Canadian Food Inspection Agency Salary 2026
Complete pay scales for every classification at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency — the federal agency responsible for food safety, animal health, and plant protection inspection. CFIA is a Schedule V separate employer under the Financial Administration Act, employing roughly 6,500 staff across national laboratories, area offices, and field inspection stations.
~6.5K
Employees
17
Classifications
$42K–$156K
Salary range
2026
Current rates
CFIA — separate agency outside Treasury Board collective bargaining.
Rates verified against the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement published on inspection.canada.ca as of 2026-04-26. CFIA bargains independently from Treasury Board: classification codes overlap with TBS (AS, FI, etc.) but resolve to different annual rates.
Highest-Traffic CFIA Classifications
CFIA inspectors and engineering support staff — the operational core of the agency — have dedicated full-detail pages with step-by-step rates.
All CFIA Classifications
15 additional CFIA classifications — click any group to expand its pay scale and editorial detail.
ASAdministrative Services8 levels
The AS (Administrative Services) group at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency covers program officers, project coordinators, and administrative support staff who run CFIA's program delivery from headquarters and area offices. CFIA's mandate spans food safety, animal health, and plant protection inspection across Canada, and AS-classified staff coordinate inspection programs, manage policy implementation, support frontline inspectors, and run the administrative functions that keep CFIA's 6,000-plus employees operational. AS is one of CFIA's larger administrative classifications, especially in the National Capital Region headquarters.
AS-01 ($63,331 to $70,829) and AS-02 ($70,569 to $76,036) are entry-level coordinator and administrative officer positions. AS-03 ($75,638 to $81,499) and AS-04 ($82,627 to $89,278) are the working level for experienced program officers and project coordinators. AS-05 ($98,642 to $106,647) covers senior program officers and team leads. AS-06 ($109,874 to $118,531) is a manager-equivalent role. AS-07 ($115,653 to $132,244) and AS-08 ($119,421 to $140,565) cover senior managers and principal advisors; AS-08 is the most senior AS classification at CFIA.
CFIA AS falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement, which is negotiated separately from Treasury Board's PA agreement but shares much of its structure. The CFIA AS pay scale is distinct from the TBS core AS scale despite the shared code: rates, step counts, and timing are CFIA-specific. AS service at CFIA counts toward Public Service Pension Plan accruals identical to those of core public servants. Career progression often involves cross-classification moves into the PM group (which shares its pay scale dollar-for-dollar with AS at CFIA) for staff who want more direct program-delivery work.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| AS-01 | 4 | $63,331 – $70,829 |
| AS-02 | 3 | $70,569 – $76,036 |
| AS-03 | 3 | $75,638 – $81,499 |
| AS-04 | 3 | $82,627 – $89,278 |
| AS-05 | 3 | $98,642 – $106,647 |
| AS-06 | 3 | $109,874 – $118,531 |
| AS-07 | 5 | $115,653 – $132,244 |
| AS-08 | 2 | $119,421 – $140,565 |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
PMProgramme Administration7 levels
The PM (Programme Administration) group at CFIA covers program officers handling regulatory administration, licensing, inspection coordination, and client-facing program delivery across CFIA's food safety, animal health, and plant protection mandates. PM staff at CFIA typically interact directly with regulated industry (food processors, importers, farms, nurseries) on licensing, inspection scheduling, and regulatory compliance matters. The classification is one of CFIA's larger administrative groups alongside AS and CR.
PM-01 ($63,331 to $70,829) through PM-04 ($82,627 to $89,278) follow the same pay scale as CFIA AS at matching levels. PM-05 ($98,642 to $106,647) is the senior program officer level handling complex regulatory files. PM-06 ($115,653 to $132,244) is the most senior PM classification at CFIA, typically a regional program manager or principal regulatory advisor responsible for a major program area such as meat hygiene, dairy inspection, or invasive species control.
