The 10 Highest Paying Trade Jobs in Canada in 2023

Because of low birth and early retirement rates, Canada’s workforce decreases yearly. That’s why Canada hopes to welcome 431,645 immigrants to the beautiful country in 2023. By inviting people from all over the world to live and work in Canada, the country’s economy can continue to grow and remain its powerhouse.

Because of its strong economy, Canada can afford to pay its tradespeople a high income as incentives to keep trade industries running. Find out if your job is on this list of the highest-paying trade jobs in Canada in 2023, and start planning your move to a country that appreciates your hard work and skills.

There are over 300 skilled crafts available to work across the country, so there's a good chance you'll be able to find a high-paying job that will last a long time. There are specialized trades that pay more than others. Skilled trades are an expanding field that allows people who don't want to work in an office to undertake hands-on work.

Truck Driver - NOC CODE 7511

Estimated Annual Salary $140,352

There are various subcategories of truck driving in Canada. The money maker is in long-haul truck driving. As a long-haul driver, you frequently travel across North America, often coast to coast or on long journeys. Long-haul drivers may also be responsible for loading and unloading vehicles and other responsibilities such as customer service and business growth.

Plumbers - NOC CODE 7251

Estimated Annual Salary $101,376

Plumbers in Canada will install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment. You can work in residential, commercial or industrial structures. You could work in factories, plants, or businesses' maintenance departments.

Welder - NOC CODE 7201

Estimated Annual Salary $95,235

Welding is one of the highest-paying trade jobs in Canada. Welders use welding machines to join metals together. You could work for companies that make structural steel and plate work, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships, and other metal products, or for welding contractors and shops.

Electrician - NOC CODE 7241

Estimated Annual Salary $94,521

There are various ways to work as an electrician in Canada. You could work for a city on conservation and maintenance. You could also work on a business renovation project, perform electrical work or on general housing and commercial development renovation projects. You should be able to read and interpret designs for the configuration of electrical systems.

Millwright - NOC CODE 7311

Estimated Annual Salary $91,584

Millwrights or industrial mechanics should be adaptable to changing environments. You could work for a factory or plant and be able to operate, install, replace and repair machinery. Reading project blueprints and troubleshooting equipment such as pumps and electrical systems will be part of your job description.

Brick Layer - NOC CODE 7281

Estimated Annual Salary $76, 281

Bricklayers should have commercial or industrial experience. Materials you’ll work with are predominantly concrete, and you’ll be in charge of the forming, pouring and finishing the material. Be prepared to lay bricks, stone, or other comparable materials, as well as construct and install masonry units that have been prefabricated.

Sheet Metal Worker - NOC CODE 7233

Estimated Annual Salary $75,264

As a sheet metal worker, you’ll operate various equipment and tools to cut, drill, shape and straighten metal. It’s a fast-paced occupation as different projects come into the shop, business, or factory.

Carpenter - NOC CODE 7204

Estimated Annual Salary $74,764

Work for big industrial plants or businesses, make renovations or start from scratch. As a carpenter, you’ll install various building components such as windows, doors, stairwells, mouldings, and other hardware. Using measurement instruments, you’ll prepare layouts under construction codes. To determine specifications requirements, your abilities should include reading and analyzing blueprints.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic - NOC CODE 7312

Estimated Annual Salary $73, 613

As a heavy equipment mechanic, you’ll perform various laboring tasks to assist tradespeople, apprentices and other workers. You’ll move and operate tools and equipment and clean and maintain machinery.

Chefs - NOC CODE 6321

Estimated Annual Salary $72,960

Experienced chefs can land jobs in hotels or resorts. As one of the highest-paying trade jobs in Canada, you must be prepared to work under pressure, run staff and keep deadlines. You might be expected to train and prepare less experienced chefs and interact with guests or keep administrative records of food costs, consumption and sales in smaller businesses.

How Do I Immigrate to Canada?

Although many immigration programs aim to attract university graduates and office job managers, just as many hope to attract skilled tradespersons. The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) functions as part of Canada’s famous Express Entry System and is just one of the ways you can immigrate to Canada. If your job is on this list, and you meet the other requirements of this visa, you can move to Canada.

• Meet the minimum language test requirements in all four abilities

• Have at least two years of work experience in your trade
• Show that you have performed the duties set out in the description of the job
• Have a valid offer for a permanent job contract or at least one year
• Certificate of qualification of your skilled trade by a Canadian authority

Additionally, your job must be on the list of skilled trades under the following groups of the National Occupational Classification, which fall under skill type B.

To calculate your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) and assess whether or not you are eligible to apply for these occupations, you can do so here on our site using the CRS calculator.

However, if you don’t meet these requirements but still want to work in Canada, you can apply for a Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP), which allows you to work temporarily in Canada. You can work in Canada for six months, which can be extended based on your work contract and job offer.

With a higher income, you’ll apply through the High Wage Worker Stream, and your employer will have to provide you with a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA demonstrates that you’re needed for a particular job because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can do it. This system was created to ensure Canada has all the required workers to run the country smoothly while protecting Canadians and foreign workers. Read more about LMIA meaning.

• Valid passport
• Valid job offer letter
• Proof that you meet the requirements of the job offer
• Copy of a positive LMIA
• Results of your language test
• Medical examination
• Police clearance certificate
• Provide proof of funds to take care of yourself and any family accompanying you for the duration of your work contract, as well as sufficient money to return home.

If your job is on this list of the 10 Highest Paying Trade Jobs in Canada in 2023, then contact us today to chat with a member of the Regulated Council of Immigration Consultants (RCIC). The consultants that work with us are equipped with years of experience to guide you toward a better standard of living in Canada.