Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and its economic engine, home to approximately 15 million people—nearly 40% of Canada’s population. With both the country’s financial capital (Toronto) and national capital (Ottawa), Ontario’s income distribution reflects a diverse economy spanning finance, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and government. The province generates approximately 38% of Canada’s GDP.
Ontario income percentile table
| Percentile | Individual Income |
|---|---|
| 10th | $6,600 |
| 20th | $16,900 |
| 25th | $20,500 |
| 30th | $23,700 |
| 40th | $30,800 |
| 50th | $39,300 |
| 60th | $49,000 |
| 70th | $61,000 |
| 75th | $68,600 |
| 80th | $77,800 |
| 90th | $110,000 |
| 95th | $142,800 |
| 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 $41,200, versus this table’s interpolated $39,300, 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.
Ontario income statistics
| Metric | Individual |
|---|---|
| Median Total Income | $43,300 |
| Average Total Income | $60,800 |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0238, 2024 tax year.
| Metric | Household (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Median Income | $78,000 |
| Top 10% Threshold | $185,000 |
| Top 1% Threshold | $450,000 |
Household figures and top-earner thresholds are planning estimates, not yet sourced from a StatCan pipeline.
The gap between Ontario’s median ($43,300) and average ($60,800) individual income, roughly 40%, reflects significant income inequality. Toronto’s concentration of high earners in finance and technology pulls the average well above what most Ontarians earn.
Historical income trends in Ontario
Ontario’s economic history has shaped current income patterns. Understanding these trends provides context for where incomes stand today and where they may head in the future.
The manufacturing era (1950-2000)
For much of the 20th century, Ontario’s prosperity was built on manufacturing, particularly the automotive sector. The Auto Pact (1965) integrated Canadian and American auto production, making southern Ontario a manufacturing powerhouse:
- 1970s-1980s: Manufacturing jobs provided middle-class incomes ($40,000-$60,000 in today’s dollars) without requiring university education
- 1980s peak: Ontario manufacturing employed 1.1 million workers
- Union strength: High unionization rates pushed wages higher, establishing the “factory floor to middle class” pathway
This era established Ontario’s income premium over most other provinces, with median incomes 10-15% above the national average.
The NAFTA transition (1994-2008)
The North American Free Trade Agreement reshaped Ontario’s economy:
| Period | Manufacturing Jobs | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,050,000 | Pre-NAFTA peak |
| 2000 | 1,000,000 | Initial stability |
| 2008 | 850,000 | Decline begins |
| 2015 | 720,000 | Post-recession low |
| 2024 | 750,000 | Stabilized |
While manufacturing declined, the financial services and technology sectors expanded. Toronto emerged as a global financial center, and the “Golden Horseshoe” region transformed from industrial to service-oriented.
Income trends 2000-present
| Year | Median Individual | Median Household | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $32,000 | $58,000 | Tech boom |
| 2008 | $37,000 | $68,000 | Pre-recession |
| 2010 | $36,000 | $66,000 | Recession impact |
| 2015 | $38,000 | $72,000 | Recovery |
| 2019 | $41,000 | $77,000 | Pre-COVID |
| 2020 | $40,000 | $76,000 | COVID impact |
| 2022 | $42,000 | $79,000 | Recovery |
| 2024 | $41,000 | $78,000 | Current |
Figures adjusted for comparability; actual Statistics Canada data may vary slightly by measurement methodology.
Over the past two decades, Ontario incomes have grown approximately 28% in nominal terms—roughly keeping pace with inflation. Real income growth has been modest, averaging less than 1% annually, as housing cost increases have outpaced wage gains.
Income by major Ontario cities
| City | Median Individual | Median Household | Top 10% | Top 1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $43,000 | $80,000 | $125,000 | $280,000 |
| Ottawa | $48,000 | $95,000 | $130,000 | $260,000 |
| Hamilton | $39,000 | $72,000 | $105,000 | $230,000 |
| Kitchener-Waterloo | $42,000 | $82,000 | $115,000 | $240,000 |
| London | $37,000 | $68,000 | $100,000 | $210,000 |
| Mississauga | $40,000 | $78,000 | $115,000 | $250,000 |
| Brampton | $38,000 | $80,000 | $105,000 | $220,000 |
| Windsor | $35,000 | $65,000 | $95,000 | $200,000 |
| St. Catharines | $34,000 | $62,000 | $92,000 | $195,000 |
Ottawa’s higher median income reflects its concentration of federal government (stable, well-compensated employment) and tech industry jobs. Despite being Canada’s largest city, Toronto’s median is moderated by its large service sector workforce—many employed in retail, food service, and hospitality at lower wages.
