If you’re just starting out in the finance industry and curious about what kind of salary to expect, you’re not alone. The good news is, most entry-level finance positions in Canada pay anywhere from $3,300 to $5,500 CAD per month—sometimes even more depending on the role and location.
When I landed my first finance job fresh out of university, I wasn’t sure if my paycheck would cover rent, groceries, and student loan payments. I had a finance degree, no certifications yet, and just a few months of internship experience. I remember checking job listings every day, asking friends in the industry, and still feeling unsure. But eventually, I got my foot in the door—and I learned a lot along the way about what the job market looks like.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve discovered about finance job salaries in Canada, especially at the entry level. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or someone switching careers, this guide will give you clarity.
How Much Do Entry Level Finance Jobs Pay in Canada?
Entry-level finance salaries in Canada typically range between $40,000 to $66,000 per year, which breaks down to about $3,300 to $5,500 per month before taxes.
This range covers a variety of roles such as:
Financial Analyst (Junior)
Accounting Associate
Bank Advisor
Credit Analyst
Budget Assistant
Your exact salary will depend on several factors including your location, level of education, internships, and certifications like CPA, CFA, or CFI. For instance, starting salaries in Toronto and Vancouver tend to be higher due to the cost of living and financial activity in those cities.
Which Jobs Pay $200,000 a Year in Canada?
While entry-level positions won’t hit this number, it’s useful to know the long-term potential in finance. Some finance roles that pay $200,000 or more per year include:
Investment Bankers (Senior level)
Portfolio Managers
Senior Actuaries
Hedge Fund Analysts or Managers
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Private Equity Professionals
These roles often include performance bonuses, stock options, and profit-sharing incentives—especially in large corporations or financial institutions. Getting to this level usually takes years of experience, a strong professional network, and advanced designations.
What Is the Minimum Salary of Finance?
The minimum salary for finance jobs in Canada usually starts at $35,000 to $40,000 annually, or about $2,900 to $3,300 per month. These are typically entry-level positions such as:
Bank Tellers
Bookkeeping Assistants
Finance Clerks
Accounts Receivable/Payable Assistants
These roles can be found in smaller companies, credit unions, or as support positions in larger financial teams. Although the pay may be on the lower side, they provide a valuable starting point and stepping stone toward higher roles.
What Is the Average Salary for a Finance Job in Canada?
On average, finance professionals in Canada earn between $70,000 to $75,000 per year, which translates to about $5,800 to $6,200 per month.
This includes mid-level roles such as:
Financial Analysts
Corporate Accountants
Risk Analysts
Tax Consultants
These positions typically require 2–5 years of experience and often include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and annual bonuses.
What Is the Lowest Paying Finance Job?
Not all finance jobs offer big paychecks. Some of the lowest-paying jobs in the industry include:
Entry-level banking positions (e.g., teller)
Data entry or invoice clerks
Junior bookkeepers
Finance administrative assistants
These jobs might pay as low as $32,000 to $38,000 per year, which is around $2,600 to $3,100 per month. While they may not sound glamorous, they’re a good way to get in the door, learn industry software, and gain foundational experience.
Is It Hard to Get a Finance Job in Canada?
Finance jobs in Canada can be competitive, especially in major cities. However, with the right qualifications and a bit of preparation, it’s absolutely possible to secure a good role.
Here’s what helps:
A degree in finance, accounting, or economics
Strong Excel, data, and analytical skills
Internships or co-op experience
Certifications like CPA, CFA Level 1, or financial modeling courses
Networking and LinkedIn presence
The more you tailor your résumé to match job postings and highlight your technical skills, the better your chances.
What Is the Best Entry-Level Job in Finance?
The best entry-level jobs are those that combine solid pay, career progression, and on-the-job learning. Here are a few great options:
Junior Financial Analyst
Investment Banking Analyst
Risk Management Assistant
Associate Financial Advisor
Compliance Analyst
These roles typically pay between $50,000 to $65,000 annually and offer exposure to senior leadership, hands-on analytics, and client interaction.
Is Finance Job in Demand in Canada?
Yes—finance jobs remain in high demand across Canada, particularly in sectors like banking, insurance, fintech, and government.
Roles such as:
Financial Analysts
Accountants
Internal Auditors
Risk Managers
Investment Specialists
…are regularly listed on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and the Government of Canada Job Bank. Demand is particularly high in Toronto (Canada’s financial hub), Calgary, and Vancouver.
How Much Do CFA Level 1 Employees Make in Canada?
Passing CFA Level 1 is a great way to stand out in the finance job market. While it doesn’t guarantee a salary boost right away, employers see it as a sign of commitment and competence.
Employees with CFA Level 1 can earn anywhere between $50,000 to $65,000 per year, or around $4,200 to $5,400 per month. The more levels you pass, the higher your potential income—especially in asset management and investment research.
Is a Financial Analyst an Entry-Level Position?
Yes—Junior Financial Analyst or Financial Analyst I roles are considered entry-level. They involve:
Budget tracking
Creating financial reports
Forecasting and planning
Analyzing company performance
These roles typically pay between $50,000 to $60,000 per year and are a popular starting point for finance graduates.
How Much Does a Bachelor in Finance Make in Canada?
With a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, most graduates earn between $45,000 to $60,000 per year starting out—roughly $3,700 to $5,000 per month.
The exact figure depends on:
Internship experience
University reputation
Job location
Additional skills like Excel, Python, or Bloomberg knowledge
As you gain experience, your salary can rise quickly, especially if you pursue a CPA, CFA, or MBA.
So, how much do entry-level finance jobs pay in Canada per month? On average, you can expect between $3,300 and $5,500 CAD, depending on your role, experience, and credentials.
Let’s recap what we’ve learned:
Entry-level finance salaries generally range from $40,000–$66,000 per year
Higher-level finance jobs can earn over $200,000, but require years of experience
Some jobs pay less, but still offer valuable experience
Finance is a high-demand field across Canada with strong growth potential
Designations like CFA Level 1 or a Bachelor’s in Finance can kickstart your journey
If you’re considering a career in finance, take the first step—build your résumé, practice your interview skills, and aim for a solid entry-level role.