Average weekly earnings up 1.1 per cent in July: StatsCan

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

Average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees rose to $906.68 in July, up 1.1 per cent from the previous month, according to Statistics Canada.

The 4.1 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 July, non-farm payroll employees worked an average of 32.9 hours per week, down from 33.1 the month before but up from 32.8 in July 2011.

Year-over-year growth in average weekly earnings outpaced the national average of 4.1 per cent in five of the largest industrial sectors: professional, scientific and technical services; educational services; accommodation and food services; manufacturing; and construction.

In professional, scientific and technical services, weekly earnings increased 6.1 per cent to $1,279.82 in the 12 months to June, with gains in all industries within the sector.

Average weekly earnings in educational services rose six per cent to $1,010.22 over the 12 months, with all the growth in post-secondary as well as elementary and secondary schools.

Weekly earnings in accommodation and food services were up 5.2 per cent to $377.30. Increases were most notable in special food services and limited-service eating places.

In manufacturing, weekly earnings increased 4.8 per cent to $1,012.30 in the 12 months to July, with the most notable growth among manufacturers of transportation equipment, paper, primary metal, wood products, machinery, as well as plastics and rubber products.

In construction, weekly earnings increased 4.5 per cent to $1,133.10, and growth was widespread across all industries in this sector.

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

In Saskatchewan, average weekly earnings were $929.31 in July, up 7.1 per cent from 12 months earlier. These weekly earnings were among the highest of all provinces.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, average weekly earnings increased 6.9 per cent to $934.21, also among the highest provincial earnings.

Average weekly earnings in Prince Edward Island were $762.67 in July, up 6.5 per cent compared with 12 months earlier.

Average weekly earnings in Alberta were up 6.1 per cent to $1,094.85 in July.

The lowest year-over-year growth was in Quebec, where average weekly earnings increased by 2.4 per cent to $822.01.

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