Average Salary by Trade
| Trade | Apprentice (Yr 1) | Apprentice (Yr 3–4) | Journeyperson | Senior/Foreman | Demand |
|---|
| Crane operator | $55,000–$70,000 | $70,000–$90,000 | $85,000–$130,000+ | $100,000–$150,000 | High |
| Elevator mechanic | $55,000–$65,000 | $70,000–$85,000 | $85,000–$110,000 | $100,000–$130,000 | High |
| Industrial electrician | $45,000–$55,000 | $60,000–$75,000 | $80,000–$120,000 | $95,000–$135,000 | High |
| Steamfitter/Pipefitter | $42,000–$52,000 | $58,000–$72,000 | $75,000–$120,000 | $90,000–$135,000 | High |
| Millwright | $42,000–$52,000 | $58,000–$72,000 | $75,000–$110,000 | $85,000–$125,000 | High |
| Plumber | $38,000–$48,000 | $52,000–$68,000 | $70,000–$105,000 | $85,000–$120,000 | High |
| Electrician (construction) | $38,000–$48,000 | $52,000–$68,000 | $70,000–$105,000 | $85,000–$120,000 | High |
| Welder | $38,000–$48,000 | $50,000–$65,000 | $65,000–$100,000 | $80,000–$120,000 | High |
| Heavy-duty mechanic | $40,000–$50,000 | $55,000–$70,000 | $70,000–$105,000 | $85,000–$120,000 | High |
| Sheet metal worker | $38,000–$48,000 | $50,000–$65,000 | $68,000–$95,000 | $80,000–$110,000 | Moderate |
| HVAC technician | $35,000–$45,000 | $48,000–$62,000 | $60,000–$95,000 | $75,000–$110,000 | High |
| Carpenter | $35,000–$45,000 | $48,000–$60,000 | $55,000–$85,000 | $70,000–$100,000 | High |
| Auto mechanic (310S/310T) | $32,000–$42,000 | $42,000–$55,000 | $50,000–$80,000 | $65,000–$95,000 | Moderate |
| Painter/decorator | $30,000–$38,000 | $38,000–$48,000 | $45,000–$65,000 | $55,000–$80,000 | Moderate |
Trades Salary by Province
| Province | Electrician (JP) | Plumber (JP) | Welder (JP) | Carpenter (JP) | Notes |
|---|
| Alberta | $80,000–$110,000 | $78,000–$105,000 | $75,000–$100,000 | $65,000–$90,000 | Highest, oil & gas premium |
| Ontario | $72,000–$100,000 | $70,000–$95,000 | $65,000–$90,000 | $60,000–$85,000 | Strong construction market |
| British Columbia | $70,000–$98,000 | $68,000–$92,000 | $62,000–$88,000 | $58,000–$82,000 | LNG projects boosting demand |
| Saskatchewan | $68,000–$92,000 | $65,000–$88,000 | $62,000–$85,000 | $55,000–$78,000 | Resource sector demand |
| Manitoba | $62,000–$85,000 | $60,000–$82,000 | $55,000–$78,000 | $52,000–$72,000 | Hydro projects |
| Quebec | $60,000–$85,000 | $58,000–$80,000 | $55,000–$78,000 | $50,000–$72,000 | CCQ regulated trades |
| Nova Scotia | $55,000–$78,000 | $55,000–$75,000 | $50,000–$72,000 | $48,000–$68,000 | Growing demand |
| New Brunswick | $52,000–$75,000 | $52,000–$72,000 | $48,000–$70,000 | $45,000–$65,000 | Lower cost of living |
Union vs Non-Union Wages
| Trade | Union Hourly Rate | Non-Union Hourly | Union Annual (40hr) | Non-Union Annual | Difference |
|---|
| Electrician | $42–$55/hr | $30–$42/hr | $87,000–$114,000 | $62,000–$87,000 | +25–40% |
| Plumber | $40–$52/hr | $28–$40/hr | $83,000–$108,000 | $58,000–$83,000 | +25–35% |
| Carpenter | $35–$48/hr | $24–$35/hr | $73,000–$100,000 | $50,000–$73,000 | +25–40% |
| Welder | $38–$50/hr | $26–$38/hr | $79,000–$104,000 | $54,000–$79,000 | +25–35% |
| HVAC | $38–$48/hr | $25–$36/hr | $79,000–$100,000 | $52,000–$75,000 | +25–35% |
Union wages include benefits, pension, and vacation pay contribution, which adds 15–25% on top of base rate.
Apprenticeship Progression
| Stage | Duration | % of Journeyperson Wage | Typical Annual Income |
|---|
| Pre-apprenticeship (Level 0) | 8–16 weeks | N/A (school) | −$3,000–$8,000 (tuition) |
| Year 1 apprentice | 1 year | 50–60% | $30,000–$48,000 |
| Year 2 apprentice | 1 year | 60–70% | $38,000–$56,000 |
| Year 3 apprentice | 1 year | 70–80% | $45,000–$64,000 |
| Year 4 apprentice | 1 year | 80–90% | $50,000–$72,000 |
| Certificate of Qualification exam | — | — | $300–$500 fee |
| Journeyperson (certified) | — | 100% | $55,000–$120,000 |
Apprentices attend in-class training for 6–8 weeks per year (may receive EI benefits during school blocks).
Self-Employed Trades Income
| Trade Business | Gross Revenue | Overhead/Materials | Net Income | Startup Cost |
|---|
| Plumbing contractor | $150,000–$500,000 | 50–65% | $52,000–$175,000 | $15,000–$40,000 |
| Electrical contractor | $150,000–$500,000 | 50–65% | $52,000–$175,000 | $15,000–$50,000 |
| HVAC contractor | $200,000–$700,000 | 55–70% | $60,000–$210,000 | $30,000–$80,000 |
| General contractor | $300,000–$2,000,000+ | 65–80% | $60,000–$400,000 | $20,000–$100,000 |
| Welding/fabrication shop | $150,000–$600,000 | 55–70% | $45,000–$180,000 | $30,000–$100,000 |
| Auto repair shop | $200,000–$800,000 | 60–75% | $50,000–$200,000 | $50,000–$200,000 |
Remote/Camp Work Premium
| Sector | Base Wage (Hourly) | Camp/LOA Premium | Rotation | Annual Potential |
|---|
| Oil sands (AB) | $38–$55 | +$100–$180/day LOA | 14/7 or 21/7 | $100,000–$180,000 |
| Mining (ON/BC/NWT) | $35–$50 | +$80–$150/day | 14/14 or 21/7 | $90,000–$160,000 |
| LNG projects (BC) | $40–$55 | +$100–$150/day | 14/7 or 21/7 | $100,000–$170,000 |
| Hydro projects (MB/BC) | $35–$48 | +$80–$120/day | 14/7 | $85,000–$140,000 |
| Pipeline construction | $40–$60 | +$100–$200/day | Seasonal | $80,000–$200,000 |
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