In-Demand Skilled Trade Jobs In Ontario: The largest and most populous province in Canada, is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and development.
With a booming economy and a growing population, the demand for skilled trades is at an all-time high.
These trades are the backbone of Ontario’s infrastructure, technology, and services, playing a crucial role in the province’s continued success.
Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a change, working in the skilled trades offers a stable, well-paying, and meaningful path forward.
The Growing Need for Skilled Trades in Ontario
- 1 in 6 job openings by 2026 are expected to be in skilled trades.
- 85 to 90% of apprenticeship training is paid, offering a strong foundation for a career.
- 24,600 employers in Ontario offer paid apprenticeships, highlighting the opportunities available in this field.
Ontario’s economy is projected to see continuous growth, and as it does, the need for skilled tradespeople will only increase.
These trades are not just jobs; they are careers that offer security, growth, and the opportunity to contribute to the province’s development.
In this article, we will explore 20 of the most in-demand skilled trades in Ontario for 2024, focusing on their roles, job prospects, and the average hourly salaries they offer.
1. Electricians
Electricians are the unseen heroes who keep Ontario’s cities and towns lit and powered.
They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.With the province’s continuous urbanization, electricians are crucial for wiring new buildings and ensuring that existing facilities remain functional.
Due to the ongoing construction boom in Ontario and the growing complexity of electrical systems, there is a strong and increasing demand for electricians.
Average Hourly Salary: $32–$38
2. Plumbers
Plumbers are essential to the functioning of Ontario’s water systems. They install, maintain, and repair piping systems that transport water, gas, and waste in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
As Ontario’s construction industry grows, so does the demand for skilled plumbers, especially those who specialize in sustainable water management.
Plumbers will continue to be in high demand as new construction projects and the need for maintenance of existing systems increase.
Average Hourly Salary: $30 – $36
3. Carpenters
Carpenters are the craftsmen who construct and repair the wooden structures that form the framework of buildings.
Their work is vital in both residential and commercial construction, and their skills range from rough framing to intricate finish work.
Ontario’s construction boom has led to a high demand for carpenters. Their skills are needed for everything from building new homes to commercial complexes.
Average Hourly Salary: $28 – $35
4. HVAC Technicians
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians are responsible for installing and maintaining systems that regulate temperature and air quality in buildings.
As energy efficiency and environmental sustainability become more important, the demand for skilled HVAC technicians is on the rise.
With the push for greener buildings and the ongoing construction of residential and commercial spaces, HVAC technicians are in high demand.
Average Hourly Salary: $28 – $345. Welders
Welders are metal fusion experts who join metals together to create structures and machinery.
Their work is essential in a wide range of industries, from construction to manufacturing, and they are critical to the integrity of everything from bridges to industrial equipment.
As Ontario continues to expand its infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, the demand for skilled welders is expected to grow significantly.
Average Hourly Salary: $24 – $30
6. Construction Estimators
Construction estimators are the financial architects of the construction industry.
They are responsible for calculating the costs of construction projects, ensuring that they are feasible and stay within budget.
Their work is essential in the competitive Ontario construction market.
With the continuous growth of the construction industry in Ontario, the demand for accurate and efficient construction estimators is high.
Average Hourly Salary: $30 – $40
7. Powerline Technicians
Powerline technicians install and maintain the electrical transmission and distribution systems that keep Ontario powered.
Their work ensures that the province’s energy infrastructure remains reliable and efficient.
With ongoing investments in energy infrastructure, powerline technicians are in high demand to maintain and upgrade these critical systems.
Average Hourly Salary: $34 – $42
8. Industrial Electricians
Industrial electricians are specialized electricians who work on the electrical systems in factories and other industrial settings.
They ensure that complex machinery and production lines operate smoothly and efficiently.
As automation and advanced manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, the demand for industrial electricians with specialized skills is expected to increase.
Average Hourly Salary: $32 – $40
9. Millwrights
Millwrights are the mechanics of the industrial world. They install, maintain, and repair machinery in factories and other industrial settings, ensuring that production processes run smoothly.
