Wage Scales

Background: Wages & Compensation

Early childhood educators (ECEs) and assistants on average generally earn less than other workers and less than most women in other occupations. Based on information from the Statistics Canada Census, median full-year full-time income for 2005 was:

  1. All occupations: $41,401
  2. Women: $35,830
  3. Elementary and kindergarten teachers: $57,166
  4. Teaching assistants: $27,488
  5. ECEs and assistants: $20,155
  6. Babysitters, nannies and parent helpers: $15,239

To review the average full-time incomes of centre-based ECEs and assistants by education level and province, click on incomes.

Over recent years, several provinces and territories have introduced policies or incentives to increase wages and attract more qualified staff to the ECEC sector. This is helping to improve wages from the levels noted above, which are based on the 2006 Census data. New information will be available in 2013.

Wage Scales

Currently no pan-Canadian wages scales or approach to compensating the child care workforce exist. However, some provinces/territories have developed wage scales or strategies for their region and these can be used as a point of reference.

Early Childhood Educators of BC: Wage Calculator and Wage Grid

Manitoba Child Care Association: Market Competitive Salary Guideline Scale for Group Child Care Centres

Ministère de la famille et des ainés, Quebec Salary Scale

Government of New Brunswick: Pay Equity Program for Child Care Staff

Early Childhood Development Association of PEI: Proposed Salary Scale