Average weekly earnings up 0.6 per cent in June: StatsCan

Wages increased in every province, biggest growth in Sask., N.L., P.E.I.

Average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees rose to $898.00 in June, up 0.6 per cent from the previous month, according to Statistics Canada.

The three per cent increase in earnings in the last year reflects a number of factors, including wage growth, changes in the composition of employment by industry, as well as average hours worked per week, according to Statistics Canada. In June, non-farm payroll employees worked an average of 33.2 hours per week, up from 32.9 hours from both the month before and 12 months earlier.

Year-over-year growth in average weekly earnings outpaced the national average of three per cent in four of the largest industrial sectors: manufacturing; educational services; construction; and accommodation and food services. In contrast, earnings declined in administrative and support services.

In manufacturing, weekly earnings increased 5.9 per cent to $1,011.16 in the 12 months to June, with the most notable growth among manufacturers of transport equipment; plastics and rubber products; machinery; food; and wood products.

Average weekly earnings in educational services increased 4.9 per cent to $1,004.80 in the 12 months to June. The most notable growth was within elementary and secondary schools.

In construction, weekly earnings increased 4.9 per cent to $1,145.20, and growth was widespread across all industries in this sector.

Weekly earnings in accommodation and food services were up four per cent to $372.14 in the 12 months to June. Increases were most notable in special food services and limited-service eating places.

Weekly earnings of payroll employees in administrative and support services fell 1.6 per cent to $713.79. Earnings declined in investigation and security services and in office administrative services.

Average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll increased in every province in the 12 months to June, with the highest growth in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, average weekly earnings increased seven per cent to $924.42, the second-highest level among the provinces after Alberta.

In Saskatchewan, average weekly earnings were $914.27 in June, up 6.6 per cent from 12 months earlier. Earnings in the province have been higher than the national average since August 2011.

In Prince Edward Island, average weekly earnings increased 5.9 per cent to $760.74.

The lowest year-over-year growth was in Quebec, where average weekly earnings increased by 0.4 per cent to $812.47.

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