Hamilton Salary Overview 2026
Hamilton's median full-time salary is $64,000 in 2026, reflecting the city's ongoing economic transformation from its industrial past to a more diversified base. Once synonymous with Stelco and Dofasco steel production, Hamilton now derives significant employment from Hamilton Health Sciences (the McMaster-affiliated hospital network), McMaster University, manufacturing (now more advanced manufacturing than traditional steel), and a growing creative and tech economy attracted by lower costs than nearby Toronto.
Hamilton has been one of Ontario's fastest-growing cities since 2018, driven by Toronto spillover — workers priced out of Toronto buying homes in Hamilton and commuting via GO Train (50 minutes to Union Station). This migration has raised wages moderately as competition for local talent increased, but also driven housing prices from $430,000 in 2019 to $718,000 in 2026 for an average resale home.
Salary by Industry — Hamilton 2026
| Industry | Median Salary | 25th Pct | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare (HHS, McMaster) | $82,000 | $65,000 | $106,000 |
| Education (McMaster, Mohawk) | $76,000 | $54,000 | $102,000 |
| Advanced Manufacturing (Steel, Auto) | $68,000 | $54,000 | $88,000 |
| Technology (Growing Sector) | $88,000 | $68,000 | $118,000 |
| Construction | $72,000 | $56,000 | $94,000 |
| Government | $74,000 | $58,000 | $96,000 |
| Retail & Hospitality | $38,000 | $33,000 | $48,000 |
| Finance & Insurance | $66,000 | $50,000 | $88,000 |
McMaster University & Healthcare Cluster
McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) together employ over 20,000 people and form the economic spine of Hamilton's professional sector. McMaster's medical school, engineering faculty, and DeGroote School of Business generate high-value research employment alongside traditional academic roles. Full professors at McMaster earn $145,000–$195,000; associate professors $108,000–$145,000; assistant professors $88,000–$108,000. Research chairs earn $180,000–$280,000.
Hamilton Health Sciences operates Hamilton General, Juravinski Hospital, McMaster Children's Hospital, and West Lincoln Memorial. RNs at HHS earn under the ONA agreement: $36.44–$52.83/hour ($75,715–$109,885/year full-time). The St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton system adds another large healthcare employer. Combined, healthcare is Hamilton's single largest employment sector.
Hamilton as a Toronto Commuter City
Hamilton's proximity to Toronto (50–70 minutes by GO Train from Hamilton GO Centre to Union Station) makes it attractive for workers employed in Toronto but seeking more affordable housing. This dynamic creates two distinct labour market segments: Hamiltonians working locally at the $64,000 median, and Toronto-employed residents earning Toronto wages ($72,000–$120,000+) while living with Hamilton housing costs. The latter group has significantly higher average incomes, pulling Hamilton's mean salary above its median.
Hamilton Take-Home Calculator 2026 (Ontario Tax)
FAQ
Is Hamilton a good place to live on $64,000?
$64,000 nets approximately $48,200/year ($4,017/month) after Ontario taxes. With average 1BR rent at $1,780, housing takes 44% of take-home — tight for a sole earner renting downtown. Homeownership at Hamilton's $718,000 average requires a $143,600 down payment and $3,900+/month in carrying costs, making a dual income of $130,000+ the practical minimum for comfortable ownership.
Is Hamilton cheaper than Toronto?
Yes — Hamilton's average home ($718,000) is 39% below Toronto's ($1.18M), and rents are 22% lower. For workers who can work remotely or commute to Toronto, Hamilton offers significant financial advantages.
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