Montréal, November 30, 2022. – In 2022, Québec government employees earn $55,652 on average, 11.9% less than other Québec employees working in businesses with 200 or more employees. Their salaries are also 8.7% lower than those of private sector employees, and 18.6% lower than those of other public sector employees (government enterprises, universities, municipalities, and federal government in Québec). These are among the main findings of the report Rémunération des salariés – État et évolution comparés 2022 made public this morning by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Salaries of Québec government employees and other Québec employees, including those in the private sector and the other public sectors, 2022, 2021 and 2013
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec, Rémunération des salariés. État et évolution comparés 2022.
What about total compensation?
Salaries are only one component of total compensation per hour worked. When pension plans, group insurance, leave, and normal weekly hours of work are also taken into account, the total compensation of Québec government employees is $44.69/h. This is 3.9% lower than other Québec employees, and 20.4% lower than other public sector employees. However, it is 3.9% higher than the compensation of private sector employees.
Total compensation per hour worked for Québec government employees and other Québec employees, including those in the private sector and the other public sectors, 2022, 2021 and 2013
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec, Rémunération des salariés. État et évolution comparés 2022.
Smaller differentials compared with 2021
Between 2021 and 2022, the differentials between Québec government employees and other Québec employees narrowed, both in terms of salaries and total compensation. This is mainly because following the recent signing of most collective agreements in the Québec government, there was a salary increase for 2022, but also retroactive salary increases for 2020 and 2021, which are considered in this year’s comparison. In 2021, the data presented were based on the collective agreements that expired on March 31, 2020.
Differentials have evolved differently since 2013
Between 2013 and 2022, the position of Québec government employees did not evolve in the same way compared to other Québec employees.
Over this period, salary and total compensation differentials remained stable between Québec government and private sector employees. However, differentials between Québec government and other public sector employees are now less pronounced.
Québec government employees spend fewer hours at work
In 2022, Québec government employees are in a more favourable position for total compensation (-3.9%) than for salaries (-11.9%) due to more paid time off (vacation, sick leave, etc.) and a shorter work week. Specifically, Québec government employees (35.8 h) work about one and a half hours less than other Québec employees (37.4 h).
Comparison of total compensation
The Institut de la statistique du Québec is mandated to compare the total compensation of Québec government employees with that of other Québec employees. It must do so every year and make the results of the comparison public at the end of November.
The purpose of this exercise is to compare similar jobs. This is why teachers and nurses, for example, are not included in the comparison, since the pool of comparable positions is not large enough outside the Québec government. In addition, the comparison is made with businesses with 200 or more employees or municipalities with populations of 25,000 or more, because their job structure can be similar to that in the Québec government.
The elements used for the comparison aim to ensure relevance and objectivity and are chosen by mutual agreement between the Institut and the two negotiating parties, management and unions.
Base sector and reference market used in the comparison:
| Québec government | Other Québec employees (businesses with 200 or more employees) |
|---|---|
| Public service: ministries, government bodies, special funds Education Health and social services |
Private businesses “Other public” sector: Government enterprises, universities, municipalities with populations of 25,000 or more, federal government in Québec |
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.