Top-Paying Trades in Canada

Top 10 High-Paying Skilled Trades in Canada That Require Certification

If you’re looking for a stable, high-paying career in Canada without spending four years in university, skilled trades might be your best choice. Across the country, tradespeople are in record demand, and employers are offering competitive salaries, benefits, and long-term job security — especially for certified workers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 high-paying skilled trades in Canada that require certification, their earning potential, and how you can get started quickly through TradeCerts.

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1. Electrician

Average Salary: $60,000 – $100,000+ per year
Electricians are vital in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. Certification is required in every province, and journeyperson electricians can earn six figures with overtime.
Certification Needed: Provincial trade certification or Red Seal endorsement.
TradeCerts Tip: Start with electrical safety and WHMIS training to prepare for apprenticeship applications.

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2. Crane Operator

Average Salary: $65,000 – $120,000+ per year
Crane operators handle heavy lifting on construction and industrial sites. They’re in high demand due to Canada’s infrastructure boom.
Certification Needed: Provincial crane operator certification; some roles require Red Seal.
TradeCerts Tip: Get certified in site safety and working at heights to improve hireability.

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3. Plumber

Average Salary: $55,000 – $95,000+ per year
Plumbers install and repair water systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Licensed plumbers are never short on work.
Certification Needed: Provincial license or Red Seal certification.
TradeCerts Tip: Complete WHMIS 2015 + GHS to handle materials safely during training.

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4. Welder

Average Salary: $50,000 – $90,000+ per year
Welders work in manufacturing, shipbuilding, pipelines, and automotive industries. Skilled welders with multiple certifications can command top pay.
Certification Needed: Welding certifications under CSA or CWB standards.
TradeCerts Tip: Take PPE and hazard communication training to meet workplace safety standards.

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5. Millwright (Industrial Mechanic)

Average Salary: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
Millwrights install, maintain, and repair machinery in factories and plants. This trade is highly valued in manufacturing and mining.
Certification Needed: Red Seal endorsement for interprovincial mobility.
TradeCerts Tip: Add lockout/tagout safety training to strengthen your resume.

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6. HVAC Technician

Average Salary: $55,000 – $95,000+ per year
HVAC techs install and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems — critical in Canada’s extreme climates.
Certification Needed: Gas Technician license, Refrigeration certification, or Red Seal endorsement.
TradeCerts Tip: Complete WHMIS and hazardous waste handling training for environmental safety compliance.

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7. Heavy Equipment Operator

Average Salary: $50,000 – $85,000+ per year
Operators of bulldozers, excavators, and loaders are essential for construction, mining, and road work.
Certification Needed: Provincial heavy equipment operator training/certification.
TradeCerts Tip: Start with construction site safety training to prepare for equipment courses.

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8. Automotive Service Technician

Average Salary: $50,000 – $90,000+ per year
From car dealerships to fleet maintenance, certified technicians enjoy steady work and opportunities to specialize.
Certification Needed: Red Seal or provincial automotive technician license.
TradeCerts Tip: Add first aid awareness to your credentials to increase workplace readiness.

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9. Carpenter

Average Salary: $50,000 – $85,000+ per year
Carpenters work in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Those with advanced skills or who run their own business can earn significantly more.
Certification Needed: Red Seal carpenter certification.
TradeCerts Tip: Complete working at heights and PPE training before starting your apprenticeship.

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10. Industrial Electrician

Average Salary: $65,000 – $110,000+ per year
Industrial electricians work in manufacturing plants, mines, and large industrial facilities.
Certification Needed: Red Seal industrial electrician certification.
TradeCerts Tip: WHMIS, lockout/tagout, and electrical safety training are essential for compliance.

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Why Certification Matters

In most trades, certification is more than a formality — it’s a legal requirement. Certified tradespeople:

 

• • Earn higher wages

• • Have greater job security

• • Can work in multiple provinces with Red Seal endorsement

• • Are preferred by employers for safety and liability reasons

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How to Get Started with TradeCerts

At TradeCerts, we provide online safety and compliance training to prepare you for your trade certification journey. While we don’t replace formal apprenticeships, our courses help you:

 

• • Meet safety prerequisites for trade school

• • Satisfy employer safety training requirements

• • Boost your resume before applying for jobs or apprenticeships

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✅ Ready to start your trade career?
Visit www.tradecerts.com to explore our WHMIS, PPE, First Aid Awareness, and other essential safety certifications — all available online, on your schedule.

Top Paying Trades in Canada