Income by age group in Ontario
Age significantly affects income, with Ontarians typically reaching peak earning years between 45-54:
| Age Group | Median Income | Average Income |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 24 years | $14,900 | $20,400 |
| 25 to 34 years | $49,200 | $58,200 |
| 35 to 44 years | $63,100 | $78,600 |
| 45 to 54 years | $64,700 | $86,100 |
| 55 to 64 years | $53,500 | $72,200 |
| 65 years and over | $41,500 | $59,700 |
Source: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0239, 2024 tax year, total income (all sources), excluding individuals with zero income.
The decline after age 54 reflects both retirement transitions and the displacement of older workers from high-paying manufacturing jobs that no longer exist in the same numbers. Young workers (18-24) face particularly challenging conditions, with real wages stagnating while housing costs have risen dramatically.
Income by gender in Ontario
Ontario’s gender pay gap on total income (21.9%) has narrowed over decades but remains significant:
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median total income | $52,000 | $40,600 | 21.9% |
| Average total income | $72,500 | $54,100 | N/A |
| Median full-year full-time employment income | $79,600 | $65,000 | 18.3% |
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.
On Statistics Canada’s average hourly wage measure, a narrower and more current metric than total annual income, Ontario’s gap is 11.6% in 2025 (men $39.98/hour vs. women $35.35/hour), essentially in line with the national average of 11.9%. See the full gender pay gap breakdown by province and industry.
Historical progress on the gender gap
| Year | Women’s Median as % of Men’s |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 52% |
| 1990 | 58% |
| 2000 | 62% |
| 2010 | 66% |
| 2020 | 70% |
| 2024 | 71% |
The gap is narrower for younger workers (75% for ages 25-34) than older workers (65% for ages 55-64), suggesting continued improvement over time. Education has been a key driver—women now earn more university degrees than men in Ontario.
Income by education level
Education is the strongest predictor of income in Ontario:
| Education Level | Median Income | 75th Percentile | Top 10% Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| No high school | $22,000 | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| High school diploma | $32,000 | $48,000 | $72,000 |
| College diploma | $40,000 | $58,000 | $85,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree | $55,000 | $82,000 | $120,000 |
| Master’s degree | $72,000 | $100,000 | $145,000 |
| Professional degree | $105,000 | $160,000 | $225,000 |
| Doctorate | $85,000 | $120,000 | $165,000 |
The “education premium” has grown substantially since 1980. In 1980, a university graduate earned approximately 30% more than a high school graduate; today, the premium exceeds 70%. This shift reflects the transition from a manufacturing-based to a knowledge-based economy.
Key industries driving Ontario incomes
Financial services
Toronto is Canada’s undisputed financial capital and ranks among North America’s top financial centers:
- Employment: ~400,000 in the Greater Toronto Area
- Average salary: $95,000 (excluding top executives)
- Top-paying roles: Investment banking ($150,000-$400,000), portfolio management, actuarial science
- Major employers: RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, Sun Life, Manulife
The sector contributes approximately $85 billion to Ontario’s GDP—nearly 10% of the provincial economy.
Technology
The Toronto-Waterloo corridor has emerged as Canada’s leading tech hub:
| Role | Ontario Average | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $105,000 | +5%/year |
| Data Scientist | $115,000 | +8%/year |
| Product Manager | $125,000 | +4%/year |
| DevOps Engineer | $110,000 | +6%/year |
| UX Designer | $85,000 | +4%/year |
Major tech employers include Shopify (Ottawa/Toronto), Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and thousands of startups. The sector employs approximately 350,000 people in Ontario.
