Explore Opportunities
A home is the biggest investment most people make. They dream about owning a home and work hard to get there. Rental properties are also an important part of Canada’s housing stock too, and the housing industry builds those too. Putting roofs over people’s heads that are in housing need is also critically important, and the residential construction industry builds community housing as well, contributing to the well-being of those that need a hand. Whether you're building a brand-new home or renovating an existing home, skilled tradespeople are in the business of helping others realize their housing needs and dreams. Skilled trades make a difference in people’s lives.
Your skills can also make a difference for the environment. Net zero construction and renovation help to reduce the environmental impact of housing. Through years of research and innovation, the homebuilding industry has made great advances in energy efficiency, water conservation and other environmental areas.
Skilled trades can also have a very positive impact for the elderly. Many Canadians are looking to age in place; they want to live in their homes longer and require adaptations to make it happen.
The industry is always striving to achieve more, and skilled trades are an important part of this effort.
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association has identified approximately 40 provincially designated skilled trades in the residential construction industry. You're likely to find your ideal match among these job possibilities.
Beyond the apprenticeable skilled trades below, there are many other skilled-worker occupations involving installation of specific products. Training in those jobs is often provided by contracting/installer companies, trade associations, manufacturers, or retailers. Some provide certification. These are also great paths into a career in residential construction.
Architectural Technologist
Description: An architectural technologist is a skilled professional who may work with architects or engineers or independently to design and develop plans and blueprints for structural buildings. An architectural technologist develops architectural designs manually and with computer-aided design (CAD), examines building codes, by-laws, space requirements, site requirements, and other technical documents and reports. Besides creating drawings, they also establish material lists and building costs and supervise the construction process according to the original designs. Various companies and organizations employ architectural technologists, such as construction companies, architecture firms, government or regional organizations, and private building firms. They work mainly in an office setting. However, if they manage a construction project, they may work outdoors at building sites.
Essential Skills: Architectural Technologists combine several skills and knowledge bases, such as technology, esthetic design, architecture, and building requirements, to help develop structures effectively
Salary Range*: $63,000 (Mid range) - $90,000 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Completion of a two- to three-year college program in architectural technology or a related subject is usually required.
- Certification in architectural technology or in a related field through provincial associations of architectural or engineering/applied science technologists and technicians may be required by employers.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
- Membership in the provincial regulatory body is mandatory in British Columbia.
- In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title Professional Technologist.
- Source National Occupational Classification
- Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.
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*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Bricklayer
Description: Bricklayers build or repair walls, arches, chimneys, fireplaces, and other buildings. They lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other similar materials in accordance with plans and specifications.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $72,800 (Mid range) - $86,340 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Building Inspector
Description: Construction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways and industrial construction to ensure that specifications and building codes are observed and monitor work site safety.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Numeracy, Attention to details
Salary Range*: $66,609 (Mid range) - $99,375 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Home inspectors require a licence to practice in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Cabinet Maker
Description: Wooden cabinets, furniture, and fittings are built, repaired, and installed by cabinetmakers. They work for specialty furniture businesses, building companies, and cabinetmaking contractors, or they might work for themselves.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $45,760 (Mid range) - $71,760 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is not required in any province
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*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Carpenter
Description: Carpenters make up Canada's largest group of skilled workers. They construct, install, maintain, and repair wood, wood substitutes, and other materials structures.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $54,080 (Mid range) - $79,290 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Concrete Finisher
Description: Install, maintain, and restore various masonry structures such as floors, ceilings, sidewalks, roads, and patios by smoothing and finishing freshly poured concrete, applying curing or surface treatments, and installing, maintaining, and restoring various masonry structures such as floors, ceilings, sidewalks, roads, and patios.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $62,400 (Mid range) - $79,270 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Construction Manager
Description: Construction managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of a construction company or a construction department within a company, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $83,200 (Mid range) - $141,440 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: A university degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology is usually required.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Drywall Taper
Description: Measures and cuts drywall panels to fit in and around specific spaces such as doors, windows, electrical outlets, and lighting fixtures. They install drywall panels to wood or metal studs.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $61,000 (Mid range) - $81,560 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is not required in any province
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Electrician
Description: Electricians prepare, assemble, install, test, diagnose, and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices, and related equipment.
Essential Skills: Digital Technology, Document Use, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $66,560 (Mid range) - $89,440 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships and Certification is required for all provinces
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Energy Advisor
Description: Energy advisors utilise their knowledge in conjunction with energy modelling software to assist construction professionals, homeowners, and those considering a home purchase in making better-informed decisions regarding energy-saving modifications and retrofits.
Essential Skills: Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $62,000 (Mid range) - $102,000 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: To become an EA, the candidate must pass two qualification exams, the Foundation Level Exam and the Energy Advisor (House) Exam and be affiliated with an NRCan-licensed service organization (SO) to finalize their registration with NRCan.
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*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Estimator
Description: Construction estimators analyze costs of and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $63,011 (Mid range) - $94,352 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: This occupation usually requies a college diploma, an apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or experience working in a supervisory occupation.
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*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Floorcovering Installer
Description: Carpet, wood, linoleum, vinyl, and other resilient floor coverings are installed by floor covering installers in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $45,070 (Mid range) - $72,800 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Framer
Description: Foundations, external doors and windows, floors, walls, and roofs are all built, installed, maintained, and repaired by framers.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $54,080 (Mid range) - $79,290 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is not required in any province
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Gasfitter
Description: Gasfitters work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, installing, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining gas lines and gas equipment such as metres, regulators, heating units, and appliances.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $60,320 (Mid range) - $89,440 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Equipment Operators
Description: Equipment operators operate heavy equipment used in the residential construction industry. Equipment operators have been in high demand, and the market for these individuals continues to grow as employers continue to search for qualified individuals to fill these roles.
