Electrician salaries in Canada are rising as the country’s need for skilled trades grows. With new construction projects, updated infrastructure, and the growth of renewable energy, certified electricians now have more opportunities to earn well.
This article provides an overview of average electrician salaries in Canada, including current averages and projected trends for 2025 and shows where it stands on the overall Canadian average salary scale.
What are the National Average Electrician Salaries in Canada?
In 2025, the national average annual salary for an electrician in Canada ranges from $67,000 to $78,936. This means that the average hourly wage is around $33.36 to $40.48 per hour.
However, this national average is a midpoint. Entry-level positions for newly licensed electricians typically start at around $67,000 per year, while the most experienced and specialized professionals can earn upwards of $81,000 and beyond. These figures do not include overtime, bonuses, or benefits, which can substantially increase an electrician’s total compensation. (source)
What Factors Influence the Salaries of Electricians in Canada?
Six key factors contribute to determining an electrician’s salary in Canada:
Experience Level
An electrician’s level of experience plays one of the biggest roles in determining pay. Those early in their careers typically earn less, while seasoned professionals who have spent many years in the trade see much higher wages. With time, electricians often take on senior responsibilities such as supervising crews or managing projects, which often come with higher pay and additional benefits.
Specialized Expertise
Electricians who acquire specialized expertise tend to earn higher salaries. Industrial electricians who work on complex systems in manufacturing plants can earn over CAD 80,000, as can power systems electricians working with high-voltage networks. Renewable energy also presents an opportunity, as this emerging field values specialized knowledge.
Type of Employment
Employment setting impacts earnings as well. Those employed by large unionized contractors enjoy strong collective bargaining power. Electricians in project management or technologically advanced roles also earn more. For example, electricians versed in programmable logic controllers for industrial automation are in high demand.
Geographic Location
Location matters considerably. Provinces and regions with booming construction or energy sectors, such as Alberta’s oil-driven economy, generally offer higher wages. At the same time, metropolitan areas tend to pay more, partly to offset higher living costs.
Certification and Credentials
Obtaining an electrician’s license in Canada requires thousands of hours of on-the-job training, technical instruction, and exams. Electricians holding advanced Journeyperson certification or Red Seal endorsement command higher earning power. Voluntary Master Electrician designation also helps.
Union Membership
Electricians who belong to unions like the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) tend to have higher salaries and benefit packages than their non-unionized counterparts. The union negotiates improved compensation through collective bargaining. The combination of robust experience, specialized training, advanced credentials, location, employment setting, and union membership contributes to an electrician’s salary potential.
How Do Electrician Salaries Vary Across Provinces in Canada?
There are notable regional variations in electrician salaries across Canada due to local cost of living, economic conditions, and demand for skilled tradespeople.
To illustrate this, here is an overview of average electrician salaries along with projected growth province-by-province:
| Provinces & Territories | Average Electrician Salary ($/hour) | Note |
| British Columbia | $31.66 | Booming construction, technology, and green energy sectors. Strong projected demand around Vancouver and Victoria. |
| Alberta | $37.40 | The oil/gas and construction sectors drove growth. |
| Saskatchewan | $33.50 | Mining (potash, uranium), oil & gas. Modest growth is concentrated in the Saskatoon region. |
| Ontario | $34.00 | Manufacturing, commercial construction, and technology sectors. High demand in Toronto and Ottawa metro areas. |
| New Brunswick | $28.00 | Slower growth is expected for this region. |
| Prince Edward Island | $26.00 | Modest growth is projected for Charlottetown. |
| Manitoba | $35.00 | Stable demand in Winnipeg, with moderate provincial growth |
| Quebec | $41.00 | Aerospace, hydroelectric power, and commercial development. Decent growth forecast for Montreal and Quebec City. |
| Nova Scotia | $27.00 | Shipbuilding, construction, and emerging green energy projects. Halifax will see the bulk of new opportunities. |
| Newfoundland | $32.50 | Significant projects like Muskrat Falls will sustain demand. |
| Yukon | $41.55 | Sparse opportunities but incentives available. |
| Northwest Territories | $39.40 | Mining projects create demand with added incentives. |
| Nunavut | $33.69 | Major infrastructure needs, but access is challenging. |
Source: Electrician in Canada – Job Bank
These figures provide a snapshot of current provincial averages. Salaries vary based on local economic factors, with the fastest growth typically in large urban centres.
How Do Electrician Salaries Grow with Experience in Canada?
Gaining experience as an electrician in Canada allows professionals to work on more complex assignments and pursue leadership roles, which usually leads to higher pay.
Apprentice Electricians
In the first phase, apprentices work under supervision, learning skills through on-site training and technical classes. They earn about 40% of a fully certified electrician’s salary, which currently averages CAD $31,760 annually across Canada.