Healthcare
Ontario’s healthcare sector is among the largest in North America:
| Role | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $105,000 |
| Family Physician | $180,000-$280,000 |
| Specialist Physician | $300,000-$600,000 |
| Pharmacist | $95,000 |
| Physiotherapist | $75,000 |
Healthcare employs over 600,000 Ontarians and provides stable, recession-resistant incomes.
Government and public sector
Ottawa drives public sector employment in Ontario:
| Category | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Federal public servant (entry) | $55,000-$75,000 |
| Federal public servant (senior) | $100,000-$150,000 |
| Provincial public servant | $50,000-$120,000 |
| Teacher | $55,000-$100,000 |
| Police officer | $75,000-$110,000 |
Public sector jobs offer strong benefits, defined-benefit pensions, and job security—factors that increase their total compensation value beyond stated salaries.
Manufacturing
Despite decline, manufacturing remains significant:
| Subsector | Employment | Average Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | 125,000 | $72,000 |
| Food processing | 85,000 | $45,000 |
| Steel and metals | 40,000 | $68,000 |
| Aerospace | 25,000 | $78,000 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 30,000 | $82,000 |
The automotive sector has pivoted toward electric vehicle production, with major investments by Honda, Ford, and battery manufacturers.
Ontario vs national income comparison
| Percentile | Ontario | Canada | Difference | % Higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $6,600 | $7,700 | -$1,100 | -14% |
| 25th | $20,500 | $21,200 | -$700 | -3% |
| Median (50th) | $39,300 | $39,500 | -$200 | -1% |
| 75th | $68,600 | $67,000 | +$1,600 | +2% |
| 90th | $110,000 | $103,000 | +$7,000 | +7% |
| 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.
Ontario is actually slightly below the Canadian average through the bottom half of the distribution, and only pulls ahead starting around the 75th percentile, reflecting the concentration of high-paying finance, legal, and executive positions in the GTA. At the bottom of the distribution, Ontario’s minimum wage ($16.55/hour in 2024) exceeds most other provinces, but that alone isn’t enough to lift the 10th percentile above the national figure.
Cost of living and real purchasing power
Ontario’s income picture changes dramatically when accounting for cost of living, particularly housing:
Housing affordability crisis
| City | Median Household Income | Average Home Price | Price-to-Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $80,000 | $1,100,000 | 13.8x |
| Hamilton | $72,000 | $780,000 | 10.8x |
| Ottawa | $95,000 | $655,000 | 6.9x |
| London | $68,000 | $580,000 | 8.5x |
| Windsor | $65,000 | $480,000 | 7.4x |
| National avg | $78,000 | $660,000 | 8.5x |
A price-to-income ratio above 5x is typically considered unaffordable. Toronto’s ratio of nearly 14x is among the highest in North America, exceeded only by Vancouver in Canada.
Real purchasing power comparison
How far does $100,000 go in Ontario compared to other locations?
| City | $100K Equivalent Purchasing Power |
|---|---|
| Toronto | $100,000 (baseline) |
| Ottawa | $120,000 |
| London, ON | $125,000 |
| Calgary | $118,000 |
| Montreal | $127,000 |
| Halifax | $115,000 |
A $100,000 income in London, Ontario provides roughly equivalent purchasing power to $125,000 in Toronto—a 25% real income boost from relocating within the same province.
Income inequality in Ontario
Ontario’s Gini coefficient (where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents perfect inequality) is approximately 0.32—slightly above the national average of 0.31.
Income distribution analysis
| Share of Total Income | Quintile | % of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5% | Bottom 20% | 20% |
| 10.0% | Second quintile | 20% |
| 16.0% | Middle quintile | 20% |
| 24.0% | Fourth quintile | 20% |
| 45.5% | Top 20% | 20% |
The top 20% of Ontarians earn 45.5% of all income—more than the bottom 60% combined. This concentration has increased since 1980, when the top quintile earned approximately 40% of total income.
Geographic inequality
Income inequality exists not just between individuals but between regions:
| Region | Median Household Income | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area | $82,000 | 6.5% |
| Ottawa-Gatineau | $95,000 | 5.0% |
| Southwestern Ontario | $70,000 | 5.8% |
| Eastern Ontario | $65,000 | 6.0% |
| Northern Ontario | $62,000 | 7.5% |
Northern Ontario, once prosperous from mining and forestry, has seen decades of relative decline. Communities like Sudbury and Thunder Bay face challenges attracting young workers to replace aging populations.
