Mining in Canada Pays Well, but Wage Growth Has Sunk Near the Bottom Among Industries

OTTAWA, November 14, 2026: Canada’s mining industry continues to offer some of the highest salaries in the country’s labour market, but recent payroll data reveal a slowdown in wage growth that has placed mining and natural resources workers among the lowest-ranked sectors for pay increases.

According to new data from ADP Canada, median gross pay growth for employees who remained in their jobs in the natural resources and mining sector reached just 4.1% year over year in October 2026. The figure was unchanged from September and tied for eighth place among the 10 sectors tracked by the payroll services company.

The increase was also below the national average of 4.5% for workers who stayed with the same employer. Only the other services category recorded weaker growth, at 3.3%.

The figures highlight a growing contrast in Canada’s mining labour market: workers continue to receive relatively high salaries, but their annual pay increases are losing momentum.

Mining Workers Still Earn Among Canada’s Highest Salaries

Despite the slowdown in wage growth, mining remains one of Canada’s best-paying industries.

Statistics Canada’s payroll survey showed that average weekly earnings in mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction reached C$2,584 in August 2026. This compares with C$1,355 across all industries.

The Canadian government’s 2026 Budget also estimated average annual total compensation per mining industry job at C$146,213, nearly twice the all-industry average of C$78,098.

However, high average earnings do not necessarily translate into stronger annual salary increases for existing employees.

Wage Growth Falls Behind National Average

Statistics Canada’s figures reveal an even sharper slowdown. Average weekly earnings in the combined mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sector increased by just 0.8% year over year in August 2026.

By comparison, average weekly earnings across all industries increased by 3.7% during the same period.

The difference suggests that although mining employees continue to earn substantially more than the average Canadian worker, their earnings are growing at a much slower pace.

ADP’s figures also show that base pay growth, excluding overtime, bonuses and commissions, stood at approximately 3% for mining and natural resources employees who remained in their jobs.

Mining Salaries Remain Vulnerable to Commodity Cycles

The mining sector has historically experienced significant fluctuations in wages because of changes in commodity prices, production levels and investment activity.

During periods of strong commodity markets, mining companies often increase overtime, bonuses and other variable compensation. However, when commodity prices weaken or operational costs rise, these additional payments can decline.

ADP data show that gross pay growth in natural resources and mining reached nearly 12% in July 2023 before slowing considerably in subsequent years.

This volatility highlights the industry’s dependence on global commodity markets, particularly for metals, minerals and energy resources.

Job Switchers See Bigger Pay Increases

Another important development is the widening difference between employees who change jobs and those who remain with their existing employers.

Across Canada’s private-sector workforce, employees who changed jobs recorded 10% gross pay growth in October 2026, compared with 4.5% for those who stayed.

The difference suggests that workers seeking better compensation may find greater opportunities by moving between employers rather than relying exclusively on annual salary revisions.

For mining professionals, particularly experienced engineers, geologists, technicians and skilled equipment operators, competition for specialised talent could influence future salary negotiations.

Mining Employment Continues to Expand

Despite slower wage growth, Canada’s mining and natural resources sector is continuing to generate employment opportunities.

Statistics Canada’s payroll figures showed that employment in mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction increased by 3.9% year over year in August 2026, reaching approximately 226,600 positions.

This was the fastest employment growth among the 20 sectors tracked in the survey, compared with overall payroll employment growth of just 0.3%.

The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) has also projected significant long-term workforce requirements, with potential employment exceeding 240,000 workers by 2035 under its baseline scenario.

Outlook: High Salaries, but Growing Pressure on Compensation

Canada’s mining industry faces an increasingly complex labour market. Demand for workers remains supported by critical minerals development, infrastructure investment and the expansion of domestic mineral production.

However, slower wage growth could create challenges for companies seeking to retain experienced employees, particularly as competition for skilled workers intensifies.

The latest figures suggest that mining workers continue to enjoy a substantial earnings advantage over many other industries, but the pace of compensation growth has weakened.

For mining companies, balancing labour costs with employee retention and workforce expansion will remain an important challenge as Canada’s critical minerals industry moves into its next phase of development.