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The average electrician salary in Canada is $60,000-$100,000 . This guide covers electrician pay by province, specialization, and experience level.
Table of Contents
Electrician Salary by Province
Province
Apprentice
Journeyperson
Master
Alberta
$25/hr
$45/hr
$55/hr
Ontario
$20/hr
$42/hr
$52/hr
British Columbia
$22/hr
$43/hr
$53/hr
Saskatchewan
$23/hr
$42/hr
$50/hr
Manitoba
$20/hr
$38/hr
$48/hr
Quebec
$18/hr
$38/hr
$46/hr
Nova Scotia
$18/hr
$35/hr
$45/hr
New Brunswick
$17/hr
$33/hr
$43/hr
Territories
$28/hr
$55/hr+
$65/hr+
Annual Salary by Experience
Level
Hourly
Annual (40hr/wk)
1st Year Apprentice
$18-$22
$37,000-$46,000
2nd Year Apprentice
$22-$26
$46,000-$54,000
3rd Year Apprentice
$26-$32
$54,000-$66,000
4th Year Apprentice
$30-$36
$62,000-$75,000
Journeyperson
$38-$48
$79,000-$100,000
Master Electrician
$48-$60
$100,000-$125,000
Foreman
$50-$65
$104,000-$135,000
Electrical Contractor
$80,000-$200,000+
Variable
Salary by Specialization
Specialization
Average Salary
Residential
$65,000-$80,000
Commercial
$75,000-$95,000
Industrial
$85,000-$110,000
Construction
$80,000-$100,000
Maintenance
$70,000-$90,000
High Voltage/Lineman
$90,000-$130,000
Instrumentation
$95,000-$120,000
Fire Alarm
$70,000-$90,000
Union vs Non-Union
Factor
Union (IBEW)
Non-Union
Hourly rate
$45-$55
$35-$45
Pension
Yes (DB)
Self-funded
Benefits
Comprehensive
Variable
Job security
Higher
Lower
Dues
2-3% of wages
None
Overtime rules
Strict
Flexible
Take-Home Pay (Ontario)
Gross Salary
Annual Take-Home
Monthly Net
$65,000
$50,000
$4,170
$85,000
$63,000
$5,250
$100,000
$72,500
$6,040
$120,000
$84,500
$7,040
Opportunity
Rate
Overtime (1.5x)
$57-$75/hr
Double time
$76-$100/hr
On-call premium
+$50-$100/day
Side jobs
$50-$100/hr cash
Many electricians earn $10,000-$30,000+ in overtime annually.
Path to Becoming an Electrician
Stage
Duration
Cost/Pay
Pre-apprenticeship
6-12 weeks
$3,000-$6,000
Apprenticeship
4-5 years
Paid (increasing)
Journeyperson exam
After hours completed
$200-$500
Master Electrician
2+ years as JP
Exam required
Total commitment : 5-6 years from start to journeyperson.
High-Paying Opportunities
Opportunity
Salary Range
Industrial/Oil & Gas (Alberta)
$100,000-$150,000
FIFO Mining (remote)
$120,000-$160,000+
Nuclear plants
$110,000-$140,000
Own business
$100,000-$250,000+
Utility lineman
$100,000-$140,000
Instrumentation tech
$95,000-$130,000
Is Being an Electrician Worth It?
Pros:
No university debt (paid apprenticeship)
High demand across Canada
Recession-resistant
Self-employment potential
Variety of work environments
Good work-life balance possible
Cons:
Physical demands
Safety hazards
Outdoor work in all weather
Competitive apprenticeships
Licensing varies by province
Initial low pay during apprenticeship
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