A new report from the Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN) has determined that jobs in Rocky Mountain House need to pay at least $23.75 per hour to be considered a “living wage.”
The report’s calculations are based on average living expenses for local residents, subtracting benefits and subsidies typically available to them. The wage was then broken down by household type, including individuals, lone parents, and families of four.
The ALWN defines a living wage as the hourly rate needed for a worker to cover basic expenses and maintain a modest standard of living, after accounting for government transfers and taxes. The calculations assume full-time employment for each adult and factor in savings for unexpected costs, continuing education, child care, and a modest allowance for community participation.
At $23.75/hour, Rocky Mountain House sits on the higher end of Alberta’s living wage scale. For comparison, other communities in the province report lower living wage rates:
- Red Deer: $18.90/hour
- Lethbridge: $20/hour
- Medicine Hat: $17.55/hour (the lowest in the province)
- Drayton Valley: $19.85/hour
Jasper required the highest living wage at $31.40/hour.
Transportation costs are a significant factor in living wage calculations. Smaller communities like Rocky, which lack large-scale public transit, tend to have higher transportation expenses. For example, the average annual transportation cost for a family of four in Rocky is $11,949, compared to $6,578 in Red Deer.
On the other hand, housing costs in Rocky are slightly more affordable. The average annual housing cost for a family of four in Rocky is $19,492, compared to $22,071 in Edmonton, $20,542 in Red Deer, and $25,785 in Calgary.
The report also highlights a notable disparity in living wages between Alberta’s two largest cities. Edmonton has a living wage of $20.85/hour, making it more affordable than Calgary, where the living wage is $24.45/hour.
You can read the whole report here.
Source: Alberta Living Wage Network
(Alberta Living Wage Network)
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