Employment & Earnings

Last updated on December 15, 2020

Source: Minerals sector employment data from Statistics Canada.

2018 BC Minerals Sector Employment

Industry Number of Jobs
Metal Mining 7,880
Coal Mining 4,460
Industrial Minerals + Construction Aggregates 1,655
Exploration 3,305
Total Direct Exploration and Mining Employment 17,300
Mineral Refining + Smelting 4,410
Downstream Mineral Processing 17,925
Total Direct Minerals Economy Employment 22,335
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT 39,635

Source: Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation estimated industry average annual earnings using data from Statistics Canada and PwC’s annual B.C. mining industry survey.

BC Mining Industry Average Annual Earnings

Year Average Annual Salary + Benefits (C$) % Change
2018 123,700 +6.6
2017 116,000 +2.9
2016 112,700 -0.3
2015 113,000 -6.5
2014 120,900 +12.3
2013 107,700 +1.7
2012 105,900 +9.6
2011 96,600 +5.0
2010 92,000 +0.9
2009 91,200 -0.3
2008 91,500 +1.8
2007 89,900 +12.4
2006 80,000 +1.7
2005 78,700 -2.8
2004 81,000 +5.9
2003 76,500 +7.0
2002 71,500 -3.8
2001 74,300