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5 min read
Are you contemplating a move abroad to pursue your professional aspirations? Two countries that often come to mind for their strong economies and desirable working conditions are Canada and Australia. In this blog, we'll delve into the question that's on the minds of many potential migrants: "Which is Better? Working in Canada vs Australia?"
Understanding the differences in minimum wage Canada vs Australia is crucial, as it sets the foundation for basic compensation. Additionally, we'll explore the salary in Canada vs Australia across various industries and consider the factors that influence these numbers.
When it comes to comparing these two nations, factors such as quality of life, healthcare, and education play a significant role. However, in this article, we will focus specifically on the financial aspect by comparing the minimum wage, salary ranges, and overall earning potential in Canada and Australia.
Industry: Canada v Australia
Working in Canada has many benefits, such as being able to live in an immigrant-friendly, first-world country. However, both countries rank among the top five in terms of size, and they’re both top 20 in world GDP. English is the official language of both countries, with French being Canada’s second and both countries sporting a variety of aboriginal and non-indigenous languages.
When it comes to industries, both Canada and Australia offer diverse opportunities for skilled and non-skilled workers. Let's take a closer look at some key sectors in each country.
Skilled Labor
Both Canada and Australia have strong demand for skilled professionals in various fields. In Canada, industries such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance are thriving. The Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system brings in thousands of skilled workers into the country. The country is known for its skilled immigration programs, attracting talented individuals from around the world. Australia, on the other hand, has a robust construction industry, along with sectors like healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
Non-Skilled Labor
Canada and Australia also have industries that offer opportunities for non-skilled workers. In Canada, the retail, hospitality, and agriculture sectors employ a significant number of non-skilled workers. Australia has a strong hospitality and tourism industry, offering job prospects for individuals without specialized skills. Both countries have minimum wage laws to protect the rights and fair compensation of non-skilled workers.
Mining and Technology
Australia is renowned for its rich mineral resources, making the mining industry a crucial contributor to the economy. It offers opportunities for skilled workers in mining engineering, geology, and related fields. Canada also has a significant mining sector, particularly in regions like Ontario and Quebec, which provide employment in mining engineering, geosciences, and environmental management.
Healthcare
Both Canada and Australia prioritize healthcare, offering ample opportunities in this sector. Canada's healthcare industry provides jobs for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and medical researchers. Australia has a well-regarded healthcare system as well, with opportunities for doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Both countries have an outstanding reputation for providing a good quality of life and a high level of living. Both have also fared better than many other countries during the recent financial turbulence faced by the world during the pandemic.
Job Availability
On job-finding platforms across the internet like Indeed, you’ll find that Australia advertises around 154,000 jobs as currently available in 2023—these range from General Farmworkers to Nursing assistants.
Working in Canada affords you greater opportunities and range. Canada, however, boasts almost 400,000 jobs available just on one platform (Indeed), that range equally from retail positions to healthcare jobs. With the continuous implementation of immigration programs in Canada, this number is expected to increase as the country’s economy booms. Comparatively, job opportunities in Canada are more available.
On closer inspection, you’ll notice that while Australia has more white-collar skills in demand such as registered nurses, engineers and IT Professionals, Canada needs skilled workers across the board. In-Demand Jobs in Canada are highly sought after. From doctors to nurses, butchers, bakers, IT professionals, farmworkers and truck drivers, there is a demand for everyone in Canada; you just have to be looking in the right place.
Salaries in Canada vs Australia
Over the previous decade, Australia's economy has performed well. As a result, there has been tremendous economic growth, as well as low unemployment, inflation, and interest rates. Australia has an open and competitive economy, as well as a dynamic private sector and a competent workforce. It ranks 13th on the world’s largest GDP list. However, Canada has the world's 10th-largest economy, with a GDP of $1.8 trillion.
It's easy to compare salaries when you’re looking at working in Canada vs Australia at the exchange rate between the two countries is AUS $1 = CAD $1. The average salary in Canada according to Talent.com is $70,000 per year or $35.90 per hour, which is the same for Australia.
Australia vs Canada minimum wage
When it comes to pursuing professional opportunities abroad, Canada and Australia are two countries that often top the list for many individuals seeking a new work experience. Both countries boast diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and excellent standards of living. However, there are distinct differences in terms of employment and work-related factors that can significantly influence one's decision to choose between the two.
Minimum wage and salary are crucial considerations for individuals seeking employment opportunities. The national minimum wage in Australia for 2023 is AUS $21.38 per hour or $812.60 per week. Average Wages in Canada increased to 29.44 CAD hourly in February 2023.
While minimum wage provides a baseline, it's important to note that actual salaries in both countries can vary significantly depending on factors such as job sector, level of experience, and geographical location.
When comparing salaries in Canada and Australia, it's essential to consider the overall cost of living. Canada has a slightly lower cost of living than Australia, which may impact the disposable income individuals have at their disposal.
Cost of Living in Canada vs Australia
The data used in this analysis is from Numbeo.com and reveals the percentage differences in prices between two cities: Toronto, Canada, and Sydney, Australia, shedding light on the affordability and expenses associated with everyday necessities.
