[mattm]

Pay in BC is low compared to what you'll read about SV here. My first job in Victoria was around $45k but apparently I was lucky to get that as the standard junior level salary was around $36k (this was back in 2007).

If you want to make more money, you'll probably have to move south. If you live in Victoria or Vancouver (I'm guessing Van from your username), the cost of living isn't that much higher in SF but you'll be able to make a lot more.

Vic/Van seem to have a "nice place to live" tax. Companies pay less because people like living there. OTOH, there is less stress and 9-5 usually means that so it's a tradeoff.