How Much Do Electricians Make in Ontario?

Canada has long been called the friendlier version of America, but how does it compare when it comes to wages for tradesmen?

According to the Government of Canada, electricians in Ontario make an average of $29 per hour, which equals roughly $60,320 per year. Apprentices and less experienced tradesmen may start out making around $18/hour, while the most experienced electricians can make $45+ per hour.

Keep on reading to learn about the work Ontarian electricians do, how you can increase your salary in this province, and what requirements electricians must fulfill in this Ontario.

What Affects Electrical Salaries in Ontario?

An electrician’s salary in Canada will be affected by their job experience, the type of electrical work they complete, and where in Ontario they are working.

Job Experience

Unsurprisingly, an apprentice electrician who still requires full-time supervision will not be paid as much as an independent or supervising electrician. The more experience you have, the higher your earning potential.

Trades such as electrical work also offer the potential for overtime pay.

Type of Electrical Work

Ontario electricians can work in residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial settings. These electricians lay out, assemble, install, fix, maintain, connect, and/or test electrical systems, appliances, and wiring. 

Not all settings are equal when it comes to pay. As per Indeed, electrical foremen ($40+/hours) and industrial electricians ($35+/hour) are some of the highest-paid in Canada. Low-voltage electricians ($23+/hour) and electrical technicians ($28+/hour), on the other hand, are on the lower end. 

Where You Work in Ontario

Bustling cities with large-income earners are bound to pay more than small towns in the Canadian countryside. Below are some of the towns and cities of Ontario with some of the highest household incomes. 

  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Guelph
  • Caledon
  • Markham
  • Vaughan
  • Mississauga
  • Brampton

Meanwhile, these communities in Ontario have some of the lowest wages. Do keep in mind that their cost of living may be significantly lower than those cities listed above.

  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • Thunder Bay
  • Chatham-Kent
  • London & Middlesex
  • St. Thomas & Elgin

How to Become an Electrician in Ontario

To become an electrician in Ontario, you’ll need to complete an approved apprenticeship program and then pass an official exam. 

Electrical Apprenticeships in Ontario

Electrical apprenticeships in Ontario are about five years long and include 9000 hours, which combine 8160 hours of work experience with 840 classroom hours. 

During the apprenticeship, you will receive on-the-job training from a skilled electrician. In combination with classroom instruction, you’ll learn the ins and outs of electrical work while also being compensated for some of your working hours. 

In the classroom, you’ll learn about Ontario electrical codes, theory, blueprints, documentation, and more.

During your apprenticeship, you will need to input your information on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.

Ontario’s Electrical Exam

If completing an Electrician – Construction and Maintenance apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass a certifying exam at the end of the program. After passing, you’ll receive a Certificate of Qualification from Skilled Trades Ontario to prove you’re competent to work as an electrician in the province. 

Red Seal Exam

The Red Seal endorsement is nationally recognized in Canada for certain trades, including electrical work. Passing the Red Seal exam and gaining this qualification after your apprenticeship will greatly expand your job opportunities in the field.

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