CFIA PM falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. PM and AS share a pay scale at CFIA, which is intentional: the two classifications often overlap in practice, and many CFIA staff move between PM and AS over their careers depending on the specific role rather than because of pay differences. The CFIA PM scale is distinct from the TBS core PM scale; the two share the code but use different rates and step structures.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| PM-01 | 4 | $63,331 – $70,829 |
| PM-02 | 3 | $70,569 – $76,036 |
| PM-03 | 3 | $75,638 – $81,499 |
| PM-04 | 3 | $82,627 – $89,278 |
| PM-05 | 3 | $98,642 – $106,647 |
| PM-06 | 5 | $115,653 – $132,244 |
| PM-07 | 2 | $119,421 – $140,565 |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
CRClerical and Regulatory7 levels
The CR (Clerical and Regulatory) group at CFIA covers entry-level administrative work: document processing, regulatory data entry, file management, scheduling support, and front-counter service at CFIA offices. CR positions are the most common entry point into CFIA for staff without post-secondary credentials, and the classification spans seven levels covering progression from basic clerical work through senior regulatory clerks supervising small teams.
CR-01 ($42,283 to $46,717) is the most basic administrative role, typically a data-entry clerk or mail-room position. CR-02 ($45,896 to $49,042) and CR-03 ($52,058 to $56,150) are working-level clerks. CR-04 ($57,678 to $62,249) and CR-05 ($63,035 to $68,241) cover senior clerks handling complex regulatory correspondence. CR-06 ($71,749 to $77,395) and CR-07 ($79,583 to $86,215) are supervisory and specialist clerk positions, with CR-07 the most senior CR classification at CFIA.
CFIA CR falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. The CR scale is one of the lower-paid classifications at CFIA but offers an accessible entry point and a defined-benefit pension. The CR-to-PM or CR-to-AS reclassification pathway is the typical advancement route for CFIA clerks who develop applied program expertise on the job: after several years at CR-05 or CR-06, internal competition for entry-level AS-01 or PM-01 positions is common and usually comes with a salary jump.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| CR-01 | 6 | $42,283 – $46,717 |
| CR-02 | 4 | $45,896 – $49,042 |
| CR-03 | 4 | $52,058 – $56,150 |
| CR-04 | 4 | $57,678 – $62,249 |
| CR-05 | 4 | $63,035 – $68,241 |
| CR-06 | 4 | $71,749 – $77,395 |
| CR-07 | 4 | $79,583 – $86,215 |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
ISInformation Services6 levels
The IS (Information Services) group at CFIA covers communications professionals supporting the agency's public communications, media relations, web content, and stakeholder engagement functions. CFIA's communications work spans food safety recalls (a high-visibility, time-sensitive function), public consultations on regulatory changes, animal disease outbreak communications, and routine departmental communications. The classification is small but operationally important: CFIA's recall communications can affect food markets nationally and the agency holds communications staff to high standards.
IS-01 ($63,331 to $70,829) through IS-04 ($98,642 to $106,647) follow the same pay scale as CFIA AS and PM at matching levels. IS-05 ($109,874 to $118,531) is a senior communications advisor or team lead position. IS-06 ($115,653 to $132,244) is the most senior IS classification at CFIA, typically a communications director or principal media relations advisor responsible for the agency's external communications function.
CFIA IS falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. IS-classified positions at CFIA are concentrated at the National Capital Region headquarters, with a small communications presence at each area office for regional media relations. Federal communications experience from CFIA is well-regarded in both public-sector communications roles and private-sector regulatory affairs work, particularly for staff who have handled recall or outbreak communications.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| IS-01 | 4 | $63,331 – $70,829 |
| IS-02 | 3 | $70,569 – $76,036 |
| IS-03 | 3 | $82,627 – $89,278 |
| IS-04 | 3 | $98,642 – $106,647 |
| IS-05 | 3 | $109,874 – $118,531 |
| IS-06 | 5 | $115,653 – $132,244 |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
FIFinancial Administration4 levels
The FI (Financial Management) group at CFIA covers financial officers, internal auditors, budget analysts, and corporate finance staff handling the agency's internal financial operations. CFIA's FI staff prepare departmental financial statements, manage program budgets across food safety, animal health, and plant protection mandates, and conduct internal audits of CFIA programs. The classification is distinct from the TBS core FI classification despite the shared code, with CFIA-specific pay rates set under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement.