Consumer Prices
Consumer prices in Sydney are reported to be 16.3% higher than in Toronto, excluding rent. This means that individuals living in Sydney can expect to pay more for various goods and services compared to their counterparts in Toronto. Factors contributing to this higher cost of living may include transportation, entertainment, and other general expenses.
Consumer Prices, Including Rent
When including rent, the overall consumer prices in Sydney remain 16.3% higher than in Toronto. This indicates that the disparity in living costs persists even when considering the significant expense of housing. Individuals planning to relocate or work in Sydney should be prepared for the higher price tags associated with daily living expenses.
Rent Prices
Rent prices in Sydney are 16.3% higher than in Toronto. This implies that individuals seeking accommodation in Sydney should expect to allocate a larger portion of their budget towards rent compared to those residing in Toronto. Higher rent prices can significantly impact disposable income and influence the overall affordability of living in the city.
Restaurant Prices
Restaurant prices in Sydney are reported to be 5.2% higher than in Toronto. This suggests that dining out and enjoying meals at restaurants may be slightly more expensive in Sydney compared to Toronto. Individuals who frequently dine out or enjoy restaurant experiences should consider the potential impact on their budget and financial planning.
Grocery Prices
Grocery prices in Sydney are noted to be 12.6% higher than in Toronto. This indicates that individuals purchasing groceries in Sydney may have to allocate a larger portion of their budget for food compared to those living in Toronto. Higher grocery prices can affect monthly expenses and influence overall financial planning.
Generally, the Cost of Living in Canada is generally lower than in Australia.
Quality of Life in Canada vs Australia
Both countries have extremely low unemployment rates. Only 5.8 percent of Australians need social assistance. Similarly, only 5% of Canadians rely on welfare. Australians are taxed fairly hard, with the highest income category being taxed at 45 percent. Canadians benefit from a maximum tax rate of 29 percent on top-tier incomes.
The educational standards in each of these countries are comparable. In terms of education, Canada has a tiny advantage over Australia. Canadian educational institutions are less expensive than Australian schools, colleges, and universities.
In Canada, immigrants' rights and advantages are well-defined, while in Australia, immigration isn't generally encouraged. This is clear through their immigration policies. Canada has many immigration routes that make it simple for newcomers, while Australia is far more selective about who they grant permanent residency. As a reflection of this, Australia's population is less accepting of newcomers, whereas Canada promotes tolerance and acceptance and celebrates multiculturalism.
Quick Pros and Cons of Working in Canada v Australia
Pros and Cons of Working in Canada
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Abundant job opportunities across various industries | Colder climate in many regions |
| Strong economy and stable job market | Higher taxes compared to some countries |
| Lower cost of living compared to Australia | Longer winters and shorter daylight hours |
| Accessible healthcare system | Limited job opportunities in certain specialized fields |
| Highly diverse and inclusive society | Competitive job market, especially in major cities |
Pros and Cons of Working in Australia
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good work-life balance and high quality of life | High cost of living, especially in major cities |
| Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities | Harsh climate in certain regions |
| Strong emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity | Distance from other countries may limit travel options |
| Relatively high wages and benefits | Relatively higher risk of exposure to natural disasters |
| Robust education and healthcare systems | Limited job opportunities in certain industries |
Getting a Work Permit
While both countries have skilled worker visas, it’s significantly harder to get an endorsement to work and get a work permit in Australia than it is in Canada. Working in Canada is not only easier but workers are protected by strong rights and privileges almost as much as permanent residents and citizens are.
There are various routes to apply for a work permit in Canada. You can apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), or if you want something more permanent, you can apply for an Express Entry Visa, or a Provincial Nomination Program.
Contributing to the process of your eligibility of obtaining your work permit is the calculation of your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You can generate your own CRS score you can do so by visiting our CRS score calculator page.
When you’re ready to make a decision, contact us to chat with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), a professional in Canadian immigration. Let us assist with giving you a guided path to Canada whether you want to work, study or immigrate to the Great White North.
FAQs
Is Canada or Australia Easier to Immigrate to?
Canada offers the smoothest immigration procedure with a range of visas, more employment possibilities, the top colleges with inexpensive tuition, and the greatest government perks. Because the nation is sparsely populated, there is a scarcity of highly trained workers.
In comparison to most other nations, obtaining a Permanent Residency in Canada is rather simple. Obtaining a permanent residency visa in Australia is feasible, but the procedure is lengthy.
Which Country has a Better Information Technology Market, Canada or Australia?
Canada has a far stronger industrial base than Australia, but Australia is more well-known for its IT corporations and regional headquarters. As a result, blue-collar earnings are higher in Canada, whereas white-collar positions are higher in Australia.
Because of its high house taxes, Australia has a higher cost of living. When compared to Australia, housing in Canada is now significantly more affordable. Regular living expenditures are likewise greater in Australia than in Canada. Taxes are the most significant expenditure that citizens in both Australia and Canada must face.
Despite the increasing emphasis on proficiency in English or French, the visa application process for Canada, if you’re an IT expert, is simpler. There are various Tech Pilot pathways to follow in order to immigrate to Canada as a web developer, cybersecurity expert or software engineer, for example.