Ontario taxes and take-home pay
Ontario’s tax structure significantly affects what you keep from your gross income:
Combined federal and provincial tax rates (2024)
| Taxable Income | Federal Rate | Ontario Rate | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$55,867 | 15% | 5.05% | 20.05% |
| $55,867-$111,733 | 20.5% | 9.15% | 29.65% |
| $111,733-$173,205 | 26% | 11.16% | 37.16% |
| $173,205-$246,752 | 29% | 12.16% | 41.16% |
| $246,752+ | 33% | 13.16% | 46.16% |
Example take-home pay calculations
| Gross Income | Federal Tax | Ontario Tax | CPP/EI | Take-Home | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $5,200 | $2,200 | $4,100 | $38,500 | 23% |
| $75,000 | $9,500 | $4,700 | $4,900 | $55,900 | 25% |
| $100,000 | $14,500 | $7,400 | $4,900 | $73,200 | 27% |
| $150,000 | $26,000 | $13,200 | $4,900 | $105,900 | 29% |
| $200,000 | $39,000 | $19,500 | $4,900 | $136,600 | 32% |
Use our Ontario income tax calculator for personalized calculations.
Improving your income percentile in Ontario
Highest-demand occupations (2024)
| Occupation | Median Salary | Job Openings | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $105,000 | 15,000+/year | Diploma or degree |
| Registered Nurse | $78,000 | 12,000+/year | Bachelor’s degree |
| Financial Analyst | $72,000 | 5,000+/year | Bachelor’s degree |
| Electrician | $75,000 | 8,000+/year | Apprenticeship |
| HVAC Technician | $68,000 | 6,000+/year | Apprenticeship |
| Data Analyst | $70,000 | 7,000+/year | Bachelor’s degree |
Education pathways
- College diplomas: 2-3 year programs at Sheridan, Seneca, Humber, or Conestoga leading to $50,000-$80,000 careers in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades
- University degrees: Ontario has more universities per capita than most provinces, with top institutions including University of Toronto, Waterloo, Queen’s, and Western
- Professional certifications: CPA, PMP, CFA, and AWS/Azure certifications can boost earnings 20-40%
- Apprenticeships: Provincial programs cover 150+ trades with earn-while-you-learn pathways
Geographic strategy
Given cost of living disparities, where you live in Ontario dramatically affects quality of life at any income level:
| Income Level | Best Value Cities |
|---|---|
| $40,000-$60,000 | London, Windsor, Kingston, Sudbury |
| $60,000-$80,000 | Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Barrie |
| $80,000-$100,000 | Ottawa (if government/tech), Hamilton |
| $100,000+ | Toronto competitive; Ottawa offers better value |
Remote work has opened new possibilities—many tech workers now earn Toronto salaries while living in more affordable communities.
Future outlook for Ontario incomes
Positive factors
- Immigration: Ontario receives ~45% of Canada’s immigrants, supporting labour market growth
- Tech expansion: Continued AI/ML investment in Toronto-Waterloo corridor
- Electric vehicle manufacturing: Multi-billion dollar investments by automakers
- Healthcare demand: Aging population drives healthcare employment
- Federal spending: Ottawa benefits from expanded government programs
Challenges
- Housing affordability: Continues to erode real income gains
- Manufacturing uncertainty: Trade tensions and automation threaten traditional jobs
- Public debt: Ontario has the highest sub-sovereign debt globally, potentially limiting future spending
- Brain drain: Some high earners relocate to lower-tax jurisdictions
Most economists expect Ontario incomes to grow modestly (1-2% annually in real terms) through 2030, with the technology and healthcare sectors outperforming while manufacturing continues restructuring.
Related pages
- Income Percentile Calculator — Calculate your exact percentile
- Toronto Income Percentile — Detailed Toronto data
- Ottawa Income Percentile — National capital incomes
- Hamilton Income Percentile — Steel City incomes
- Ontario Income Tax Calculator — Calculate your Ontario taxes
- Salary Calculator — Convert between pay frequencies
- Net Worth by Age — See how your wealth compares