FI-01 covers entry-level financial officer roles, typically filled by recent accounting graduates. FI-02 is the working-level financial analyst. FI-03 covers senior financial advisors and controllers responsible for major program areas. FI-04 is the most senior FI classification at CFIA, typically a chief financial advisor or principal corporate finance lead. The FI population at CFIA is smaller than at CRA or other large federal financial-services employers, reflecting CFIA's smaller corporate-services footprint.
CFIA FI falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. The CFIA FI scale is distinct from the TBS core FI scale; the two share the code but use different rates. Many CFIA FI staff hold or are working toward CPA designation; the agency supports professional development in this direction. Career mobility between CFIA FI positions and other federal departments is common, particularly for staff seeking exposure to different program areas or larger financial operations.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| FI-01 | 7 | $65,004 – $92,100 |
| FI-02 | 7 | $79,128 – $108,410 |
| FI-03 | 7 | $100,125 – $131,472 |
| FI-04 | 7 | $111,990 – $148,759 |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
SISocial Science Support8 levels
The SI (Social Science Support) group at CFIA covers analysts and researchers in the social science and applied research streams. SI staff at CFIA support program evaluation, risk-assessment research, policy analysis, and behavioural research applied to regulatory compliance. The classification provides a career path for staff with bachelor's degrees in social science fields who develop applied expertise on the job, and is structured to be parallel to but distinct from the higher-credentialed ES classification.
SI-01 and SI-02 are entry-level analyst positions. SI-03 and SI-04 are the working-level social science analyst positions. SI-05 and SI-06 cover senior analyst and specialist levels. SI-07 and SI-08 cover senior researchers and principal analysts. The CFIA SI scale broadly mirrors the structure of the CRA SI scale and similar social-science-support classifications elsewhere in government.
CFIA SI falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. The SI classification at CFIA is small compared to operational classifications like GT, EG, and PM. Most SI positions are concentrated at CFIA's policy and program design functions in the National Capital Region, supporting risk-based regulatory decision-making and program evaluation across the agency's three core mandates.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| SI-01 | 7 | $57,685 – $71,529 |
| SI-02 | 5 | $69,534 – $78,925 |
| SI-03 | 5 | $76,409 – $86,031 |
| SI-04 | 5 | $82,029 – $94,981 |
| SI-05 | 5 | $97,916 – $112,945 |
| SI-06 | 5 | $111,266 – $128,577 |
| SI-07 | 5 | $125,133 – $143,802 |
| SI-08 | 5 | $136,946 – $155,655 |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
HPHeating, Power & Stationary Plant Operation9 levels (hourly)
The HP (Heating, Power and Stationary Plant Operations) group at CFIA covers stationary engineers, power engineers, and heating-plant operators who run and maintain the boiler systems, steam plants, HVAC equipment, and stationary power systems at CFIA laboratories and large field facilities. CFIA operates several specialized facilities with significant heating-and-power infrastructure (analytical laboratories with high-load equipment, controlled-environment animal facilities, large refrigeration and sterilization systems) that require certified plant operators. The classification typically requires a provincial stationary engineer or power engineer certificate at the appropriate class.
HP positions at CFIA span working-level plant operator roles through senior chief engineer positions. The pay scale follows the CFIA-specific HP appendix in the CFIA-PSAC agreement and broadly tracks the TBS core HP classification used across federal departments for licensed stationary engineering trades. Most HP staff at CFIA are concentrated at the agency's larger laboratory facilities where boiler, HVAC, and stationary power equipment justifies dedicated certified plant operators rather than contracted external maintenance.
