CO Rates of Pay – Commerce (Government of Canada)

CO rates of pay for all CO (Commerce) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $69,552 to $152,845 across 4 levels. Category: Financial. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.

CO – Commerce

$69,552 – $152,845

$2,675 – $5,879 biweekly (before deductions)

4 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements

Rates effective from 2025-06-22 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology

All CO Levels

Level	Steps	Step 1	Max Step
CO-01	8	$69,552	$91,493
CO-02	9	$89,966	$128,102
CO-03	7	$111,682	$141,340
CO-04	6	$126,947	$152,845

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About the CO Classification

The CO (Commerce) group covers trade officers, commerce officers, and international trade specialists who promote Canadian exports, attract foreign investment, and support Canadian businesses operating internationally. CO employees work primarily at Global Affairs Canada (formerly the Trade Commissioner Service) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Their work involves market research, trade policy analysis, investment promotion, and direct support to Canadian exporters navigating foreign markets.

CO-01 covers entry-level commerce officers and trade analysts. CO-02 is the working-level trade commissioner — the backbone of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service at embassies and high commissions around the world. CO-03 covers senior trade commissioners, investment officers, and program managers. CO-04 and CO-05 are director-level positions overseeing trade programs for specific regions or sectors. Like the FS group, CO officers posted abroad receive Foreign Service Directives (allowances for housing, cost of living, etc.).

The CO group is represented by PIPSC. Commerce officers are distinct from Foreign Service officers (FS) in their focus on trade and commercial diplomacy rather than political affairs and consular services. Many CO positions require a background in business, economics, or international trade, and bilingualism (English/French) is typically essential. The Trade Commissioner Service is one of the most internationally-focused careers in the Canadian public service, with postings available in over 160 cities worldwide.

Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare CO with other classifications.