While teachers in Ontario prepare to handle classrooms full of students later this month for the first time since March, some are wondering whether they’re paid enough to take on the risk associated with the job.
According to recent numbers commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, high school teachers in the province make, on average, six figures a year — $103,926 with benefits included.
This equates to $536 per school day, or $107.20 per instructional hour, if not considering the many hours of grading, lesson planning and other work that teachers do outside of class time.
Of course, this number is before tax.
Who is a Teacher?
A teacher prepares lesson plans and educate students at all levels. Assign homework, grade tests, and document progress of students. Instructs variety of subjects.
Teacher Duties
- Develop and issue educational content including notes, tests, and assignments.
- Supervise classes to ensure all students are learning in a safe and productive environment.
- Organize supplies and resources for lectures and presentations.
- Deliver personalized instruction to each student by encouraging interactive learning.
- Plan and implement educational activities and events.
- Ensure your classroom is clean and orderly.
- Prepare and distribute periodic progress reports and semester report cards.
- Attend parent-teacher meetings.
- Evaluate and document students’ progress.
- Allocate and grade homework, assignments, and tests.
Educational qualification:
- Requires a Bachelors degree, NCE or OND in Teaching,
Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of teaching methods and legal educational procedures
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Well-organized with excellent leadership abilities
- Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills.
Factors that determine an average teacher salary in Canada
Generally, an average teacher salary is based on your:
- years of post-secondary education, and
- experience.
But there are other factors that influence salary. So let’s look at those factors more closely:
1. Grade level you qualify to teach
Depending on the level that you teach, an average teacher salary in Canada can vary. For instance, a secondary school teacher can make more money than an elementary (primary) school teacher in Canada.
- Elementary/junior school teacher (Kindergarten – Grade 6)
- Junior/Intermediate school teacher (Grades 4 – 10)
- Intermediate/Senior school teacher (Grades 7 – 12)
- Technological education: (Grades 9 – 10 and 11 – 12).
2. Years of teaching experience
To teach in Canada, you must meet provincial or territorial requirements to get your teaching certificate. However, if you have previous teaching experience, your starting salary may be higher. And, you may move up the pay scale based on your career stage. For example, have you recently graduated? Or, do you have several years of experience?
3. Additional qualifications
Teachers can continue their professional development and obtain additional qualifications (AQs). For instance, AQs from the Ontario College of Teachers include:
- Adding subjects or divisions that you qualify to teach
- Increasing knowledge of teaching in the French language system
- Acquiring knowledge to teach students with special needs.
Therefore, when teachers obtain additional qualifications, they may receive an increase in pay.
4. Region or city where you teach
Often, you can find teaching jobs outside of large cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. So, it’s important to research what provinces have high demand, and what cities are searching for teachers. Because, if you’re willing to move to a small or mid-sized city, you may find more opportunities and less competition for jobs.
Other compensation in an average teacher salary in Canada
In Canada, teachers must join a teachers’ association. The association negotiates the basic salary scale and benefits package with the government. Overall, Canadian teachers are among the highest-paid compared to teachers from around the world.
On top of the base salary, teachers often receive a healthy benefits package. And, the benefits are part of the total compensation package. Benefits may vary in each province or territory, but generally include things such as:
- Dental insurance
- Supplemental medical insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Maternity leave
- Life insurance
- Pension plan for your retirement
So, teaching is attractive because of the job security, pension plan, and other benefits included in the total salary. But again, you must have a passion for teaching to achieve success. If you don’t have a passion for teaching, it’s unlikely to be a great career option for you.
Paying into social security programs
In Canada, all employees must pay into federal social security programs. For instance, programs such as:
- Employment Insurance (EI): provides benefits to people who are unemployed through illness; maternity leave; or lack of suitable work
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): provides a basic minimum retirement allowance
Average hourly wages for teachers in Canada
Secondary school teachers in Canada can expect to earn a teacher salary between $25.00/hour – 52.88/hour. But, this is a national average. Therefore, wages will vary within the local labour market. Generally, teachers in Canada are well paid.
The following chart shows the average wage secondary school teachers across Canada made in 2019.
| Secondary School Teacher Wages(National Occupational Classification: 4031)Wages/Hour (2019) | |||
| Province (Job Outlook) | Low | Median | High |
| Alberta (fair) | 30.77 | 43.96 | 54.95 |
| British Columbia (good) | 25.38 | 38.46 | 51.28 |
| Manitoba (fair) | 19.23 | 40.00 | 52.88 |
| New Brunswick (fair) | 23.34 | 36.06 | 41.83 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador (fair) | 30.00 | 44.23 | 70.77 |
| Nova Scotia (fair) | 18.75 | 38.46 | 48.08 |
| Ontario (limited) | 24.04 | 45.05 | 56.80 |
| Prince Edward Island (fair) | 25.00 | 36.88 | 41.03 |
| Quebec (good) | 25.00 | 39.56 | 50.00 |
| Saskatchewan (fair) | 25.00 | 37.73 | 50.00 |
| Northwest Territories | 30.00 | 45.02 | 59.90 |
| Nunavut (fair) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Yukon (good) | 31.50 | 47.63 | 51.70 |
| Canada | 25.00 | 41.21 | 52.88 |
