-present)
Vancouver’s housing market has dominated BC’s economic narrative for two decades:
| Year | Avg Vancouver Home Price | Annual Growth | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $290,000 | – | $30,000 |
| 2005 | $470,000 | +12%/yr | $32,000 |
| 2010 | $580,000 | +4%/yr | $35,000 |
| 2015 | $750,000 | +5%/yr | $37,000 |
| 2020 | $1,040,000 | +7%/yr | $38,000 |
| 2024 | $1,200,000 | +4%/yr | $39,000 |
Home prices have grown 313% since 2000 while median incomes have grown only 30%—a fundamental decoupling that defines BC’s affordability crisis.
Income trend analysis (2000-2024)
| Year | Median Individual | Growth Rate | Inflation-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $30,000 | – | $42,000 (2024$) |
| 2005 | $32,000 | +6.7% | $42,500 (2024$) |
| 2010 | $35,000 | +9.4% | $42,200 (2024$) |
| 2015 | $37,000 | +5.7% | $41,800 (2024$) |
| 2019 | $38,500 | +4.1% | $41,500 (2024$) |
| 2024 | $39,000 | +1.3% | $39,000 |
In inflation-adjusted terms, BC median incomes have actually declined over the past two decades. This combination of stagnant real wages and surging housing costs explains much of the province’s affordability challenges.
Income by major BC cities
| City | Median Individual | Median Household | Top 10% | Top 1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $42,000 | $76,000 | $120,000 | $275,000 |
| Victoria | $40,000 | $72,000 | $108,000 | $230,000 |
| Surrey | $37,000 | $78,000 | $105,000 | $220,000 |
| Burnaby | $38,000 | $70,000 | $110,000 | $240,000 |
| Kelowna | $36,000 | $68,000 | $100,000 | $210,000 |
| Abbotsford | $34,000 | $72,000 | $95,000 | $190,000 |
| Nanaimo | $34,000 | $65,000 | $92,000 | $185,000 |
| Kamloops | $36,000 | $70,000 | $98,000 | $195,000 |
| Prince George | $38,000 | $75,000 | $105,000 | $200,000 |
Vancouver’s higher individual income reflects its tech sector and professional services concentration. Surrey shows higher household incomes due to larger household sizes (multi-generational families). Prince George’s relatively strong incomes stem from its role as northern BC’s resource industry hub.
Income by age group in British Columbia
BC shows distinct income patterns by age:
| Age Group | Median Individual | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | $14,000 | $26,000 | $40,000 |
| 25-34 | $40,000 | $62,000 | $88,000 |
| 35-44 | $48,000 | $76,000 | $112,000 |
| 45-54 | $50,000 | $80,000 | $118,000 |
| 55-64 | $44,000 | $74,000 | $115,000 |
| 65+ | $28,000 | $48,000 | $78,000 |
Peak earning years in BC (45-54) coincide with peak housing costs, creating financial pressure for middle-aged families. Young adults (18-24) face especially difficult conditions, with entry-level wages insufficient for independent living in Vancouver.
Income by gender in British Columbia
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median income | $46,000 | $33,000 | 28% |
| Average income | $62,000 | $43,000 | 31% |
| Top 10% threshold | $125,000 | $88,000 | 30% |
BC’s gender pay gap (28%) is slightly below the national average (30%), partly due to the province’s stronger public sector and healthcare industries where wage equity is better enforced. The tech sector, while male-dominated, has also attracted more women to high-paying roles than traditional resource industries.
Key industries driving BC incomes
Technology
Vancouver has emerged as Canada’s second-largest tech hub, often called “Silicon Valley North”:
| Role | BC Average | % Above Provincial Median |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $100,000 | +156% |
| Data Scientist | $110,000 | +182% |
| Product Manager | $120,000 | +208% |
| DevOps Engineer | $105,000 | +169% |
| UX Designer | $82,000 | +110% |
Major tech employers include Amazon (8,000+ employees), Microsoft, SAP, Hootsuite, and Shopify. The sector employs approximately 120,000 British Columbians and has been the primary driver of high-income job growth.
Film and television
“Hollywood North” generates over $3 billion annually in BC, employing 70,000+ workers:
| Role | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Camera operator | $60,000-$100,000 |
| Director (episodic TV) | $150,000-$300,000 |
| Grip/Electric | $55,000-$85,000 |
| Post-production | $50,000-$90,000 |
| VFX artist | $65,000-$110,000 |
Vancouver hosts productions for major studios including Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., making it one of the world’s largest production centers.
Real estate and construction
BC’s housing boom has created substantial employment and income:
| Role | Typical Income |
|---|---|
| Real estate agent (median) | $45,000 |
| Real estate agent (top 10%) | $180,000+ |
| Construction manager | $95,000 |
| Electrician | $72,000 |
| Plumber | $70,000 |
However, real estate agent income is highly variable—the median ($45,000) reflects that most agents part-time or new entrants, while top performers earn well into six figures.
