Are you considering a teaching career in Canada? Whether you're a fresh graduate, an experienced educator looking to
relocate, or an international teacher seeking new opportunities, Canada offers a welcoming environment with competitive
salaries and excellent work conditions for educators across all levels.
As we move through 2025, the Canadian education landscape continues to evolve, with certain provinces facing teacher shortages while others have become more competitive. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the current teaching job market in Canada, highlighting salary expectations, regional demand, and the most promising provinces for teaching professionals.
The Current State of Teaching Jobs in Canada
The Canadian education system is primarily public and provincially regulated, with each province and territory
responsible for its own education policies and teacher certification. This creates a diverse landscape of
opportunities across the country, with varying requirements and compensation packages.
In 2025, several factors are influencing the teaching job market:
-
Demographic shifts: Aging teacher populations in some provinces are creating openings as more
educators reach retirement age
-
Population growth: Provinces experiencing population booms need more teachers to accommodate
growing student numbers
-
Specialized needs: Increased demand for French immersion, Indigenous education, STEM, and
special education teachers
-
Remote learning evolution: Continued integration of technology and distance education options
following the pandemic years
Teacher Salaries Across Canada
Teacher salaries in Canada are generally competitive, with compensation typically based on education level and years
of experience. Public school teachers are usually unionized, which helps ensure fair
compensation and benefits.
Average Teacher Salaries by Province (2025)
| Province | Starting Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Maximum Salary |
| Alberta | $61,000 | $92,000 | $104,000 |
| British Columbia | $56,000 | $87,000 | $98,000 |
| Ontario | $54,000 | $85,000 | $96,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $53,000 | $82,000 | $93,000 |
| Manitoba | $52,000 | $80,000 | $91,000 |
| Quebec | $48,000 | $78,000 | $89,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $52,000 | $75,000 | $88,000 |
| New Brunswick | $50,000 | $74,000 | $86,000 |
| Newfoundland | $49,000 | $73,000 | $85,000 |
| PEI | $48,000 | $72,000 | $84,000 |
| Yukon | $72,000 | $93,000 | $107,000 |
| Northwest Territories | $78,000 | $98,000 | $112,000 |
| Nunavut | $85,000 | $104,000 | $118,000 |
Factors Affecting Teacher Salaries
- Education level: Teachers with graduate degrees typically earn more
- Years of experience: Salary increases with experience, typically plateauing after 10-12 years
- Location: Northern and remote areas often offer higher salaries and additional benefits
- Specialization: Teachers qualified in high-demand areas may receive premiums
-
Administrative roles: Department heads, vice-principals, and principals earn higher
salaries
Teacher Demand by Subject Area
Not all teaching positions are created equal when it comes to job availability. Here are the subject areas with the
highest demand in 2025:
- French language and French immersion: Consistent nationwide shortage
- Mathematics and sciences: Particularly physics and chemistry
- Technology education: Coding, robotics, and digital literacy
- Special education: Growing demand as inclusive education practices expand
- English as a Second Language (ESL): Particularly in provinces with higher immigration rates
- Indigenous language and culture: Growing focus on Indigenous education across the country
Best Provinces for Teaching Jobs in 2025
Alberta
Alberta continues to be a leading province for teachers, offering:
- Among the highest teacher salaries in the country
- Strong benefits packages
- Growing student population in urban centers
- Robust professional development opportunities
However, recent
government policy changes have created some uncertainty in the education sector. Urban areas like Calgary
and Edmonton are more competitive, while rural areas offer more opportunities.
British Columbia
BC offers an attractive combination of:
- Competitive salaries
- Excellent work-life balance
- Beautiful natural environment
- High demand for teachers in specific regions
The province is currently experiencing teacher shortages in northern and rural communities, while urban areas like
Vancouver and Victoria remain competitive.
Ontario
As Canada's most populous province, Ontario offers:
- Large job market with many opportunities
- Competitive salaries
- Strong union representation
- Diverse teaching environments
Current shortages exist in French
immersion, STEM subjects, and special education. Northern Ontario communities often have more openings than
the Greater Toronto Area.
Quebec
Quebec presents unique opportunities:
- Growing demand for English teachers in French schools
- Competitive salaries with excellent benefits
- Lower cost of living in many areas
- Cultural richness and diversity
The requirement for French language proficiency can be a barrier for some, but those with bilingual capabilities find
excellent opportunities.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
These prairie provinces offer:
- Reasonable cost of living
- Competitive salaries
- Shorter time to permanent positions
- Strong demand in rural areas
Both provinces are actively recruiting teachers, with particular needs in Indigenous communities and rural
schools.
Northern Territories
The territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) offer:
- The highest teacher salaries in Canada
- Generous northern allowances
- Housing subsidies
- Travel allowances
- Unique cultural experiences
The high compensation reflects the challenges of remote living and higher costs of living, but many
teachers find the experience incredibly rewarding.
Requirements to Become a Teacher in Canada
Requirements vary by province, but generally include:
-
Education: Bachelor's degree in Education or a bachelor's degree plus a teaching certification
program
-
Certification: Provincial teaching certification or license
-
Language proficiency: English or French, depending on the province
-
Criminal record check: All provinces require this
-
Additional requirements: Some provinces have specific testing or professional development
requirements
For International Teachers
If you're an international teacher looking to work in Canada, you'll need:
- Evaluation of your teaching credentials through organizations like World Education Services (WES)
- Provincial teaching certification
- English or French language proficiency proof
- Work permit or permanent residency
- Additional coursework or training as required by the province
Tips for Landing a Teaching Job in Canada
- 1. Research provincial requirements: Each province has different certification
procedures
-
Consider location flexibility: Rural and northern communities often have more
openings
-
Develop in-demand specialties: French, STEM, special education, and Indigenous education are
particularly valuable
-
Network: Join provincial teacher associations and attend education conferences
-
Start as a substitute: Substitute teaching can be an excellent entry point to the
profession
-
Apply early: School boards often start hiring for the next school year in March-May
-
Prepare for interviews: Research the school board's values and priorities
Work-Life Balance for Teachers in Canada
Canadian teachers generally enjoy:
- Reasonable teaching hours (typically 6-7 hours of classroom time per day)
- Generous vacation time (2 months in summer, plus winter and spring breaks)
- Excellent health benefits
- Strong pension plans
- Supportive professional communities
However, the job can be demanding, with lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular responsibilities often extending
beyond regular hours.