Manitoba is Canada’s keystone province, strategically located at the geographic center of the country with a population of approximately 1.4 million. The province offers a diversified economy that provides stable employment across multiple sectors, avoiding the boom-bust cycles that characterize resource-dependent provinces. While incomes are slightly below the national average, Manitoba’s exceptionally affordable housing and low cost of living mean residents often enjoy better purchasing power than higher-income provinces.
Winnipeg, home to over 750,000 residents (approximately 55% of the provincial population), serves as the economic, cultural, and political hub of Manitoba. The city has developed strong aerospace, financial services, and manufacturing sectors that provide middle-class employment opportunities. Outside Winnipeg, Brandon serves as the regional center for agricultural communities, while Northern Manitoba contributes mining and hydroelectric resources. Manitoba’s economy demonstrates remarkable stability—unemployment rarely exceeds 7% even during national recessions, providing job security that many Canadians value.
The province has experienced steady population growth in recent years, driven largely by immigration, with Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program being one of Canada’s most successful. This influx of newcomers has supported economic growth while keeping housing affordable compared to major urban centers in Ontario and British Columbia.
Manitoba income percentile table
| Percentile | Individual Income |
|---|---|
| 10th | $5,900 |
| 20th | $16,600 |
| 25th | $20,600 |
| 30th | $23,700 |
| 40th | $30,500 |
| 50th | $38,100 |
| 60th | $46,300 |
| 70th | $55,900 |
| 75th | $62,200 |
| 80th | $69,500 |
| 90th | $92,100 |
| 95th | $124,100 |
| 99th | $150,000+ |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 98-10-0064, 2020 income year (2021 Census). Values are interpolated from published $5,000-wide income brackets, not exact published percentiles. StatCan’s own published median for the same population is $39,200, versus this table’s interpolated $38,100, a normal margin for bracket interpolation. The 99th percentile reflects the floor of the open-ended “$150,000 and over” bracket, not a precise estimate.
Manitoba income statistics
| Metric | Individual |
|---|---|
| Median Total Income | $41,600 |
| Average Total Income | $52,000 |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0238, 2024 tax year.
| Metric | Household (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Median Income | $70,000 |
| Top 10% Threshold | $165,000 |
| Top 1% Threshold | $360,000 |
Household figures and top-earner thresholds are planning estimates, not yet sourced from a StatCan pipeline.
The gap between Manitoba’s median ($41,600) and average ($52,000) individual income, about 25%, reflects moderate income inequality. This gap is smaller than in resource-heavy provinces like Alberta but larger than Quebec. High earners in financial services, healthcare, and senior government positions pull the average above what most Manitobans actually earn. For a more accurate picture of typical earnings, the median is the better reference point.
Historical income trends in Manitoba
Manitoba’s income history reflects a gradual transition from an agricultural economy to a diversified modern economy. Unlike Alberta or Newfoundland, Manitoba has avoided dramatic boom-bust cycles, providing consistent if unspectacular income growth.
Agricultural foundation (1900-1970)
For much of the 20th century, Manitoba’s economy was dominated by agriculture and transportation. Winnipeg served as the gateway to Western Canada, with the grain exchange, railways, and agricultural services providing employment. During this era:
- 1950s: Manitoba incomes roughly matched the national average
- 1960s: Shift from agriculture to services began
- 1970s: Manufacturing sector expanded
Diversification era (1971-2000)
Manitoba deliberately pursued economic diversification to reduce dependence on volatile agricultural commodities:
- Insurance and financial services sector grew (Great-West Life established its headquarters)
- Aerospace manufacturing expanded (Boeing, Bristol Aerospace)
- Government services provided stable employment
- Healthcare sector became a major employer
Modern economy (2001-present)
| Year | Median Individual Income | Unemployment Rate | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $26,000 | 5.0% | Tech boom period |
| 2005 | $29,000 | 4.8% | Strong growth |
| 2008 | $32,000 | 4.2% | Pre-recession peak |
| 2009 | $32,500 | 5.2% | Mild recession impact |
| 2014 | $35,000 | 5.4% | Steady recovery |
| 2019 | $37,000 | 5.3% | Pre-pandemic |
| 2020 | $36,500 | 8.0% | COVID impact |
| 2022 | $38,000 | 4.5% | Recovery |
| 2024 | $38,000 | 5.2% | Current |
Manitoba’s income growth has been steady but slow—approximately 46% nominal growth from 2000-2024, compared to 53% nationally. However, Manitoba avoided the severe downturns that hit Alberta in 2015-2016 and 2020, demonstrating the value of economic diversification.