Healthcare
BC’s healthcare sector provides stable, well-compensated employment:
| Role | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $80,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $108,000 |
| Family Physician | $190,000-$290,000 |
| Specialist Physician | $320,000-$550,000 |
| Pharmacist | $95,000 |
Healthcare employs over 200,000 British Columbians and faces significant labour shortages, driving wage growth.
Resource extraction (legacy)
While diminished, resource industries remain significant in northern and interior BC:
| Industry | Employment | Average Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Forestry/Logging | 30,000 | $65,000 |
| Mining | 18,000 | $95,000 |
| Natural gas | 8,000 | $110,000 |
| Pulp and paper | 6,000 | $72,000 |
These jobs provide middle-class incomes in communities where housing costs are dramatically lower than Vancouver.
BC vs national income comparison
| Percentile | BC | Canada | Difference | % Higher/Lower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $5,000 | $5,000 | $0 | 0% |
| 25th | $17,000 | $18,000 | -$1,000 | -6% |
| Median (50th) | $39,000 | $40,500 | -$1,500 | -4% |
| 75th | $68,000 | $70,000 | -$2,000 | -3% |
| 90th | $108,000 | $110,000 | -$2,000 | -2% |
| 99th | $260,000 | $250,000 | +$10,000 | +4% |
BC’s median income is slightly below the national average, but the top 1% threshold exceeds it—reflecting the province’s income polarization. Lower percentiles are held down by BC’s large service and tourism sectors, while the tech industry elevates the top.
The BC income-housing disconnect
British Columbia, especially Metro Vancouver, demonstrates the widest gap between incomes and housing costs in Canada. This “disconnect” fundamentally shapes the province’s quality of life.
Housing affordability analysis
| City | Median Household Income | Average Home Price | Price-to-Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $76,000 | $1,200,000 | 15.8x |
| Victoria | $72,000 | $850,000 | 11.8x |
| Kelowna | $68,000 | $750,000 | 11.0x |
| Kamloops | $70,000 | $550,000 | 7.9x |
| Prince George | $75,000 | $425,000 | 5.7x |
| National avg | $78,000 | $660,000 | 8.5x |
Vancouver’s price-to-income ratio of 15.8x is among the highest in the developed world—comparable to Hong Kong and Sydney.
What income do you need to live in Vancouver?
| Housing Type | Price/Rent | Required Income | % of BC Households |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR apartment (rent) | $2,400/month | $80,000 | 62% |
| 2BR apartment (rent) | $3,200/month | $107,000 | 45% |
| Condo (buy) | $700,000 | $140,000 | 30% |
| Townhouse (buy) | $1,100,000 | $180,000 | 18% |
| Detached house (buy) | $1,700,000 | $280,000 | 8% |
Required income assumes 30% of gross income spent on housing.
Only 8% of BC households have sufficient income to afford a detached house in Vancouver, explaining why much of the city’s housing demand comes from investors, foreign buyers, and families with substantial equity from previous homes.
Purchasing power comparisons
How far does $100,000 go in different BC communities?
| Location | $100K Equivalent Purchasing Power |
|---|---|
| Vancouver | $100,000 (baseline) |
| Victoria | $112,000 |
| Kelowna | $118,000 |
| Kamloops | $135,000 |
| Prince George | $145,000 |
| Smithers | $155,000 |
A $100,000 income in Prince George provides roughly equivalent standard of living to $145,000 in Vancouver—45% more real purchasing power.
Income inequality in British Columbia
BC’s Gini coefficient is approximately 0.33—one of the highest in Canada and reflecting substantial inequality.
Income distribution analysis
| Share of Total Income | Quintile |
|---|---|
| 4.0% | Bottom 20% |
| 9.5% | Second quintile |
| 15.5% | Middle quintile |
| 24.0% | Fourth quintile |
| 47.0% | Top 20% |
The top 20% of British Columbians earn 47% of all income—the highest concentration in Canada (Ontario: 45.5%, national: 44%). This reflects both the tech industry’s high wages and the large service/tourism workforce earning below-median wages.
Wealth vs. income inequality
BC has significant “wealth inequality” distinct from income inequality. Many homeowners who bought before 2015 have accumulated substantial equity, while their current incomes remain modest:
| Scenario | Income | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term homeowner, retired | $35,000 | $1,200,000+ |
| Young tech worker, renting | $95,000 | $50,000 |
| Dual-income family, recent buyers | $140,000 | -$200,000 (mortgage) |
This wealth disparity between generations—sometimes called the “housing lottery”—creates social tensions and migration patterns as young families leave Vancouver for affordability.
