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The average HVAC technician salary in Canada is $55,000-$85,000 per year. This guide breaks down HVAC pay by province, certification, and specialization.
HVAC Technician Salary by Province
| Province | Average | Entry Level | Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $85,000 | $52,000 | $95,000 |
| Ontario | $75,000 | $48,000 | $88,000 |
| British Columbia | $78,000 | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| Quebec | $65,000 | $42,000 | $78,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $78,000 | $50,000 | $88,000 |
| Manitoba | $70,000 | $45,000 | $82,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $62,000 | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| New Brunswick | $58,000 | $38,000 | $72,000 |
| Newfoundland | $68,000 | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| PEI | $55,000 | $36,000 | $68,000 |
| Territories | $95,000+ | $60,000 | $110,000 |
Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year Apprentice | $38,000-$45,000 | $18-$22 |
| 2nd Year Apprentice | $45,000-$52,000 | $22-$25 |
| 3rd Year Apprentice | $52,000-$60,000 | $25-$29 |
| 4th Year Apprentice | $58,000-$68,000 | $28-$33 |
| Journeyman | $70,000-$90,000 | $34-$43 |
| Foreman | $85,000-$100,000 | $41-$48 |
Salary by Specialization
| Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Residential Service | $65,000-$80,000 |
| Commercial HVAC | $75,000-$95,000 |
| Industrial | $85,000-$100,000 |
| Refrigeration (313A) | $80,000-$100,000 |
| Controls/BAS | $80,000-$95,000 |
| Sheet Metal (308A) | $75,000-$90,000 |
Salary by Employment Type
| Type | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Hourly Employee | $65,000-$85,000 |
| Union | $75,000-$95,000 |
| Self-Employed (Solo) | $80,000-$120,000 |
| Business Owner | $100,000-$200,000+ |
Take-Home Pay (Ontario Example)
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Net |
|---|---|---|
| $65,000 | $50,000 | $4,165 |
| $80,000 | $60,500 | $5,040 |
| $95,000 | $69,500 | $5,790 |
Union vs Non-Union
| Factor | Union | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $40-$50 | $30-$40 |
| Pension | Defined benefit | RRSP match |
| Benefits | Full | Varies |
| Job Security | Higher | Variable |
| Overtime | Guaranteed 1.5x | Varies |
| Apprenticeship | Structured | Variable quality |
Certifications That Increase Pay
| Certification | Salary Premium |
|---|---|
| 313A (Refrigeration) | +$5,000-$10,000 |
| G2/G3 Gas Fitter | +$3,000-$8,000 |
| Oil Burner (OBT) | +$2,000-$5,000 |
| Controls/BAS | +$5,000-$10,000 |
| Red Seal | Industry standard |
Career Path & Timeline
| Milestone | Timeline | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Start Apprenticeship | Year 0 | $38,000 |
| Complete Apprenticeship | Year 4-5 | $72,000 |
| Get Refrigeration License | Year 5-6 | $82,000 |
| Senior Tech/Foreman | Year 8-10 | $95,000 |
| Start Own Business | Year 8+ | $120,000+ |
Self-Employment Potential
| Business Size | Owner Income |
|---|---|
| Solo (Service) | $90,000-$130,000 |
| 1-2 Employees | $110,000-$160,000 |
| 3-5 Employees | $140,000-$200,000 |
| Full Company | $180,000-$300,000+ |
Is HVAC a Good Career in Canada?
Pros:
- Strong demand (essential service)
- Good pay, no student debt
- Recession-resistant
- Business ownership potential
- Indoor and outdoor work variety
- Always learning new technology
Cons:
- Physical demands (tight spaces, lifting)
- Extreme temperatures (attics, roofs)
- On-call/emergency work
- Some travel required
- Seasonal peaks (AC in summer, heat in winter)
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