Pay & compensation, made clear

The Salarium blog

Understand your paycheck, negotiate better, price your work: short, concrete breakdowns.

53
articles
5
deductions decoded
2026
rates up to date
Tools
Self-employed

Salary vs Dividends in Quebec When You Are Incorporated

Salary vs dividends for an incorporated worker in Quebec: what each option really costs in tax, and what it changes for your QPP pension and RRSP room.

· 5 min Read
Self-employed

Uber, DoorDash and freelance income: tax in Quebec

Uber, DoorDash or freelance pay is self-employment income: no tax is withheld. Your Quebec gig and side hustle income tax guide, with the $30,000 GST/HST rule.

· 5 min Read
Self-employed

Quarterly Tax Instalments in Quebec: What to Set Aside

Self-employed in Quebec: who must pay quarterly tax instalments, the due dates, and how much to set aside so you aren't hit with one big tax bill.

· 5 min Read
Self-employed

Self-Employed vs. Salaried in Canada: What Changes

Self-employed vs salaried take-home pay in Canada: why the self-employed pay double CPP, can skip EI, and owe tax quarterly, with 2026 rates explained.

· 7 min Read
Self-employed

Your Real Hourly Rate as a Self-Employed Worker in Quebec

Unbilled hours, double QPP, no paid vacation, GST/QST: how to work out the hourly rate you actually earn in Quebec — and price your work accordingly.

· 3 min Read

The key numbers of 2026

6.30%
QPP contribution
up to $74,600
0.430%
QPIP
max. $103,000
1.30%
Employment Insurance
reduced rate, Quebec
16.5%
Federal abatement
Quebec residents
Glossary

The words on your pay stub

Gross pay
Pay before any deduction: the figure written in the contract and in the job posting — never the one that lands in your account.
Net pay
What is left once tax and contributions have been withheld at source. It is the amount actually deposited, and the only one you can budget on.
QPP
The Quebec Pension Plan, the public retirement scheme for Quebec workers: 6.30% of pay up to $74,600, withheld at source and matched by the employer. Canada Revenue Agency ↗
QPIP
The Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, which funds maternity, paternity and parental leave: 0.430% of pay, up to $103,000.
Marginal rate
The rate that hits the next dollar earned, and only that dollar — not your whole salary. That is why it always exceeds the average rate, and why a raise brings home less than it promises.
Quebec abatement
A 16.5% cut on federal tax, reserved for Quebec residents: the province runs programs itself that the federal government funds elsewhere. Canada Revenue Agency ↗