The iSavta Team | 03.06.2019
It’s not one-size-fits-all
The average salary and wages for a live-in caregiver vary in different areas. Firstly, specific locations pay different rates, and this can change if you are in a rural or urban area, and from region to region.
Also, you are more likely to receive a higher wage if you have previous experience of working in a similar job. Experienced live-in caregivers can earn considerably more than those who are just at the beginning of their career.
Another thing to remember:
accommodation is likely to come free. Although a live-in caregiver may not receive as high a salary as other roles, such as a personal support worker, you may be entitled to free housing. It is worth weighing up the salaries against the benefits.
Accommodation may come as part of your package.
Salary deductions in Canada
In Canada, the tax rates vary, so even if you are being paid the same salary as someone in a different state, you still may get a different take-home because of the differing tax rates.
Also, you are likely to pay into a pension fund. This will affect how much money you actually receive out of your salary.
This blog post has some information about the different tax rates in different Canadian states, as well as what you might see on your payslip, including potential pension deductions.
Average salaries and wages for a live-in caregiver
The below information is an average live-in caregiver salary and wages guide. This will help you when looking for positions. As we’ve mentioned, make sure you take into account any taxes and benefits, as this will affect home much you will take home each week or month.
Wages differ across different states – do your research to ensure you are getting paid the right amount.
According to indeed.com, the average hourly wage for an in-home caregiver in the whole of Canada is $13.34 per hour.
The average wages for the different states are:
- Alberta: $13.80
- British Columbia: $13.73
- Manitoba: $12.07
- New Foundland and Labrador: $11.73
- Nova Scotia: $12.23
- Northwest Territories: $11.75
- Quebec Province: $11.00 an hour.
- Saskatchewan: $12.80
- Yukon: $14.90
Of course, there will be differences in salaries within the different states. For example, in Alberta, the average wage in Okotoks is $11.00 per hour, but $19.66 per hour in Vilna.
Check out your town or city to get an idea of the average salary for your area.
The average national hourly salary in Canada is $18 per hour.
Neuvoo similarly states that the average annual salary for a living caregiver in Canada is $25,350 per year. Entry level positions usually start around $21,000, and experienced caregivers can earn up to approximately $34,000. Again, this depends on the location.
Average salaries and wages of other care jobs
Live-in caregiver’s salaries and wages can differ from other types of caring or support role. Some of these roles are similar to those of a live-in care worker, and others vary significantly.
These jobs differ from that of a live-in caregiver as they usually take place in settings outside someone’s home, such as a nursing home or daycare centre.
These jobs may also involve working with other vulnerable people such as children, immigrants, or people with mental health difficulties.
Here is the hourly rate for other, similar jobs:
- Caregiver: $15.44
- Disability support worker: $18.00
- Support staff: $17.78
- Home care worker: $17.36
- Care worker: $18.27
- Direct care worker: $19.21
- Eldercare assistant: $15.37
Things to be aware of with a live-in caregiver job
Make sure that your employer offers you a fair salary or wage in line with the figures that we’ve looked at in this article, as well as the local or national minimum wage.
Taxes and so on can be confusing – make sure that your employer gives you a pay slip so that you can be sure the right deductions are coming out.
You have legal rights as an employee in Canada. Even if your employer sponsors a work permit, you deserve to be treated fairly.
You can find out about your rights in the workplace here
