Career advice
Pay
Hourly vs. salary: understanding pay in a job posting
How to compare an hourly wage with an annual salary, and what else to look for in a job offer.
Universal Hiring Careers Team · Jul 30, 2026 · 4 min read
PayJob postings list pay in different ways. Here's how to compare them.
A quick conversion
A full-time job is usually about 2,080 hours a year (40 hours × 52 weeks). To compare roughly:
- Hourly × 2,080 = approximate annual salary
- Annual salary ÷ 2,080 = approximate hourly rate
Minimum wage differs by province
Each province and territory sets its own minimum wage, and some change it every year. Check your provincial government's website for the current rate.
Look beyond the number
- Guaranteed hours per week
- Overtime and shift premiums
- Health and dental benefits
- Pension or RRSP matching
- Paid training and tuition support
Ask during the offer
It's normal and professional to ask for the offer in writing, including pay, hours and start date.
