Average Electrician Salary in Ontario
Canada's Job Bank, updated November 2025, reports the provincial range for electricians in Ontario as $20.00 to $50.50 per hour. Industrial electricians specifically earn between $29.00 and $48.00 per hour according to the same source. SalaryExpert places the average gross salary for an electrician in Ontario at $77,060 per year, or about $37 per hour, approximately 1% above the national average. Glassdoor data for Toronto-area electricians shows a median of $73,645 per year with a typical range of $65,812 to $82,410. A mid-career licensed electrician working full-time in Ontario can realistically expect $65,000 to $85,000 annually, with industrial roles at the upper end.
Salary by Experience Level
Apprentice Electricians Ontario apprenticeships in the Construction and Maintenance Electrician (309A) and Industrial Electrician (442A) trades run five years. Indeed reports apprentice electrician wages averaging $27.56 per hour in Ontario. Starting rates for first- and second-year apprentices typically fall between $20 and $25 per hour, progressing to $28 to $35 per hour in years four and five. Journeyman Electricians Licensed journeymen in Ontario consistently earn $32 to $45 per hour. According to Herzing College's January 2026 review of the Ontario market, industrial electricians earn a Job Bank median of $40 per hour, with experienced workers reaching $48 per hour. Commercial electricians in Toronto and the GTA sit at the upper end due to demand and cost of living. Master Electricians ZipRecruiter data from early 2026 shows licensed master electricians in Ontario averaging $65,609 per year, with top earners reaching $87,000 at the 90th percentile. Those who move into electrical contracting or project management see significantly higher total compensation.
Key Factors Affecting Electrician Pay in Ontario
Trade Certificate Type The 442A (Industrial Electrician) certificate typically commands higher wages than the 309A (Construction and Maintenance Electrician) due to the complexity of industrial control systems and high-voltage work. Holding both certifications expands your options and your earning ceiling. Union Membership IBEW locals across Ontario negotiate rate schedules that set clear wage floors and progression. Union electricians also receive defined benefit pension contributions and extended health coverage, which adds materially to total compensation beyond the hourly rate. Region Toronto, Ottawa, and the GTA consistently pay above provincial averages. Windsor and Hamilton benefit from industrial sector demand. Northern Ontario communities may offer higher site rates for remote or fly-in work but with different cost-of-living considerations.
Ontario Electrician Job Market Outlook
Skills Ontario and Canada Construction Connect identified industrial electricians as a top-shortage trade in Ontario in 2026. Retirement of experienced tradespeople, combined with sustained commercial construction and manufacturing activity, is keeping demand strong. The BLS projects electrician employment nationally to grow, and Ontario tracks above the national average given its economic activity.
How to Increase Your Electrician Salary in Ontario
- Pursue the 442A Industrial Electrician certificate if you currently hold only the 309A — the wage premium is immediate.
- Obtain Red Seal endorsement for interprovincial mobility and employer credibility.
- Specialize in automation, robotics, or renewable energy systems. Ontario's manufacturing base creates strong demand for these skills.
- Consider GTA commercial or transit infrastructure projects, which often carry premium rates and consistent long-term employment.
Browse open electrician positions in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and across Ontario on our trades job board. New postings are added daily from employers actively hiring licensed electricians and apprentices at all levels. View Ontario electrician jobs →