Ontario’s manufacturing sector is a major employer of millwrights, and as the province’s economy continues to grow, so will the demand for these skilled tradespeople.
Average Hourly Salary: $30 – $38
10. Pipefitters/Steamfitters
Pipefitters and steamfitters work with high-pressure piping systems, installing and maintaining pipes that carry steam, gas, chemicals, and other liquids.Their skills are critical in various industrial sectors, including manufacturing and energy.
Ontario’s diverse industrial base ensures a steady demand for skilled pipefitters and steamfitters.
Average Hourly Salary: $32 – $40
11. Construction Superintendents
Construction superintendents oversee construction projects from start to finish.
They are responsible for managing the construction site, coordinating workers, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
In Ontario’s fast-paced construction sector, the demand for experienced construction superintendents is high due to the need for efficient project management.
Average Hourly Salary: $40 – $50
12. Heavy Machinery Operators
Heavy machinery operators are responsible for operating the powerful machines used in construction and infrastructure projects.
These operators are essential for shaping Ontario’s physical landscape, from road construction to building foundations.
With ongoing development projects across the province, the need for skilled heavy machinery operators is expected to remain strong.
Average Hourly Salary: $28 – $36
13. Elevator Mechanics
Elevator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators and escalators in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
As Ontario’s urban areas continue to grow vertically, the demand for skilled elevator mechanics is increasing.
The expanding skyline of Ontario’s cities ensures a steady demand for elevator mechanics to keep these essential systems running smoothly.
Average Hourly Salary: $34 – $42
14. Bricklayers
Bricklayers are skilled tradespeople who construct and repair walls, floors, partitions, and other structures made of bricks and other materials.
Their work is a blend of artistry and structural integrity, contributing to the province’s architectural landscape.
Ontario’s diverse architecture and ongoing construction projects ensure that bricklayers remain in high demand.
Average Hourly Salary: $30 – $38
15. Tool and Die Makers
Tool and die makers are precision workers who create the tools and dies used in manufacturing.
These tradespeople are critical in industries like automotive and aerospace, where exacting standards are required.
Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and aerospace, relies heavily on skilled tool and die makers.
Average Hourly Salary: $28 – $36
16. Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install metal structures, such as ducts, roofs, and other components.
Their work requires precision and an eye for detail, and they are essential in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Ontario’s growing construction and manufacturing industries ensure that sheet metal workers are in high demand.
Average Hourly Salary: $26 – $34
17. Building Inspectors
Building inspectors ensure that construction projects comply with all relevant building codes and regulations.
Their work is crucial for maintaining safety and quality standards in Ontario’s construction industry.
With the increasing emphasis on safety and sustainability in construction, the demand for qualified building inspectors is expected to rise.
Average Hourly Salary: $32 – $40
18. Concrete Finishers
Concrete finishers are responsible for shaping and finishing concrete surfaces to ensure they are durable and visually appealing.
Their work is essential in both residential and commercial construction projects.
As construction projects continue to rise across Ontario, the demand for skilled concrete finishers remains strong.
Average Hourly Salary: $24 – $30
19. Plastering and Drywall Contractors
Plastering and drywall contractors install and repair drywall and plaster surfaces in buildings.
They are responsible for creating smooth, durable surfaces that are ready for painting or other finishes.
The high volume of new construction and renovation projects in Ontario creates a consistent demand for these tradespeople.
Average Hourly Salary: $25 – $32
20. Roofers
Roofers install, repair, and maintain the roofs that protect Ontario’s homes and buildings.
Their work is critical for ensuring the longevity and safety of structures.
The constant need for new roofs and roof repairs in Ontario’s varied climate means that roofers are always in demand.
Average Hourly Salary: $24 – $30
Ontario’s skilled trades offer a wealth of opportunities for those looking to build a stable and prosperous career.
These occupations are not only in high demand, but they also provide the foundation for the province’s continued growth and development.
With competitive salaries, job security, and the potential for career advancement, the skilled trades are a pathway to success in Ontario.
If you’re considering a career in one of these trades, now is the time to take the plunge.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to switch careers, the skilled trades offer a rewarding and fulfilling path.