CFIA HP falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. Compared to private-sector stationary-engineering work (industrial facilities, hospitals, institutional plants), federal HP pay is competitive at journey-level certificate rates and offers structured hours and the federal pension. The classification is distinct from the TBS core HP scale despite the shared code: CFIA uses its own rates and step structures negotiated under the CFIA-PSAC agreement.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| HP-01 | 3 | $30.78 – $32.14/hr |
| HP-02 | 3 | $33.66 – $35.21/hr |
| HP-03 | 3 | $36.65 – $38.47/hr |
| HP-04 | 3 | $41.11 – $43.19/hr |
| HP-05 | 3 | $44.26 – $46.50/hr |
| HP-06 | 5 | $44.48 – $49.24/hr |
| HP-07 | 5 | $48.23 – $53.62/hr |
| HP-08 | 5 | $51.83 – $57.56/hr |
| HP-09 | 5 | $54.86 – $61.64/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GSGeneral Services13 levels (hourly)
The GS (General Services) group at CFIA covers building services, facility operations, and general-services support staff at CFIA laboratories, area offices, and headquarters facilities. GS positions include facility custodial staff, building services workers, mail-room and shipping staff, and other general-services functions that support CFIA's physical operations. The classification spans several levels reflecting different general-services functions and supervisory responsibilities.
GS positions at CFIA typically start at entry-level building services rates and progress through working-level and supervisory positions over a career. The scale is structured to support progression from entry-level general-services work through team-lead and supervisory positions at major CFIA facilities. Most GS staff at CFIA work at the agency's larger laboratory facilities (Ottawa, Saint-Hyacinthe, Winnipeg) and at the National Capital Region headquarters.
CFIA GS falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. Like other PSAC General Services categories across federal departments, the CFIA GS classification offers steady federal employment with defined-benefit pension and structured progression, though pay sits at the lower end of CFIA's classifications. Most GS positions are filled locally rather than through national competitive processes, and the classification is among the most stable in CFIA's workforce in terms of retention.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GS-01 | 3 | $18.69 – $20.28/hr |
| GS-02 | 3 | $22.42 – $24.37/hr |
| GS-03 | 3 | $26.23 – $28.51/hr |
| GS-04 | 3 | $27.50 – $29.89/hr |
| GS-05 | 3 | $30.73 – $33.38/hr |
| GS-06 | 3 | $31.68 – $34.42/hr |
| GS-07 | 3 | $33.20 – $36.09/hr |
| GS-08 | 3 | $34.80 – $37.78/hr |
| GS-09 | 3 | $38.00 – $41.30/hr |
| GS-10 | 3 | $40.06 – $43.55/hr |
| GS-11 | 3 | $41.67 – $45.28/hr |
| GS-12 | 3 | $43.39 – $47.16/hr |
| GS-13 | 3 | $45.09 – $49.00/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-EIMGeneral Labour - Electrical Installing & Maintaining14 levels (hourly)
The GL-EIM (Electrical Installation and Maintenance) group at CFIA covers electrical trades staff who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems at CFIA laboratories and large field facilities. CFIA operates several specialized facilities with significant electrical infrastructure (analytical laboratories with high-power equipment, controlled-environment animal facilities, large refrigeration systems), and GL-EIM staff keep this infrastructure operational. The classification typically requires a Red Seal electrical trade qualification plus federal security clearance.
GL-EIM positions at CFIA span working-level electrician roles through senior journey-level positions. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour and Trades structure used across federal employers for licensed electrical trades. Most GL-EIM staff at CFIA are concentrated at the agency's larger laboratory facilities where electrical maintenance requirements justify dedicated trades staff.
