The average salary (or wage) in Canada for construction jobs can vary. And, depending on your specific trade, experienced tradespeople can find high-paying jobs and build a great career in Canada. So, let’s look at some of the different trades in Canada and the average salary tradespeople can expect to earn in construction jobs. In Canada, most trades are paid an hourly rate versus a salary.
With high retirement rates due to an ageing workforce, there is a strong demand for workers with skilled trade experience. And for tradespeople, this is a good news story because there are great jobs with high earning potential right across Canada. As well, Canada is searching for smart and skilled tradespeople from around the world to meet the expected labour shortage over the next decade.
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In Canada, there are over 400 skilled trades that contribute to the construction industry. And, the average salary in Canada for construction workers can vary based on factors such as:
- The type of trade
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2. Your level of experience
3. The job outlook for specific trades
4. the provincial and regional labour market conditions
So, to understand how much you can expect to earn, it’s important to consider all of these factors. And, you can do more research to get a better understanding of the average salary in Canada for construction jobs.
Four Factors that Determine Average Salary in Canada:
1. Average Salary Depends on Your Trade
Depending on your trade, the median wage per hour can vary. Using research information provided by the Government of Canada Job Bank, you can find wage information for many different trades in Canada. In addition to the median wage in Canada, you can click on the links to find wage at the provincial and community levels. A typical work week in Canada is usually 37.5 – 40 hours per week. Based on the figures below, you can estimate what an annual salary would be.
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Here are the 2022 national median wage per hour figures for some of the trades in Canada:
Boilermaker Median Wage per Hour – $44.00
Carpenter Median Wage per Hour – $28.00
Crane operator Median Wage per Hour – $31.25
Industrial electrician Median Wage per Hour – $33.19
HVAC mechanic Median Wage per Hour – $32.00
Industrial mechanic and millwright Median Wage per Hour – $32.00
Plumber Median Wage per Hour – $31.00
Sheet metal worker Median Wage per Hour: $31.84
Other Compensation in Addition to the Average Salary
On top of the hourly wage, skilled tradespeople often receive a generous benefits package. And, these benefits are part of the total compensation package. Benefits may vary in each province or territory, but generally include things such as:
- Dental insurance
- Supplemental medical insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Pension plan for your retirement.
When you add these benefits on top of the average salary in Canada, a career in the trades is well-paying.
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2. Your Level of Experience
Based on your experience in another country, your starting salary may be higher. And, you may get an increase in pay if you upgrade your skills or get other certificates.
Some trades in Canada require you to have a license or certificate to work in your trade. And, it can vary in each province or territory as well. So, it’s important to find out:
- If you require a license or certificate
- How to get your experience and qualifications from another country recognized
To give you an idea of the payscale, here are the 2022 pay scales for different trades in Canada. But, these figures are national averages, and wages will vary at the provincial and regional levels.
| Trade | Low | Median | HIgh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boilermaker | 30.00 | 44.00 | 48.00 |
| Carpenter | 18.50 | 28.00 | 39.85 |
| Crane Operator | 21.00 | 32.00 | 48.00 |
| Industrial Electrician | 25.00 | 37.00 | 48.08 |
| HVAC Mechanic | 18.00 | 31.66 | 48.00 |
| Industrial Mechanic and Millwright | 20.00 | 32.00 | 45.00 |
| Plumber | 18.00 | 31.00 | 42.00 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 19.52 | 31.84 | 41.30 |
3. The Job Outlook Can Drive Up the Average Salary in Canada
Because of the construction labour shortage that Canada is facing, the future is bright for tradespeople from around the world. For employers competing to attract labour, offering higher wages can be a point of difference for job seekers.
But, it’s still important to do your research so you know which trades are most in-demand in Canada. It’s also a good idea to know what skills, licenses, and certificates you may need to have for your trade. You can browse jobs here, to get a sense of the types of skills employers are seeking. With the right qualifications, your salary may increase.
4. Local Market Conditions for the Trade
While there is an overall demand for tradespeople, it’s important to understand where there is a demand for specific trades within Canada. For example, some provinces or territories may have a higher demand for your trade. And, even within a province or territory, there may be specific regions that have a great demand for specific trades.
Key Takeaways:
- There are great job opportunities for smart, skilled tradespeople from around the world to meet Canada’s labour shortage. And, you can build a great career in various trades in Canada.
2. It’s important to research which trades are most in-demand and understand what’s required so that you can find a great job when you land in Canada.
3. Tradespeople can make a high average salary in construction in Canada, coupled with a good benefits package from an employer.
4. While there is a demand for tradespeople in Canada, it’s important to research which regions in Canada have the highest demand to know where the jobs are available.
For more information, tools, resources, and free webinars visit finding a job in Canada. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
