How Much Can Tradespeople Expect to Get Paid in Canada?

A career in the skilled trades is not only rewarding but also offers substantial earning potential. Whether you're a Canadian worker or a newcomer to the country, understanding how wages vary—and how Red Seal certification impacts your pay—can help you plan your career path effectively. Certified tradespeople often earn significantly more, with many seeing immediate raises after passing the Red Seal exam.

Salary Overview: Ticketed vs. Non-Ticketed Workers

Wages for tradespeople can vary widely based on experience, certification, and location. Here's a typical progression:

  • Entry-Level (Non-Ticketed): $22-$30/hour
  • Mid-Level (Non-Ticketed, Experienced): $30-$40/hour
  • Red Seal Certified Journeyperson: $45-$55/hour
  • Supervisors & Specialized Roles (Certified): $60-$80/hour

Achieving Red Seal certification can increase your hourly rate by 30% to 60%—and often more if you move into specialized or supervisory positions. This certification is not just about the pay increase; it also opens doors to career growth, stability, and opportunities across Canada.

Wage Differences by Trade and Province

Below is an overview of top-end wages for various trades, showcasing the highest provincial averages for each role.

  • Electricians (Construction & Industrial):
    • Alberta: $45-$60/hour (Supervisors: $70+/hour)
    • British Columbia: $40-$55/hour
    • Ontario: $38-$50/hour
  • Plumbers:
    • Alberta: $42-$55/hour (Supervisors: Up to $75/hour)
    • British Columbia: $40-$52/hour
    • Ontario: $36-$48/hour
  • Welders (Specialized):
    • Alberta: $50-$65/hour (Supervisors: $75/hour)
    • Manitoba: $30-$42/hour
    • Ontario: $35-$48/hour
  • Heavy Equipment Technicians:
    • Alberta: $45-$60/hour (Specialists: Up to $80/hour)
    • Ontario: $38-$50/hour
    • British Columbia: $42-$58/hour
  • Automotive Service Technicians:
    • British Columbia: $35-$48/hour
    • Ontario: $32-$45/hour
    • Alberta: $38-$55/hour
  • HVAC Technicians:
    • Ontario: $40-$55/hour (Supervisors: $70+/hour)
    • British Columbia: $42-$60/hour
    • Alberta: $45-$58/hour
  • Millwrights:
    • Alberta: $50-$65/hour (Supervisors: $75/hour)
    • Ontario: $42-$55/hour
    • Quebec: $38-$50/hour
  • Carpenters:
    • Alberta: $40-$55/hour (Supervisors: $65/hour)
    • British Columbia: $35-$50/hour
    • Ontario: $32-$42/hour
  • Ironworkers:
    • Alberta: $45-$65/hour (Supervisors: $75/hour)
    • Ontario: $40-$55/hour
    • British Columbia: $38-$50/hour

How Certification Boosts Earnings

For Canadian Citizens:

Red Seal certification offers immediate financial and career benefits for Canadian tradespeople. Employers often provide wage increases of $10-$20/hour for certified workers, and certification opens the door to management roles that pay even more.

  • Job Security: Certified workers have better job stability and access to top-paying positions.
  • Career Mobility: With national recognition, you can work in any province without needing to re-certify.
  • Supervisory Roles: Red Seal certification is often a requirement for higher-paying roles, such as supervisors or site leads.

For Non-Canadian Citizens:

For newcomers to Canada, Red Seal certification is the key to higher wages and better job opportunities. Employers prefer workers who meet Canadian standards, and certification bridges the gap between foreign credentials and local expectations.

  • Competitive Wages: Certified workers earn 30-60% more than non-certified workers in the same trade.
  • Faster Job Placement: Certification provides credibility, making it easier to secure employment.
  • Specialized Roles: Certified newcomers qualify for specialized, higher-paying roles in industries like mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

Our Questions, Answers, and Explanations Study Guide is perfect for those who need a deeper understanding of Canadian standards to pass the exam.

Red Seal Study Guide's Blueprint for Higher Pay

Our tools are designed to help you succeed, whether you're preparing for your first attempt or looking to boost your career.

  1. Online Practice Tests: Simulate exam conditions and track your progress with timed practice tests. Take an Online Practice Test Now
  2. Study Guide: Question and Answer: With 1,000 questions per trade, this guide helps experienced workers refine their knowledge. See Study Guide: Question & Answer
  3. Study Guide: Questions, Answers, and Explanations: Ideal for newcomers, this guide provides in-depth insights and explanations to bridge any knowledge gaps. Explore Questions, Answers, and Explanations Guide

What You Need to Know: Unlocking Higher Wages

  • Certification Matters: Certified workers earn significantly more—up to 60% higher wages.
  • Specialized Roles Pay Even More: Supervisory roles and specialized work can pay $75/hour or more.
  • Prepare Smart: Use our study guides and practice tests to ensure you're fully ready for the Red Seal exam.

Ready to Secure Higher Pay?

A Red Seal certification can be your gateway to better job opportunities, higher wages, and career advancement. Whether you're a Canadian citizen or new to the trades in Canada, Red Seal Study Guide has the tools you need to succeed.

Disclaimer

At Red Seal Study Guide, we are committed to supporting you through every stage of your trade journey—whether you're preparing to challenge the exam, advancing as an apprentice, mentoring as a teacher, or navigating the process as a newcomer to Canada. Our goal is to provide you with practical, up-to-date information, but industry standards, exam requirements, and regulations can change. What you read here reflects the most current information at the time of writing, but it's always possible that procedures or rules may have been updated.

This blog is intended as a helpful guide, not a replacement for official resources. We strongly recommend checking with your local trade authority, union, provincial or territorial government, regulatory body, or training institute for the most current details. For newcomers to Canada, consider consulting immigration and credential recognition services to ensure your qualifications meet Canadian standards.

Your success starts with the right preparation—explore Red Seal Study Guide's tools today to stay on track, sharpen your skills, and reach your certification goals with confidence.