CFIA GL-EIM falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. Compared to private-sector electrical trades (residential, commercial, industrial), federal electrical trade pay is competitive at journey-level rates and offers a structured workload and the federal pension. The trade-off is generally lower overtime opportunity than private-sector electrical work, but with predictable hours that suit tradespeople seeking work-life balance over maximum overtime earnings.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-EIM-01 | 3 | $26.63 – $28.97/hr |
| GL-EIM-02 | 3 | $27.60 – $30.00/hr |
| GL-EIM-03 | 3 | $28.53 – $31.02/hr |
| GL-EIM-04 | 3 | $29.53 – $32.09/hr |
| GL-EIM-05 | 3 | $30.52 – $33.16/hr |
| GL-EIM-06 | 3 | $31.67 – $34.45/hr |
| GL-EIM-07 | 3 | $32.77 – $35.60/hr |
| GL-EIM-08 | 3 | $34.07 – $37.05/hr |
| GL-EIM-09 | 3 | $35.44 – $38.55/hr |
| GL-EIM-10 | 3 | $37.78 – $41.07/hr |
| GL-EIM-11 | 3 | $39.13 – $42.53/hr |
| GL-EIM-12 | 3 | $40.56 – $44.07/hr |
| GL-EIM-13 | 3 | $41.93 – $45.58/hr |
| GL-EIM-14 | 3 | $43.35 – $47.12/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-ELEGeneral Labour - Elemental14 levels (hourly)
The GL-ELE (Elemental) group at CFIA covers entry-level general-labour positions: warehouse staff, basic facility support, sample-handling assistants, and entry-level general-services positions that do not require trade certification. The classification is the most basic GL-* category and provides an accessible entry point into federal employment without post-secondary education or trade certification requirements.
GL-ELE positions at CFIA span entry-level general labour through experienced elemental worker roles. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour structure used across federal employers for elemental positions. Most GL-ELE staff at CFIA work at the agency's larger laboratory facilities, warehouses, and operations centres where basic labour support is needed.
CFIA GL-ELE falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. The classification offers federal employment with defined-benefit pension at the lowest pay band in CFIA's structure. Career progression from GL-ELE into other federal classifications (GS, CR, or trade-specific GL categories after Red Seal certification) is the typical advancement path, and CFIA actively supports apprenticeship and trade-training pathways for GL-ELE staff seeking trade certification.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-ELE-01 | 3 | $23.04 – $25.05/hr |
| GL-ELE-02 | 3 | $23.91 – $26.00/hr |
| GL-ELE-03 | 3 | $24.71 – $26.91/hr |
| GL-ELE-04 | 3 | $25.44 – $27.68/hr |
| GL-ELE-05 | 3 | $26.42 – $28.70/hr |
| GL-ELE-06 | 3 | $27.30 – $29.69/hr |
| GL-ELE-07 | 3 | $28.20 – $30.65/hr |
| GL-ELE-08 | 3 | $29.34 – $31.87/hr |
| GL-ELE-09 | 3 | $30.37 – $33.03/hr |
| GL-ELE-10 | 3 | $31.60 – $34.33/hr |
| GL-ELE-11 | 3 | $32.78 – $35.61/hr |
| GL-ELE-12 | 3 | $33.87 – $36.81/hr |
| GL-ELE-13 | 3 | $35.04 – $38.10/hr |
| GL-ELE-14 | 3 | $36.12 – $39.28/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-INMGeneral Labour - Instrument Maintaining14 levels (hourly)
The GL-INM (Instrument Making and Maintenance) group at CFIA covers specialist trades staff who maintain and repair scientific instruments at CFIA laboratories: precision balances, chromatographs, microscopes, animal-handling equipment, and the specialized analytical equipment that underpins CFIA's regulatory science. The classification typically requires a relevant trade qualification (instrument mechanic, precision-instrument maker) plus federal security clearance and on-the-job experience with laboratory equipment.