Essential Skills: Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $58,030 (Mid range) - $79,040 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: In Quebec, certification is mandatory; in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories, certification is optional but available. If certification is not offered, it could be possible to enroll in an apprenticeship program through your local labor union.
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*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Insulation Installer
Description: To stop or lessen the passage of heat, cold, sound, or fire, insulators apply insulating materials to plumbing, air-handling, heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, piping equipment, pressure vessels, and walls, floors, and ceilings of buildings and other structures.
Essential Skills: Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $67,340 (Mid range) - $80,808 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Interior Finisher
Description: Interior finishers build, install and repair interior wall panelling, trim and crown mouldings for single- and multi-family homes, and for commercial buildings.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $54,080 (Mid range) - $79,290 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Painter
Description: Painters and decorators work on the inside and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures, applying paint, wallpaper, and other finishes.
Essential Skills: Oral Communication, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $49,920 (Mid range) - $76,730 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Plasterer + Drywall Installer
Description: Plasterers apply finish, and maintain and restore plaster or similar materials, on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces. Drywall installers and finishers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems.
Essential Skills: Job Task Planning, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $61,000 (Mid range) - $83,200 (High range)
Training or Certification Required:
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Plasterer trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Drywall installer and finisher trade certification is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
Trade certification for lathers (interior systems mechanics) is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Yukon.
Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified lathers (interior systems mechanic) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Plumber
Description: Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial structures for water distribution and wastewater disposal.
Essential Skills: Numeracy, Significant Use of Memory, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $62,400 (Mid range) - $86,010 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships and Certification is required for all most all provinces (excluding Manitoba)
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Project Manager
Description: Under the supervision of a construction manager, general manager, or other senior management, project managers and project coordinators plan, schedule, organise, lead, control, and assess the operations of construction projects.
Essential Skills: Oral Communication, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $85,010 (Mid range) - $132,000 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a reliable resource for details on programmes and sources of training for this profession.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Refrigerator and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Description: Residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and integrated heating, ventilation, and cooling systems are all installed, maintained, repaired, and overhauled by refrigeration and air conditioning technicians.
Essential Skills: Numeracy, Significant Use of Memory, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $67,160 (Mid range) - $99,840 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships and Certification is required for all provinces
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Roofer
Description: Roofers install, repair, or replace shingles, shakes, or other roofing tiles.
Essential Skills: Numeracy, Significant Use of Memory, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $54,080 (Mid range) - $81,220 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Sheet Metal Worker
Description: Fabricators, assemblers, installers, and repairers of sheet metal goods ranging from furnaces to ventilation systems to all sheet metal products utilised in the building sector.
Essential Skills: Numeracy, Problem solving, Working with Others
Salary Range*: $63,560 (Mid range) - $84,090 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Site Superintendent
Description: Construction site superintendents are in charge of overall construction operations within the defined design, budget, and scheduling parameters. They also supervise the construction process. This might involve organising, directing, and managing operations on the building site, as well as planning and scheduling.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $82,370 (Mid range) - $108,330 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: The Canadian Construction Association grants Gold Seal Certificates to eligible individuals. who complete the Gold Seal Certificate - Site Superintendent designation.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Solar Panel Installer
Description: Solar panel installers are professionals who design and install solar panel systems on residential and commercial buildings. They ensure compliance with local regulations, conduct site evaluations, mount and wire solar panels, connect them to the electrical grid, and perform maintenance and repairs.
Essential Skills: Numeracy, Problem solving, problem solving
Salary Range*: $49,920 (Mid range) - $71,000 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Some secondary school education is usually required
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Sprinkler System Installer
Description: Sprinkler system installers construct, install, test, maintain, and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical sprinkler systems for fire protection in buildings.
Essential Skills: Numeracy, Problem solving, Oral Communication
Salary Range*: $83,200 (Mid range) - $95,240 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Steamfitter + Pipefitter
Description: Steamfitters and pipefitters, assemble, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair piping systems used for carrying water, steam, chemicals, and fuel in various settings.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $83,000 (Mid range) - $101,816 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Surveyor
Description: Surveyors define property borders, plan, coordinate, and carry out legal surveys as well as create and maintain maps and records.
Essential Skills: Decision Making, Document Use, Numeracy, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $69,990 (Mid range) - $135,200 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: To practice as a surveyor, you typically require a federal or provincial licence from one of the provinces or territories.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Tile Setter
Description: Tile setters use ceramic, marble, and quarry tiles, mosaics, or terrazzo to cover interior and exterior walls, floors, and ceilings.
Essential Skills: Document Use, Job Task Planning and Organizing, Problem Solving
Salary Range*: $65,480 (Mid range) - $81,740 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: Apprenticeships are recommended; Certification is required in some provinces.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Trades Helper
Description: Construction trades helpers and labourers assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring activities on various construction sites.
Essential Skills: Working with others, adaptability, independance
Salary Range*: $47,840 (Mid range) - $72,800 (High range)
Training or Certification Required: You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.
Learn more here
*The wage range shown is calculated by multiplying hourly rates by a 40-hour work week. Wages can differ depending on the contract, firm, region, and collective bargaining agreements (if any), as well as local and national economic situations. Overtime is not included. Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.
Explore the list of apprenticeship-eligible trades in your area!