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Key Facts: Canada vs Italy Wages

Canada Minimum Wage
C$18.10/hr ($13.09 USD)
Italy Minimum Wage
No statutory minimum wage
Canada Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
C$5,708 /mo ($4,127.26 USD)
Italy Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
€2,600 /mo ($3,027.83 USD)
Data Sources
Government of Canada - Labour Program (2026-05-28), Ministry of Labour and Social Policies (Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali) (2026-02-24)

Canada flag Canada Italy flag Italy

Updated 2026-05-28

Canada flag Canada

Minimum Wage

C$18.10 /hr

$13.09 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

C$5,708 /mo

Italy flag Italy

No statutory minimum wage

Avg. Gross Salary

€2,600 /mo

Avg. salary: +36% Canada vs Italy

Unlike Italy, which has no statutory minimum wage, Canada mandates a wage floor of $13/hr. Average salaries are higher in Canada at $4,127/mo compared to $3,028/mo in Italy.

Canada has higher GDP per capita ($64,610 vs $62,014). Canada's unemployment rate is 6.9% compared to Italy's 6.4%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Canada and Italy
Metric Canada Italy
Minimum wage /hr C$18.10 $13.09 None
Minimum wage /mo C$3,137.33 $2,268.50 None
Minimum wage /yr C$37,648 $27,221.98 None
Avg. gross salary /mo C$5,708 /mo $4,127.26 €2,600 /mo $3,027.83
Avg. net salary /mo C$4,334 /mo $3,133.77 €1,850 /mo $2,154.42
Median individual income /yr C$44,000 /yr $31,814.90 €22,500 /yr $26,202.40

Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Canada is higher.

Work Week

Canada

40 hrs/wk standard

Max 48 hrs/wk

Overtime : 1.5x pay

Federal standard is 40 hours/week with overtime after 40 hours at 1.5x. Maximum 48 hours/week unless authorized. Provincial rules vary (e.g., Ontario overtime after 44 hrs).

Italy

40 hrs/wk standard

Max 48 hrs/wk

Standard workweek is 40 hours (Legislative Decree 66/2003). Maximum average weekly hours including overtime is 48 hours over a 4-month reference period, per EU Working Time Directive. Overtime compensation is regulated by collective agreements, typically 15-30% surcharge depending on hours and sector.

See this comparison from Italy's perspective: Italy vs Canada

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Canada or Italy?

In Canada, the minimum wage is C$18.10/hr ($13.09 USD). In Italy, it is no statutory minimum wage.

How much more does the average worker earn in Canada compared to Italy?

The average gross salary in Canada is C$5,708/mo ($4,127.26 USD), compared to €2,600/mo ($3,027.83 USD) in Italy. In USD terms, workers in Canada earn approximately 36% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Canada and Italy is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Canada earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Italy.

How do work hours compare between Canada and Italy?

Both Canada and Italy mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.

What is the cost of living difference between Canada and Italy?

While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Canada has the higher GDP per capita at $64,610, which is 1.0x that of Italy at $62,014. From Canada's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.