Jobs Ottawa: Pay by Sector & Major Employers (2026)

August 14, 2026 3 Min Read

Jobs Ottawa searches turn up a market anchored by the federal government, a strong tech sector, and major hospitals, with pay well above the national average. Below is the real pay by sector, sourced 2026 figures, and where the major employers hire.

Quick Answer: Jobs Ottawa

Jobs Ottawa pay an average of $64,995 a year, or about $31.25 an hour, with a typical range of roughly $45,529 to $91,500. The Government of Canada is the single largest employer in the city, with Shopify, CGI Group, and The Ottawa Hospital rounding out the biggest names. Tech and public service roles pay well above the retail and hospitality floor.

1. Government & Public Service Jobs

Pay: Broadly $50,000–$95,000 a year, based on classification level and department.
What they do: Cover federal departments and agencies, from entry clerical work up to policy and program roles.
You need: No degree needed for many entry roles, though some policy posts ask for a related field.
How to apply: Search jobs.gc.ca directly, since federal roles rarely post on general job boards for long.

2. Tech Jobs

Pay: Broadly $65,000–$130,000 a year, based on the role and seniority, with senior engineers earning more.
What they do: Cover software, product, and IT roles at Shopify, CGI Group, and a wide base of Kanata-area firms.
You need: A degree helps for most roles, though some junior posts value a strong portfolio just as much.
How to apply: Check each company’s own careers page, and search Invest Ottawa’s tech job listings too.

3. Healthcare Jobs

Pay: Broadly $22.00–$60.00 an hour, based on the role, from support staff up to licensed positions.
What they do: Cover hospital and community care roles at The Ottawa Hospital and other regional health sites.
You need: Licensed roles need provincial registration first. Support roles often need less formal training.
How to apply: Check The Ottawa Hospital’s own careers page directly for the most current openings.

4. Jobs Ottawa: Major Employers to Know

Pay: Varies widely by sector and site, so check each employer’s own listings for exact figures.
What they do: The Government of Canada anchors the job market, Shopify and CGI Group lead the tech sector, and The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa round out the largest non-government names.
You need: Requirements differ by employer and role, so read each posting closely before you apply.
How to apply: Beyond direct employer sites, check Job Bank and Invest Ottawa’s regional listings too.

Before You Apply for Jobs in Ottawa

Government roles move slower. So budget extra time for security screening and multi-stage interviews.
Tech pay varies a lot by seniority. So compare your own experience level’s range, not just the city average.
Major employers post on their own sites first. So check company career pages before general job boards.
Bilingual roles are common. So French-language skills can open up more federal and public-sector postings.

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FAQ: Jobs Ottawa

What is the average pay for jobs in Ottawa?
The city average is about $64,995 a year, or roughly $31.25 an hour, though pay varies a lot by sector and role.

What is the biggest employer in Ottawa?
The Government of Canada is the single largest employer, with Shopify, CGI Group, and The Ottawa Hospital close behind.

Do tech jobs in Ottawa pay well?
Broadly $65,000–$130,000 a year, based on the role and seniority, with senior engineering roles paying more.

How much do healthcare jobs pay in Ottawa?
Broadly $22.00–$60.00 an hour, based on the role, with licensed positions paying more than support roles.

Where should I look for jobs Ottawa listings?
Check major employers’ own career pages first, then jobs.gc.ca for federal roles and Job Bank for the rest.