GL-INM positions at CFIA span working-level instrument technician roles through senior specialist instrument-maker positions. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour and Trades structure. CFIA's GL-INM population is concentrated at the agency's largest laboratory facilities (Saint-Hyacinthe for food chemistry and microbiology, Winnipeg for animal health) where the volume of specialized analytical equipment justifies dedicated instrument-trade staff.
CFIA GL-INM falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. The classification is small and highly specialized; most positions are filled through internal advancement or targeted recruitment of candidates with specific instrument-trade backgrounds. The skill set is more portable to medical-device manufacturers and university research laboratories than to general industrial trades work.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-INM-01 | 3 | $23.97 – $26.07/hr |
| GL-INM-02 | 3 | $24.80 – $26.97/hr |
| GL-INM-03 | 3 | $25.65 – $27.93/hr |
| GL-INM-04 | 3 | $26.48 – $28.79/hr |
| GL-INM-05 | 3 | $27.45 – $29.84/hr |
| GL-INM-06 | 3 | $28.45 – $30.92/hr |
| GL-INM-07 | 3 | $29.29 – $31.86/hr |
| GL-INM-08 | 3 | $30.50 – $33.16/hr |
| GL-INM-09 | 3 | $31.71 – $34.45/hr |
| GL-INM-10 | 3 | $32.87 – $35.73/hr |
| GL-INM-11 | 3 | $34.12 – $37.05/hr |
| GL-INM-12 | 3 | $35.31 – $38.41/hr |
| GL-INM-13 | 3 | $36.47 – $39.64/hr |
| GL-INM-14 | 3 | $37.68 – $40.96/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-MAMGeneral Labour - Instrument Maintaining MAM14 levels (hourly)
The GL-MAM (Machinery and Mechanical Equipment Maintenance) group at CFIA covers mechanical trades staff who maintain CFIA's machinery, mechanical systems, and heavy equipment. This includes laboratory mechanical systems (ventilation, refrigeration, autoclave systems), facility mechanical infrastructure, and field equipment used in disease investigation and laboratory operations. The classification typically requires a relevant Red Seal mechanical trade qualification.
GL-MAM positions at CFIA span working-level mechanical trades through senior specialist mechanic positions. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour and Trades structure. Most GL-MAM staff at CFIA are concentrated at larger facilities where the volume of mechanical maintenance work justifies dedicated trades staff rather than contracted external maintenance.
CFIA GL-MAM falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. Compared to private-sector mechanical trades, CFIA GL-MAM offers competitive journey-level pay, structured hours, and the federal pension. Some GL-MAM positions require specialized certification beyond basic mechanical trade qualifications (refrigeration system certification, autoclave operations training) which CFIA typically funds for staff who complete the agency's internal training programs.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-MAM-01 | 3 | $25.73 – $28.01/hr |
| GL-MAM-02 | 3 | $26.71 – $29.06/hr |
| GL-MAM-03 | 3 | $27.62 – $30.05/hr |
| GL-MAM-04 | 3 | $28.57 – $31.06/hr |
| GL-MAM-05 | 3 | $29.55 – $32.16/hr |
| GL-MAM-06 | 3 | $30.65 – $33.30/hr |
| GL-MAM-07 | 3 | $31.63 – $34.39/hr |
| GL-MAM-08 | 3 | $32.98 – $35.79/hr |
| GL-MAM-09 | 3 | $34.31 – $37.26/hr |
| GL-MAM-10 | 3 | $35.61 – $38.72/hr |
| GL-MAM-11 | 3 | $36.92 – $40.14/hr |
| GL-MAM-12 | 3 | $38.21 – $41.50/hr |
| GL-MAM-13 | 3 | $39.53 – $42.96/hr |
| GL-MAM-14 | 3 | $40.80 – $44.35/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-MANGeneral Labour - Manipulating14 levels (hourly)
The GL-MAN (Manual Operations) group at CFIA covers manual-labour positions that fall outside the more specialized GL trades categories: general manual work supporting CFIA laboratory operations, sample handling at processing facilities, manual operations supporting field investigations, and general operational support tasks at CFIA sites. The classification typically does not require trade certification but may require physical fitness standards and specialized training in specific operational contexts.
