Average Salary in Ontario (2025): Wages, Jobs, and Career Insights

Highest-Paying Occupations in Ontario (2025)

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Ontario’s skilled trades sector plays a vital role in the broader Canadian economy, offering strong earning potential across various specialized fields. From maintaining essential infrastructure to managing complex construction projects, tradespeople are indispensable to both the province and the country. This overview highlights the highest-paying jobs in Ontario, showcasing salary ranges and key industries where Canadian workers thrive.

Whether you’re starting a career in the trades or looking to advance, understanding the top-paying occupations can help guide your decisions.

Industrial Electricians

• Salary Range: $75,000 – $105,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Vital to manufacturing and automotive sectors

Millwrights (Industrial Mechanics)

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Work across factories, food processing, and energy firms

Plumbers

• Salary Range: $65,000 – $95,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Residential and industrial sectors; Red Seal certification valued

HVAC Technicians

• Salary Range: Up to $90,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Climate control experts increasingly needed in smart energy systems

Construction Managers (with trade experience)

• Salary Range: Over $120,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Typically move up from skilled trades like carpentry or electrical work

Specialized Welders

• Salary Range: Up to $90,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Aerospace and structural steel sectors offer higher pay

Heavy Equipment Technicians

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: High demand in mining, construction, and infrastructure projects

Tool and Die Makers

• Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Key players in high-tech manufacturing and automation

Elevator Mechanics

• Salary Range: Over $115,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Strong union presence and excellent job security

Powerline Technicians

• Salary Range: $85,000 – $115,000 CAD
• Key Industries / Notes: Critical role in power restoration and maintenance

Employment Types and Their Impact on Income in Ontario

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In Ontario, the type of employment plays a significant role in determining a worker’s income. Generally, full-time roles yield more stable and higher earnings compared to part-time or contract work. While self-employment offers flexibility and the chance for greater income, it also brings added responsibilities like managing business operations and taxes. Commission-based jobs reward productivity and can lead to higher earnings, while contract or casual roles often come with income variability but increased scheduling freedom.

1. Full-time vs. Part-time Employment

Full-time positions usually provide steady pay and additional benefits due to consistent working hours.
Part-time roles, on the other hand, are ideal for those seeking limited hours or supplementary income, but they often lack the benefits and earning power of full-time jobs.
Part-time work was notably impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with recovery still lagging behind pre-2019 levels as of 2023.

2. Self-Employment

Self-employed workers have the potential to earn more, but they also carry the risks associated with running a business, including covering their own taxes and operational expenses.
In 2022, there was a modest rise in self-employment across Ontario, though overall figures have trended downward since 2019.
Despite the challenges, many are drawn to the autonomy and income potential that self-employment offers.

3. Commission-Based Roles

Commission-based jobs tie income directly to individual performance, such as sales achievements.
This structure can be highly motivating, as it rewards those who exceed targets or generate high output.
However, income can vary significantly depending on the worker’s success and the industry’s demand.

4. Contract and Casual Work

Contract jobs are frequently found in industries like information technology, where professionals are engaged for fixed projects or timeframes.
Casual employment is more flexible and often used in sectors such as hospitality and retail, allowing employers to adapt quickly to changing staffing needs.
These roles typically offer less financial stability and fewer benefits than standard full-time employment.

5. Additional Income Influencers

• Wage Rates: Ontario’s minimum wage is set at $17.60 per hour.
• Overtime: Extra pay for overtime work may apply based on provincial labour laws or union contracts.
• Employee Benefits: Perks like health insurance, paid leave, or dental plans can enhance total compensation.
• Tax Considerations: Those who are self-employed can claim business-related expenses, helping to lower their taxable income.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the average salary trends and wage growth in Ontario for 2025 is crucial for workers navigating the province’s dynamic job market. With wages varying across industries, regions, and employment types, it’s important to consider factors such as demand for skills, education, and the cost of living when planning your career path. Whether you’re entering the workforce or seeking higher-paying opportunities, keeping track of these trends will help ensure informed decisions and career success in Ontario’s evolving economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do different territory and province policies affect the average salary in Ontario?

The policies of different territories and provinces can influence the average salary in Ontario by shaping the local labor market and cost of living.

Impact on Salary Structure: Provincial policies, such as minimum wage laws and labour regulations, set the standard for salary expectations across various industries. These policies can vary significantly, leading to differences in average salaries between provinces and territories.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in a province or territory can directly impact salary expectations. Ontario, with its higher urban living costs, may offer higher wages to match the expenses of cities like Toronto, whereas other provinces with lower living costs may see slightly lower average salaries.

Industry-Specific Variations: Some provinces may incentivize specific industries through tax benefits or grants, which can lead to higher salaries in targeted sectors. Ontario’s strong focus on tech, finance, and healthcare often results in higher average salaries in those fields compared to other regions.

2. What are some factors that could lead to a decrease in salaries in Ontario’s job market?

Several factors may contribute to a decrease in salaries in Ontario’s job market, impacting overall wage trends.

Economic Downturns: A decline in economic growth or a recession can lead to job cuts, wage freezes, and reductions in hiring, which often result in lower average salaries across sectors.

Technological Disruption: Automation and new technologies in Ontario may reduce demand for certain jobs, particularly in manufacturing and retail. This can lead to wage reductions as industries shift toward lower-cost labour models.

Industry Shifts: As some sectors, such as traditional manufacturing, decline or relocate, the demand for workers decreases, which may lead to a decrease in wages within those industries.

How do salary expectations in Ontario rise with years of experience in specific industries?

In Ontario, salary expectations rise significantly with years of experience and career progression.

Experience-Based Pay Increases: As employees gain experience and demonstrate increased proficiency in their field, they become eligible for promotions, specialized roles, and salary hikes. This often happens in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

Skill Development: Gaining certifications, attending industry-specific workshops, or obtaining advanced degrees can lead to a rise in salary expectations in Ontario. Workers who continuously update their skills tend to earn more as they become specialists in their fields.

Industry Demand: The rise in salaries is also influenced by demand within the industry. High-demand sectors like technology or healthcare in Ontario may offer faster salary progression for experienced professionals compared to other sectors with lower demand.

What are the key benefits of earning a higher salary in Ontario, and how does it impact lifestyle?

Earning a higher salary in Ontario can significantly improve lifestyle and financial security.

Enhanced Living Standards: A higher salary provides greater access to housing, healthcare, and leisure activities, improving the overall quality of life in a province with high living costs, especially in urban areas like Toronto.

Increased Financial Security: Higher salaries enable individuals to save more for retirement, invest in personal goals, and build an emergency fund. It also allows for more disposable income for entertainment, dining, and travel.

Better Job Flexibility: With a higher salary, employees may have the flexibility to take on additional opportunities, such as freelance work, personal development, or career changes, without compromising financial stability.

How does the rate of salary growth in Ontario compare to other regions across Canada?

The rate of salary growth in Ontario is competitive, but it varies depending on the sector and region.

Faster Growth in Certain Sectors: Ontario, particularly in Toronto, sees a rate of salary growth that outpaces other regions in high-demand industries like finance, technology, and healthcare. These sectors benefit from a larger talent pool and higher demand for skilled workers.

Regional Differences: While Ontario has a high rate of salary growth in urban centres, other provinces with booming natural resource sectors or lower living costs may also experience high growth rates in specific industries, such as mining or energy.

Economic Factors: Economic conditions, such as inflation or changes in government policies, can influence the rate of salary growth in Ontario relative to other provinces across Canada, leading to shifts in regional competitiveness.