Weekly earnings up almost 3% year-over-year

Non-farm payroll wages increased to a weekly average of $1,006 in August, up 0.6% from July and 2.9% higher than in August 2017.

There was no change in the hours worked according to the data released Thursday by Statistics Canada.

Gains in wages were seen in 6 of the 10 main sectors with those in retail trade gaining the most in percentage terms with average weekly wages up 9.7% to $613 in the 12 months to August.

Those working in professional, scientific and technical services, saw earnings grow by 6.5% to $1,401 on a year-over-year basis; while those in in accommodation and food services increased 5.3% to $408.

For construction workers, there was a 5.2% rise to $1,275, mostly driven by Ontario and British Columbia.

Earnings were little changed in manufacturing, educational services, health care and social assistance, as well as administrative and support services.

In the 12 months to August, most provinces saw wage growth but British Columbia led the gains. Average weekly earnings were little changed in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The number of non-farm payroll employees gained 24,000 from July to August.

 

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