GL-MAN positions at CFIA span entry-level manual work through experienced senior manual-operations roles. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour structure. CFIA's GL-MAN population is small and tied to specific operational functions where manual labour is required but does not justify a specialized trade designation.
CFIA GL-MAN falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. The classification offers federal employment with defined-benefit pension. Career progression for GL-MAN staff often involves transition into more specialized GL trade categories after completing trade certification, or into GS or CR classifications for staff developing administrative or supervisory experience.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-MAN-01 | 3 | $25.54 – $27.77/hr |
| GL-MAN-02 | 3 | $26.41 – $28.68/hr |
| GL-MAN-03 | 3 | $27.30 – $29.66/hr |
| GL-MAN-04 | 3 | $28.28 – $30.74/hr |
| GL-MAN-05 | 3 | $29.23 – $31.76/hr |
| GL-MAN-06 | 3 | $30.23 – $32.84/hr |
| GL-MAN-07 | 3 | $31.24 – $33.95/hr |
| GL-MAN-08 | 3 | $32.66 – $35.48/hr |
| GL-MAN-09 | 3 | $33.89 – $36.86/hr |
| GL-MAN-10 | 3 | $35.22 – $38.27/hr |
| GL-MAN-11 | 3 | $36.49 – $39.67/hr |
| GL-MAN-12 | 3 | $37.76 – $41.02/hr |
| GL-MAN-13 | 3 | $39.18 – $42.56/hr |
| GL-MAN-14 | 3 | $40.39 – $43.95/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-MDOGeneral Labour - Machine Driving / Operating14 levels (hourly)
The GL-MDO (Motor Vehicle Driver and Operator) group at CFIA covers drivers and equipment operators supporting CFIA's field operations: driving inspection vehicles, operating specialized field equipment, transporting samples between CFIA facilities and processing laboratories, and operating mobile inspection units. The classification typically requires a commercial driver's licence appropriate to the vehicles operated and may require additional certifications for specialized equipment.
GL-MDO positions at CFIA span entry-level driver-operator roles through senior specialist driver positions. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour structure used across federal employers for motor vehicle and equipment operators. Most GL-MDO staff at CFIA are field-based, supporting inspection operations across Canada's provinces and territories.
CFIA GL-MDO falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. Compared to private-sector trucking and commercial driving, CFIA GL-MDO offers more predictable hours, the federal pension, and access to specialized federal-government driving work (sample transport between laboratories, mobile inspection unit operations) that has no direct private-sector parallel. The trade-off is generally lower overtime opportunity than commercial trucking.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-MDO-01 | 3 | $23.96 – $26.02/hr |
| GL-MDO-02 | 3 | $24.86 – $27.01/hr |
| GL-MDO-03 | 3 | $25.65 – $27.89/hr |
| GL-MDO-04 | 3 | $26.52 – $28.82/hr |
| GL-MDO-05 | 3 | $28.00 – $30.46/hr |
| GL-MDO-06 | 3 | $28.92 – $31.46/hr |
| GL-MDO-07 | 3 | $29.96 – $32.58/hr |
| GL-MDO-08 | 3 | $31.13 – $33.84/hr |
| GL-MDO-09 | 3 | $32.35 – $35.16/hr |
| GL-MDO-10 | 3 | $33.61 – $36.50/hr |
| GL-MDO-11 | 3 | $34.81 – $37.81/hr |
| GL-MDO-12 | 3 | $36.05 – $39.19/hr |
| GL-MDO-13 | 3 | $37.34 – $40.57/hr |
| GL-MDO-14 | 3 | $38.52 – $41.86/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
GL-PIPGeneral Labour - Pipefitting14 levels (hourly)
The GL-PIP (Pipefitting and Plumbing) group at CFIA covers plumbing and pipefitting trades staff who maintain water, drainage, gas, and specialized fluid systems at CFIA laboratories and facilities. CFIA laboratories often have complex plumbing infrastructure (deionized water systems, specialized gas lines for analytical equipment, biohazardous waste handling) that requires dedicated trades staff. The classification typically requires a Red Seal plumbing or pipefitting qualification.