Apprenticeship durations vary by province but generally span 4-5 years. As they gain competency, apprentice electricians receive pay increases. In the final levels of an apprenticeship, they can earn up to CAD 39,400 annually. Completing an apprenticeship is the first significant salary milestone.
Early Career (0-5 years)
After attaining Journeyperson certification, newly certified electricians enter the entire labour force. In their first years on the job, they earn approximately CAD 39,400 – $48,600 while further developing specialized skills under supervision. This lays the foundation for future earning ability and career advancement.
Mid-career (5-10 years)
The five-to ten-year mark represents a substantial salary jump as electricians leverage experience to take on more impactful projects independently. Mid-career electricians in Canada earn CAD 63,900. Their technical mastery and project leadership capabilities justify higher compensation.
Late Career (10-15+ years)
After a decade and a half in the field, senior-level electricians can expect CAD $73,700 – $88,400 annually, depending on their specialty and role. Their strategic oversight of major projects or specialization in complex systems drives higher income. Many move into management and training capacities as well.
The progression from apprentice to seasoned electrician sees salaries rise by over 120%. However, the journey is long, requiring continuous skills upgrading and thousands of fieldwork hours. Those who stay the course can reap significant financial rewards in their later careers.
Source: Average Electrician Salary in Canada for 2025 – worldsalaries.com
What are Other Compensations for Electricians in Canada?
Aside from competitive salaries, electricians in Canada receive attractive benefits and perks as part of their total compensation.
Health Coverage: Most employers offer health/dental plans that cover a portion of expenses for medical services, prescription drugs, and dental care.
Retirement Plans: Pension plans are standard, especially for unionized electricians. These provide sustained income in retirement. RRSP matching programs are also offered.
Bonuses/Profit-Sharing: Some employers provide performance bonuses between 1% and 5%. Union electricians also share in profits via pooled pension plans.
Paid Training: Many contractors invest in their employees by covering the costs of advanced technical training to improve their skills. Some unions also offer training benefits.
Vehicle Allowances: Employers often provide monthly vehicle stipends for electricians who use personal vehicles for work. These help offset fuel, maintenance and insurance costs.
Other typical perks include paid overtime, flex time, tuition assistance for an electrician’s children and tool/safety equipment allowances. Overall, the combination of salary and benefits makes electrician careers financially attractive.
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The Bottom Line
In summary, electrician careers provide rewarding work and an optimistic employment outlook. With ongoing construction, upgrades to infrastructure, and new technologies, the demand for skilled electricians in Canada is expected to keep growing through 2025 and beyond.
Despite the job market rising and falling, being an electrician offers a steady income, good benefits, and a solid middle-class living. As Canada keeps investing in construction and energy projects, the future looks promising for those who choose this important trade.
FAQs related to the Average Electrician Salaries in Canada
How much does the average electrician make in Canada in 2025?
The average electrician's salary in Canada is $70,200 per year, or $36 per hour. Salaries can vary, with entry-level positions starting at $67,000 and experienced workers earning up to $78,936.
What provinces have the highest salaries for electricians in Canada?
The highest paying regions for electricians are the Northwest Territories ($94,634), the Yukon ($80,860), and Nunavut ($80,392). Among the provinces, Manitoba and British Columbia also offer highly competitive salaries.
When do electricians receive the biggest salary increases in Canada?
Electricians tend to receive significant salary bumps as they gain more experience, usually the 5-10 year mark when they take on more responsibilities and complex projects independently. Other major milestones are completing apprenticeships and attaining senior level statuses like master electrician.
What factors will drive growth in electrician salaries in Canada through 2025?
Growing construction activity, infrastructure expansion, increased adoption of EVs and renewable energy systems, automation technologies requiring specialized skills, and higher demand for Red Seal-certified electricians are key factors projected to drive salary growth for electricians in Canada through 2025.
Do unionized electricians earn more than non-union?
Yes, unionized electricians generally earn higher base salaries with guaranteed wage increases and better benefits. Union positions also typically offer more structured overtime and premium pay opportunities.
How many years does it take to reach maximum electrician salary?
Electricians typically reach maximum earning potential after 15-20 years of experience. Master electricians with 20+ years earn around $88,400 on average, representing the highest experience tier.
Do Red Seal electricians make more money?
Yes, Red Seal certification typically increases electrician salaries by 20-30%. This interprovincial certification allows work across Canada and demonstrates advanced competency to employers.
Why do electrician salaries vary so much across Canada?
Salaries vary due to provincial economic conditions, cost of living, industry concentrations, and labour supply. Resource-rich provinces and major cities typically offer higher wages to attract skilled workers.