Income by major Manitoba cities
| City | Median Individual | Median Household | Top 10% | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | $40,000 | $72,000 | $110,000 | Great-West, Boeing, Province |
| Brandon | $36,000 | $68,000 | $95,000 | Maple Leaf Foods, BU |
| Steinbach | $38,000 | $75,000 | $105,000 | Manufacturing, retail |
| Thompson | $48,000 | $88,000 | $125,000 | Vale mining |
| Portage la Prairie | $34,000 | $64,000 | $90,000 | Agriculture, CF-18 base |
Thompson stands out with significantly higher incomes due to Vale’s mining operations. Workers in the mining sector can earn $80,000-$120,000, well above provincial averages. However, Northern Manitoba communities face higher living costs and limited services, partially offsetting the income advantage.
Income by age group in Manitoba
Age significantly affects income in Manitoba, with peak earnings typically occurring between ages 45-54:
| Age Group | Median Income | Average Income |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 24 years | $16,500 | $21,000 |
| 25 to 34 years | $44,300 | $50,000 |
| 35 to 44 years | $57,700 | $66,400 |
| 45 to 54 years | $58,800 | $71,800 |
| 55 to 64 years | $50,600 | $61,600 |
| 65 years and over | $40,400 | $51,900 |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0239, 2024 tax year, total income (all sources), excluding individuals with zero income.
The relatively flat income trajectory between ages 35-54 reflects Manitoba’s economy—fewer high-growth tech or finance careers that produce steep earnings growth, but also more stability and fewer dramatic mid-career disruptions.
Income by gender in Manitoba
Manitoba’s gender pay gap on total income (23.4%) is moderate compared to other provinces:
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median total income | $50,000 | $38,300 | 23.4% |
| Average total income | $60,800 | $47,100 | N/A |
| Median full-year full-time employment income | $66,300 | $56,500 | 14.8% |
Source: Statistics Canada Tables 11-10-0239 and 11-10-0240, 2024 tax year. Total income includes all income sources for anyone with a positive income; full-year full-time employment income compares only workers employed full-time for the full year, a cleaner apples-to-apples comparison since it controls for hours and weeks worked.
The gap is narrower than Alberta but wider than Quebec. Contributing factors include:
- Higher male representation in mining and construction
- Women more concentrated in healthcare and education
- Part-time work more common among women
On Statistics Canada’s average hourly wage measure, Manitoba’s gap is 9.7% in 2025 (men $33.16/hour vs. women $29.96/hour), below the national average of 11.9%. See the full gender pay gap breakdown by province and industry.
- Progress in recent years as women enter professional roles
Key industries driving Manitoba incomes
Financial services
Manitoba’s financial sector, anchored by Great-West Lifeco (owner of Canada Life, Great-West Life, and London Life), employs approximately 25,000 workers in the province. Average salaries in the sector exceed $70,000, with senior positions reaching $150,000+. The industry provides stable, white-collar employment with good benefits.
| Role | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Underwriter | $65,000 | 3,000+ |
| Financial Analyst | $75,000 | 2,500+ |
| Actuary | $110,000 | 1,000+ |
| IT Professional | $80,000 | 4,000+ |
Aerospace manufacturing
Manitoba has Canada’s third-largest aerospace sector, employing approximately 6,000 workers. Major companies include:
- Boeing Winnipeg: Composite manufacturing for 737, 777, 787 aircraft
- Magellan Aerospace: Aircraft components and assemblies
- StandardAero: Engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul
Average wages in aerospace manufacturing exceed $75,000, with engineers and specialized technicians earning $90,000-$130,000.
Agriculture and food processing
Agriculture remains important to Manitoba’s economy, with the province producing wheat, canola, oats, and livestock. While farm incomes are volatile, the agricultural services and food processing sector provides more stable employment:
- Maple Leaf Foods (Brandon): Major pork processing
- Richardson International: Grain handling and agribusiness
- Cargill: Meat processing and grain trading
Employment in food manufacturing averages $42,000-$55,000, while agricultural management and agribusiness roles pay $60,000-$90,000.
Healthcare
Healthcare is Manitoba’s largest employer, with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority alone employing over 28,000 workers. Key facilities include Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface Hospital, and CancerCare Manitoba.
| Role | Average Salary | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,000 | Very High |
| Physician | $200,000+ | Very High |
| Medical Technologist | $65,000 | High |
| Healthcare Aide | $38,000 | Very High |
Manufacturing
Beyond aerospace, Manitoba has significant manufacturing in:
- Bus manufacturing: New Flyer Industries (electric and transit buses), employing 2,500+
- Heavy machinery: MacDon Industries (agricultural equipment)
- Furniture: Palliser Furniture (though reduced from peak)
Manufacturing jobs average $50,000-$65,000 with skilled trades positions reaching $75,000+.
