The Highest Paying Skilled Trade Jobs in Canada in 2023

The world of work is constantly changing, with emerging technologies changing the way we do everything from how we shop to how we interact socially. It’s no different in the trade sector, with many new opportunities opening up in this exciting industry every year.

As Canada continues to rapidly evolve from an agrarian economy to an information and technology-driven one, the most in-demand skilled trades will shift with it. While positions like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are always valuable in any market, many jobs that are currently less desirable will become more sought after in the coming years. Those who can read the trends and capitalize on them now can set themselves up for success in the future.

Trade jobs in Canada can be some of the most challenging work you’ll do, but they can also be some of the most rewarding – and the pay reflects that. In fact, according to data from Macdonald Realty’s fifth annual Canadian Salary Survey, several trade jobs have among the highest salaries out there in Canada. 

Canada’s workforce decreases every year due to low birth and early retirement rates. That’s why Canada hopes to welcome 431,645 immigrants to the country in 2023. By inviting people from all over the world to live and work in Canada, the country’s economy can continue to grow and remain the powerhouse that it is. It’s because of its strong economy, that Canada can afford to pay its tradespeople high incomes as incentives to keep trade industries running. However, before we proceed to the highest-paying skilled jobs in Canada, let's first explain what a skilled trade job means.

What is Skilled Trade Jobs?

Skilled labor refers to work that requires a certain amount of training or skills. This type of work is exemplified in electricians, administrative assistants, doctors, plumbers, and more. Skilled labor workers are either blue-collar or white-collar. These workers need to have a set of specialized skills to perform their job duties effectively.

A skilled worker may have attended a college, university, or technical school. This means they may have a degree in their related field where they were able to garner the skills and training needed to pursue their profession. Alternatively, a skilled worker may have learned their skills on the job. Due to this additional training, workers who perform skilled labor are typically paid more and have more job responsibilities than those performing unskilled labor.

Top 10 Highest Paying Skilled Jobs in Canada

Trade jobs are now being seen as hot jobs in most countries of the world and Canada is not an exception. Here are some of the highest-paying trade jobs in Canada at the moment.

Truck Driver (NOC - 7511)

In Canada, the trucking industry is expected to grow by 3 percent in the next ten years. This means that there will be a need for more truck drivers to transport goods across the country.  If you're looking for a high-paying job in the trades, then becoming a truck driver is a great option. However, there are various subcategories of truck driving in Canada. The money maker is in long-haul truck driving. As a long-haul driver, you frequently travel across North America, often coast to coast or on long journeys. Long-haul drivers may also be responsible for loading and unloading vehicles, as well as other responsibilities such as customer service and business growth. The estimated annual salary for a truck driver in Canada is $140,352 per year.

Plumbers (NOC - 7251)

In order to become a plumber, you must first complete an apprenticeship program, which typically takes three to four years. Plumbers are responsible for installing and repairing pipes and fixtures, as well as diagnosing and troubleshooting plumbing problems. They also install sewer, water, and gas lines, and perform regular maintenance on plumbing systems. The estimated annual salary for a plumber is $101,376.

Welder (NOC - 7201)

Welders are in high demand across Canada, so if you're looking for a stable career with good pay, welding is a great option. Plus, it's a trade that you can learn relatively quickly, so you can start earning sooner rather than later. Welders use welding machines to join metals together. You could work for companies that make structural steel and plate work, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships, and other metal products, or you can work for welding contractors and welding shops. Moreover, the estimated annual salary of a welder is $95,235.

Electrician (NOC - 7241)

According to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, electricians are among the highest-paid tradespeople in the country. Electricians typically earn between $32 and $35 per hour and can make up to $100,000 per year with experience. If you're interested in becoming an electrician, you'll need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Furthermore, there are several ways to work in Canada as an electrician. You could work for a city on preservation and maintenance. You could also work on a business renovation project, perform electrical work, or on general housing and commercial development renovation projects. You should be able to read and interpret designs for the configuration of electrical systems. Furthermore, the estimated annual salary for an electrician is $94,521.

Millwright (NOC - 7311)

A millwright is a skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains industrial machinery and equipment. Millwrights are employed in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, food and beverage processing, mining, forestry, and petrochemical. In Canada, the average salary for a millwright is $32.50 per hour. The highest paying province for millwrights in Alberta, where the average salary is $35.00 per hour. However, the estimated annual salary of a millwright is $91,584.

Brick Layer (NOC - 7281)

A bricklayer is responsible for the construction and repair of buildings made out of bricks. They lay the bricks, often using a trowel, and then mortar them together. Bricklayers must be able to follow instructions, be detail-oriented, and have good hand-eye coordination. The estimated annual salary for a bricklayer is $76,281 per year.

Sheet Metal Worker (NOC - 7233)

A sheet metal worker is responsible for the installation and repair of sheet metal products. Sheet metal workers are employed in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive. The average salary for a sheet metal worker in Canada is $34.72 per hour. The demand for sheet metal workers is expected to grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030. As a result, this occupation ranks among the top 10 highest-paying trade jobs in Canada. The estimated annual salary for a sheet metal worker is $75,264.

Carpenter (NOC - 7204)

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the average salary for a carpenter in Canada is $27.50 per hour. The job outlook for carpenters is also positive, with an expected 10% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029. If you're looking for a high-paying trade job in Canada, carpentry is a great option. However, keep in mind that being a carpenter is not only hard work but requires years of training and apprenticeship. As such, most carpentry jobs require formal qualifications or experience. If you want to become a certified carpenter, take your time and look into different trade schools or apprenticeships that offer training and certification programs for this profession. The estimated annual salary for a carpenter is $74,764.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic (NOC - 7312)

It's no secret that trade jobs can be very lucrative. In fact, some of the highest paying trade jobs in Canada are in the field of heavy equipment mechanics. Heavy equipment mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing large pieces of machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. The average salary for a heavy equipment mechanic in Canada is $32.50 per hour. With the right training and experience, there is potential to earn even more. The estimated annual salary for a heavy equipment mechanic is $73,613 per year.

Chefs (NOC - 6321)

As the world becomes more health-conscious, the demand for chefs who can create healthy, delicious meals is on the rise. Experienced chefs can land jobs in hotels or resorts. As one of the highest trade jobs in Canada, you must be prepared to work under pressure, run staff, and keep deadlines. You might be expected to train and prepare less experienced chefs and interact with guests or even keep administrative records of food costs, consumption, and sales in smaller businesses. The estimated annual salary for a chef is $72,960.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the 10 highest paying trade jobs in Canada for 2023. These are all great options for those looking to enter the trades, or for those already in the trades who are looking to boost their earnings. As always, be sure to do your research and consult with a professional before making any decisions about your career. I hope this blog post has helped you narrow down some possible careers that may interest you. If not, I encourage you to take some time and explore other high-paying trade jobs that could help you reach your goals!