Construction sector leads 12-month average weekly earnings increases

The construction sector is leading year-over-year average wage increases for non-farm payroll employees in Canada.

According to a recent report by Statistics Canada, the average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees increased 1.8 per cent, over the 12 months leading up to February 2012, with the biggest increases experienced in the construction and wholesale trade.

Average weekly earnings during those 12 months jumped 5.4 per cent to $1,120.03 in the construction industry, with significant growth experienced in all sectors of the industry – giving the industry the third-highest earnings level within the 10 largest industrial sectors.

The construction sector had 870,200 payroll employees in February 2012, placing the industry as the seventh largest sector.

Building equipment contracting comprised of the largest share of construction employees at 27 per cent, with residential construction coming in second, employing 14 per cent, and foundation, structure and building exterior contracting third at 13 per cent.

Over the 12 months leading to February 2012, construction payroll employment jumped 3.3 per cent, with the largest gains in the sector taking place in utility systems construction (11.0 per cent); non-residential building construction (6.5 per cent); foundation, structure, and building exterior contracting (4.9 per cent); and building equipment contracting (3.4 per cent).

Saskatchewan leads the pack

All the provinces experienced a boost in average weekly earnings over the 12 months leading up to February 2012, with the largest increases taking place in Saskatchewan, where average weekly earnings were up 5.0 per cent, to $905.98. Newfoundland and Labrador also had significant increases, with average weekly earnings up 3.9 per cent over the 12-month period, increasing to $919.09 in February 2012.

Ontario experienced the lowest growth over the 12-month period, increasing by 0.7 per cent to $899.90. 

To view the full Statistics Canada report, click here.

Source: Statistics Canada