BC taxes and take-home pay
BC’s tax structure affects what you keep from your earnings:
Combined federal and provincial tax rates (2024)
| Taxable Income | Federal Rate | BC Rate | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$47,937 | 15% | 5.06% | 20.06% |
| $47,937-$95,875 | 20.5% | 7.70% | 28.20% |
| $95,875-$110,076 | 26% | 10.50% | 36.50% |
| $110,076-$133,664 | 26% | 12.29% | 38.29% |
| $133,664-$173,205 | 29% | 14.70% | 43.70% |
| $173,205-$246,752 | 29% | 16.80% | 45.80% |
| $246,752+ | 33% | 20.50% | 53.50% |
BC’s top marginal rate of 53.5% applies to income over $246,752—among the highest in Canada.
Example take-home pay calculations
| Gross Income | Federal Tax | BC Tax | CPP/EI | Take-Home | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $5,200 | $2,100 | $4,100 | $38,600 | 23% |
| $75,000 | $9,500 | $4,300 | $4,900 | $56,300 | 25% |
| $100,000 | $14,500 | $7,100 | $4,900 | $73,500 | 27% |
| $150,000 | $26,000 | $14,500 | $4,900 | $104,600 | 30% |
| $200,000 | $39,000 | $24,000 | $4,900 | $132,100 | 34% |
Use our BC income tax calculator for personalized calculations.
Migration patterns and income
BC’s affordability crisis has created significant migration patterns:
Interprovincial migration (2019-2024)
| Flow | Net Migrants | Typical Income Impact |
|---|---|---|
| BC → Alberta | +25,000 | Higher real income |
| Ontario → BC | -5,000 | Lower real income, lifestyle choice |
| BC → Atlantic | +8,000 | Remote work opportunities |
Many British Columbians have relocated to Alberta for higher incomes and lower housing costs. The shift accelerated during COVID-19 as remote work expanded options.
Immigration and income
BC receives approximately 18% of Canada’s immigrants despite being home to only 13% of the population. New immigrants to BC typically start at lower income percentiles:
| Years Since Arrival | Median Income | % of Provincial Median |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 years | $22,000 | 56% |
| 2-5 years | $32,000 | 82% |
| 6-10 years | $38,000 | 97% |
| 10+ years | $42,000 | 108% |
Immigrants who remain in BC long-term eventually exceed provincial median income, reflecting educational attainment and entrepreneurship.
Future outlook for BC incomes
Positive factors
- Tech expansion: Continued growth of AI/ML and software development sectors
- Clean energy: BC positions itself for green economy jobs
- Trans Mountain Pipeline: Limited revenue but supports construction employment
- Immigration: Continued population growth supports labour market
- Remote work: Enables high earners to live outside Vancouver
Challenges
- Housing affordability: Continues to erode real income gains and drive out-migration
- Aging population: Particularly acute in rural communities
- Resource industry decline: Forestry and mining continue long-term contraction
- Climate change: Wildfires and floods threaten communities and industries
- High taxation: Top marginal rates may deter some high earners
Most economists expect BC incomes to grow modestly in nominal terms (2-3% annually) while real purchasing power remains constrained by housing costs.
Improving your income percentile in BC
High-demand occupations (2024)
| Occupation | Median Salary | Job Openings | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $100,000 | 10,000+/year | Diploma or degree |
| Registered Nurse | $80,000 | 8,000+/year | Bachelor’s degree |
| Electrician | $72,000 | 4,000+/year | Apprenticeship |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $68,000 | 3,000+/year | Certification |
| Project Manager | $95,000 | 3,500+/year | Degree + experience |
| Data Analyst | $72,000 | 4,000+/year | Bachelor’s degree |
Geographic strategy
| Income Level | Best Value Locations |
|---|---|
| $40,000-$60,000 | Kamloops, Prince George, Nanaimo, Terrace |
| $60,000-$80,000 | Kelowna, Victoria (with roommate), Abbotsford |
| $80,000-$100,000 | Victoria, Kelowna, Surrey |
| $100,000+ | Vancouver competitive; consider Fraser Valley |
Remote work has opened new possibilities—tech workers earning Vancouver salaries while living in the Okanagan or on Vancouver Island enjoy substantially better quality of life.
Education pathways
- BCIT: Highly regarded polytechnic with strong tech and trades programs
- SFU and UBC: Research universities with tech industry connections
- Trades training: ITA BC oversees apprenticeships in 100+ trades
- Bootcamps: Lighthouse Labs, BrainStation for career changers
Related pages
- Income Percentile Calculator — Calculate your exact percentile
- Vancouver Income Percentile — Detailed Vancouver data
- BC Income Tax Calculator — Calculate your BC taxes
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — See what you can afford
- Rent Affordability Calculator — Find affordable rent
- Net Worth by Age — See how your wealth compares