GL-PIP positions at CFIA span working-level pipefitter and plumber roles through senior specialist trade positions. The pay scale follows the standard PSAC General Labour and Trades structure used across federal employers for licensed plumbing and pipefitting trades. CFIA's GL-PIP population is concentrated at the larger laboratory facilities where specialized plumbing systems justify dedicated trades staff.
CFIA GL-PIP falls under the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement. Compared to private-sector plumbing and pipefitting trades (residential, commercial, industrial), federal trades pay is competitive at journey-level rates and offers structured hours and the federal pension. Some GL-PIP positions require specialized certifications in addition to standard trade qualifications (laboratory gas systems, biohazardous waste handling) which CFIA typically funds through internal training programs.
| Level | Steps | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| GL-PIP-01 | 3 | $25.86 – $28.12/hr |
| GL-PIP-02 | 3 | $26.73 – $29.06/hr |
| GL-PIP-03 | 3 | $27.73 – $30.15/hr |
| GL-PIP-04 | 3 | $28.61 – $31.11/hr |
| GL-PIP-05 | 3 | $29.75 – $32.34/hr |
| GL-PIP-06 | 3 | $30.75 – $33.44/hr |
| GL-PIP-07 | 3 | $31.73 – $34.52/hr |
| GL-PIP-08 | 3 | $33.07 – $35.94/hr |
| GL-PIP-09 | 3 | $35.63 – $38.74/hr |
| GL-PIP-10 | 3 | $37.03 – $40.27/hr |
| GL-PIP-11 | 3 | $38.39 – $41.74/hr |
| GL-PIP-12 | 3 | $39.72 – $43.14/hr |
| GL-PIP-13 | 3 | $41.11 – $44.70/hr |
| GL-PIP-14 | 3 | $42.43 – $46.13/hr |
Source: CFIA-PSAC collective agreement →
About CFIA Pay Structure
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency was created in 1997 and is governed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act. As a Schedule V separate agency, CFIA negotiates its own collective agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The CFIA-PSAC agreement covers all bargaining-unit positions at the agency — from administrative services (AS, PM, CR, IS) through scientific support (EG), field inspection (GT), and licensed trades (the GL- family).
CFIA classification codes mirror TBS core public administration in structure but resolve to different annual rates. A CFIA AS-04 and a TBS AS-04 share a code but earn different salaries because the two employers bargain independently. CFIA inspectors (GT) are the largest professional population at the agency and the most actively recruited classification.
CFIA service counts toward the Public Service Pension Plan on terms identical to core public administration. Career mobility between CFIA and TBS departments is common, particularly for inspector-grade staff moving to other regulatory agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CFIA inspector make?
CFIA field inspectors are classified as GT (General Technical) and earn from roughly $52,000 at GT-01 to over $115,000 at the senior specialist levels. Salaries depend on commodity expertise (meat hygiene, dairy, seed, animal health) and supervisory responsibility. The full GT pay scale is available on the dedicated page.
Does CFIA pay differ from Treasury Board for the same code?
Yes. CFIA bargains independently of Treasury Board core public administration, so a CFIA AS-04 earns different rates than a TBS AS-04. Where codes overlap (AS, PM, IS, CR, FI, SI, GT, EG), the CFIA rate is the binding one for CFIA staff.
How current are CFIA rates on FedPay?
Last verified against the CFIA-PSAC collective agreement on inspection.canada.ca as of 2026-04-26. The current agreement extends through the most recent wage-adjustment cycle.