Government employees across Ontario were paid 7.9% higher wages, on average, than workers in the private sector in 2024.

By Gazette Staff

January 27th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

The Fraser Institute, a private sector think tank, released a report this morning saying “Government workers on average enjoy a higher wage premium and more generous benefits in Ontario than their private-sector counterparts.

“In fact, government employees across Ontario — including federal, provincial and municipal workers — were paid 7.9% higher wages, on average, than workers in the private sector in 2024.

“Even after adjusting for unionization status, government employees are still paid 6.5% higher wages.

“But wages are only part of overall compensation. Government workers enjoy much more generous non-wage benefits too, such as pensions, early retirement, personal leave, and job security.

“All levels of government in Ontario — municipal, provincial and federal — must find ways to reduce costs as spending and borrowing have continued to ramp up.”

Read the full study here, and be sure to share it with your friends and colleagues!