Auditor Salary – Government of Canada (2026)
How much do federal auditors make? Classification mapping, salary by level, and career path.
How Auditor Roles Are Classified
The Government of Canada doesn't advertise positions as “Auditor” — instead, each role is assigned a classification code that determines its pay scale. Here's how auditor roles map to federal classifications:
What Federal Auditors Do
Auditors in the federal government conduct financial audits, performance audits, compliance reviews, and program evaluations. Internal auditors work within departments (typically classified as FI), while external auditors at the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) have their own AU classification. Federal auditing is broader than private-sector audit: beyond financial statement verification, federal auditors assess whether programs deliver value for money, comply with legislation, and achieve intended outcomes. The Auditor General's reports to Parliament are among the most influential accountability documents in Canadian government.
Auditor Salary Breakdown
Most federal internal auditors are classified as FI: FI-01 earns $75,008–$96,541, FI-02 earns $85,476–$96,541, and FI-03 earns $104,239–$117,717. Chief audit executives at FI-04 earn $124,572–$140,765. Federal audit salaries are competitive with industry internal audit roles, particularly when the pension and benefits are included. The OAG offers additional prestige and career development value through exposure to government-wide audit mandates.
How to Get Hired
Audit positions typically require a degree in accounting, business, or a related field. CPA designation is strongly preferred and often required for advancement. Internal audit roles (FI classification) are hired through GC Jobs at departments across government. The OAG recruits specifically for its AU positions and offers one of the most structured audit career paths in Canada. Diverse backgrounds are valued — the OAG hires engineers, environmental scientists, and IT specialists for specialized audit work.