Average Salary in Victoria, BC in 2026
April 2026 · 5 min read · By VicJobs.ca
Whether you're negotiating a raise, considering a career change, or relocating to Victoria, understanding local salary benchmarks is essential. This guide breaks down average wages across Victoria's major industries based on the latest data from Statistics Canada and Job Bank Canada.
Key Takeaway
The average salary in Victoria, BC in 2026 is approximately $62,000–$68,000 per year across all industries, or roughly $29–$33 per hour. Victoria's living wage is currently $25.40/hr — meaning many entry-level positions fall below what's needed for a comfortable life in the city.
Victoria Salary Overview
Victoria's job market is shaped by its status as BC's provincial capital, a major tourism destination, and a growing technology hub. This creates an unusually diverse economy — government workers, healthcare professionals, tech workers and hospitality staff all coexist in a relatively small city.
However, Victoria faces a well-known affordability challenge. Housing costs have risen significantly over the past decade, making salary context especially important for anyone considering working or living here.
Average Salaries by Industry in Victoria, BC
| Industry | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Government & Public Service | $35–$52 | $73,000–$108,000 |
| Technology & Software | $38–$65 | $79,000–$135,000 |
| Healthcare & Nursing | $28–$55 | $58,000–$114,000 |
| Education | $28–$45 | $58,000–$93,000 |
| Construction & Trades | $28–$45 | $58,000–$93,000 |
| Retail | $17–$24 | $35,000–$50,000 |
| Hospitality & Food Service | $16–$26 | $33,000–$54,000 |
| Non-profit & Social Services | $22–$35 | $46,000–$73,000 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Job Bank Canada, 2025–2026 data
Highest Paying Jobs in Victoria, BC
Victoria's highest paying roles are concentrated in technology, government management and specialized healthcare. Here are the top paying positions commonly advertised in Greater Victoria:
- Software Engineer / Developer — $85,000–$140,000/yr
- Physician / Specialist — $180,000–$350,000/yr
- Senior Government Manager — $95,000–$150,000/yr
- Registered Nurse (specialized) — $75,000–$110,000/yr
- Civil / Structural Engineer — $75,000–$115,000/yr
- Pharmacist — $80,000–$110,000/yr
- Senior Accountant / CPA — $70,000–$100,000/yr
- Electrician (Journeyman) — $72,000–$95,000/yr
Entry-Level Salaries in Victoria
For new graduates and entry-level workers, Victoria's job market can be challenging. BC's minimum wage is currently $17.40/hr, but Victoria's living wage — the amount needed to cover basic costs in the city — is $25.40/hr.
This gap is significant. Many retail, hospitality and entry-level office jobs pay between $17–$22/hr, which falls below what most financial experts consider livable in Victoria given housing costs.
Victoria Living Wage 2026: $25.40/hr — calculated by the Living Wage for Families BC campaign based on actual costs in Greater Victoria.
Victoria vs Vancouver Salaries
A common question for workers considering Victoria is how salaries compare to Vancouver. The general pattern is:
- Tech salaries are 10–20% lower in Victoria than Vancouver
- Government salaries are roughly equal — same provincial pay scales
- Healthcare salaries are roughly equal — Island Health and Vancouver Coastal Health use similar grids
- Hospitality and retail are similar — both cities share BC minimum wage
However Victoria's housing costs, while still high, are generally 15–25% lower than Vancouver, which partially offsets the salary difference for many workers.
Top Employers in Victoria, BC
Victoria's largest employers tend to offer the most competitive salaries and benefits packages:
- BC Public Service — Provincial government, 30,000+ employees in Victoria
- Island Health (VIHA) — Healthcare authority, largest healthcare employer on Vancouver Island
- University of Victoria (UVic) — 5,000+ faculty and staff
- City of Victoria — Municipal government, competitive pension and benefits
- BC Ferries — Major transport employer with union wages
- Camosun College — Education sector employer
- Department of National Defence — Military and civilian roles at CFB Esquimalt
Salary Negotiation Tips for Victoria Job Seekers
- Always negotiate — Victoria employers, especially smaller businesses, often have more flexibility than their posted salary suggests. The worst they can say is no.
- Reference the living wage — $25.40/hr is a publicly recognized benchmark. It's reasonable to use it as a floor in negotiations.
- Factor in benefits — Government and healthcare roles often include extended health, dental and pension plans worth $8,000–$15,000/year in added compensation.
- Consider the commute — Victoria is small. A job in Langford might pay slightly less but save you significant commuting costs compared to a downtown role.
- Check Job Bank salary data — Job Bank shows median wages by occupation which gives you solid data to back up your ask.
Find Jobs in Victoria, BC
Ready to find a job in Victoria that meets your salary expectations? Browse current openings by industry:
About VicJobs.ca
VicJobs.ca is Victoria's local job board, tracking employment trends and opportunities across Greater Victoria. Our salary data is compiled from Statistics Canada, Job Bank Canada, and direct employer postings on our platform.