Manitoba vs national income comparison
| Percentile | Manitoba | Canada | Difference | % Higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $5,900 | $7,700 | -$1,800 | -23% |
| 25th | $20,600 | $21,200 | -$600 | -3% |
| Median (50th) | $38,100 | $39,500 | -$1,400 | -4% |
| 75th | $62,200 | $67,000 | -$4,800 | -7% |
| 90th | $92,100 | $103,000 | -$10,900 | -11% |
| 99th | $150,000+ | $150,000+ | N/A | N/A |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 98-10-0064, 2020 income year (2021 Census), interpolated from published income brackets. The 99th percentile is the floor of the open-ended “$150,000 and over” bracket for both geographies, so no meaningful difference can be computed at that row.
Manitoba trails the national figures at every percentile, and notably by more at the very bottom (roughly 23% below nationally at the 10th percentile) than through the middle of the distribution, before widening again toward the 90th percentile. This reflects Manitoba’s more compressed, but also somewhat lower, income floor relative to the rest of Canada.
Cost of living and purchasing power
Despite lower nominal incomes, Manitobans often enjoy comparable or better living standards due to housing affordability:
Housing costs
| Area | Average Home Price | Median Rent (2BR) | Price-to-Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | $350,000 | $1,400 | 4.9x |
| Brandon | $280,000 | $1,100 | 4.1x |
| Toronto | $1,100,000 | $2,800 | 13.8x |
| Vancouver | $1,250,000 | $3,000 | 14.7x |
A Winnipeg household earning the median income of $72,000 can comfortably afford the average home. A Toronto household would need approximately $170,000 to afford their average home—well above the city’s median.
Real purchasing power comparison
| City | $70,000 Equivalent Purchasing Power |
|---|---|
| Winnipeg | $70,000 (baseline) |
| Toronto | $55,000 |
| Vancouver | $52,000 |
| Calgary | $68,000 |
| Montreal | $72,000 |
| Halifax | $67,000 |
Income inequality in Manitoba
Manitoba’s Gini coefficient is approximately 0.30—slightly below Canada’s 0.31, indicating somewhat less income inequality. The ratio of top 10% to bottom 10% incomes is approximately 14:1, compared to 15:1 nationally.
Factors contributing to lower inequality include:
- Large public sector providing middle-class wages
- Fewer extremely high-paying jobs (reduces top end)
- Strong social safety net and minimum wage
- Significant Indigenous population faces economic challenges
However, Manitoba has concerning inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, with Indigenous median incomes approximately 30% below provincial averages.
Future outlook for Manitoba incomes
Positive factors
- Immigration growth: Provincial Nominee Program continues to attract workers
- Aerospace expansion: Electric and sustainable aviation investments
- Data centers: Cold climate attractive for server farms
- Infrastructure projects: Lake Manitoba outlet, transit expansion
- Renewable energy: Manitoba Hydro exports to US markets
Challenges
- Brain drain: Young professionals attracted to Toronto, Vancouver
- Healthcare staffing: Critical nursing and physician shortages
- Agricultural volatility: Climate change affecting crop yields
- Limited high-growth sectors: Fewer tech and finance opportunities
- Housing affordability erosion: Prices rising faster than incomes
Most economists expect Manitoba incomes to grow modestly, roughly tracking inflation, through the late 2020s. The province is unlikely to close the gap with national averages but should maintain its affordability advantage.
How to improve your income percentile in Manitoba
High-demand occupations
| Occupation | Median Salary | Demand Level | Training Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,000 | Very High | 4-year BN degree |
| Electrician | $72,000 | High | 4-year apprenticeship |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $65,000 | High | Technical training |
| Software Developer | $85,000 | High | Degree or bootcamp |
| Truck Driver (Class 1) | $58,000 | Very High | Weeks-long training |
| Aerospace Technician | $75,000 | High | 2-year diploma |
Education pathways
- University of Manitoba: Engineering, nursing, business programs leading to $70,000+ careers
- Red River College: Practical programs in healthcare, trades, IT
- Robertson College: Accelerated programs for career changers
- MITT (Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology): Trade certification
Industry transitions
For those seeking higher incomes, consider:
- Retail/service → Healthcare aide → LPN → RN pathway
- General labour → Skilled trades apprenticeship
- Administration → IT certification programs
- Agriculture → Agribusiness management
Related pages
- Income Percentile Calculator — Calculate your exact percentile
- Winnipeg Income Percentile — Detailed Winnipeg data
- Manitoba Income Tax Calculator — Calculate your Manitoba taxes
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — See what you can afford
- Salary Calculator — Convert between pay frequencies
- Net Worth by Age — See how your wealth compares