Pay is one of the biggest questions for anyone entering — or staying in — early- childhood education. In Quebec’s subsidized network (CPEs, subsidized garderies, and coordinating offices), salaries are set by national collective agreements, so the numbers are public.
The entry rate for qualified educators
As of April 1, 2025, the entry hourly rate for a qualified educator (EQ/ES) is $25.15/hour. From there, you move up a salary scale with experience.
The 2023–2028 agreements include scheduled general increases:
- 6.0% (2023), 2.8% (2024), 2.6% (2025), 2.5% (2026), 3.5% (2027).
There are also targeted adjustments by step that raised the lower rungs of the scale more, to make entry into the profession more attractive.
Bonuses and incentives
- A qualification bonus of $450 for each block of 15 credits completed in a targeted training program.
- Premiums for non-standard hours (e.g., a percentage uplift for evening, overnight, or weekend work).
- Subsidized work-study paths that let you earn while qualifying.
Where to find the official scales
The exact rate for each step and job title is published by the Ministère de la Famille in Annexe B of the national agreements, and summarized on the human-resources management page. Always check the current scale for your job title and step.
Putting it in context
Salary is only part of the picture. The educator shortage has kept upward pressure on pay and conditions, and where you work affects your day-to-day as much as your paycheque — see workplace standards and the career outlook.
In short
Entry pay for a qualified educator in the subsidized network is $25.15/hour (2025), rising with experience and scheduled increases, plus qualification and schedule premiums. For the precise figure that applies to you, consult the official salary scales.
Sources — verify the figures yourself: Document explicatif — clauses nationales 2023-2028, Ministère de la Famille ($25.15 entry; increase schedule; $450 bonus); Gouvernement du Québec — HR management / salary scales.
