How much does a personal support worker earn in Quebec?

Roughly $46,600 in the first years and $51,900 by year five (Quebec median, before tax). Source: IMT 33102 wages (median $25.63, max $28.52/h); MESS Diagnostic 2025-2029: déficit.

How long does it take?

About 0.75 years, first real paycheque in about 9 months.

Straight to work

Personal support worker

Q: What does it cost in Quebec?

About $700 in tuition and fees; typical debt if you borrow $0. Public-network pay is near the median; private residences near the $19.75 minimum. Government bursaries have paid PAB trainees in recent years.

DEP Assistance à la personne en établissement et à domicile (870 h), préposé(e) aux bénéficiaires

Numbers for 22 of 30 verified for Quebec; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify

Quebec works differently: trades are a nearly free DEP then a CCQ apprenticeship; college is a 3-year DEC at a cégep (tuition-free for residents); university is 3 years after a 2-year pre-university DEC. Numbers from IMT en ligne, CCQ, FIQ scales and the Relance surveys.

Years to credential0.75

First real paycheque~9 months

Time in a classroom50%

Total cost$700

Typical debt after$0

Demand in QuebecHigh

The first ten years

schoolearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn

Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

Quebec median before tax. Overtime, location and specialisation change this a lot. Net by year 10 after program cost: $504k, low to high $428k to $579k.

What's in "net by year 10"

Earnings, years 1 to 10	$504k	$46,600 rising to $51,900 by year five, flat after
Program cost	−$1k	tuition and fees
Typical (medians)	$504k	the number on the card
Low to high	$428k to $579k	pay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Quebec median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isPersonal care for seniors and patients in long-term care, hospitals or homes.

What actually stops peopleNone. Ontario has subsidised most PSW tuition because the shortage is severe.

The downsidePhysically and emotionally demanding, and wages plateau early. Many use it as a step into nursing.

If you're the parentA guaranteed job in under a year, often with free tuition, and a natural bridge into practical nursing later.

Local opportunities in Quebec

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

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How to enter

What you need

No specific courses or average; Grade 12 (or equivalent) and a willingness to show up

Deadlines in Quebec

No deadline; hiring year round

Next steps in Quebec

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In QuebecPublic-network pay is near the median; private residences near the $19.75 minimum. Government bursaries have paid PAB trainees in recent years.

www.quebec.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Quebec Sources: IMT 33102 wages (median $25.63, max $28.52/h); MESS Diagnostic 2025-2029: déficit

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