Canada relies on a backbone of skilled tradespeople across industries like construction, manufacturing, and building maintenance. These hands-on roles require specialized training but provide stable careers that are always in demand.

What Are Skilled Trades?

A skilled trade is any job focused on practical, technical work with the hands rather than office work or sales. Tradesmen and women learn their craft through apprenticeship programs, vocational college courses, or on-the-job training. Most trades require certification to verify competency and safety knowledge.

From electricians powering buildings to welders fusing metal, skilled trades contribute essential services that maintain infrastructure and enable other businesses to operate. With Canada’s economy depending so heavily on trade skills, these jobs will continue thriving for years to come.

High-Demand Skilled Trades Hiring Now

Many well-paying skilled trades currently have more open jobs than trained people to fill them. Here are 20 in-demand careers with bright prospects:

Electrician
Salary: $72,632 per year
Duties: Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems

Cook
Salary: $43,553 per year
Duties: Prepare and serve food safely

Welder
Salary: $65,682 per year
Duties: Join metal parts using heat

Plumber
Salary: $73,879 per year
Duties: Install and repair piping systems

Carpenter
Salary: $58,668 per year
Duties: Build, install, and repair wooden structures

Construction Worker
Salary: $50,180 per year
Duties: Prepare sites and assist with building projects

Bus Driver
Salary: $49,916 per year
Duties: Operate buses safely transporting passengers

Custodian
Salary: $45,751 per year
Duties: Clean and maintain buildings

Garbage Collector
Salary: $64,508 per year
Duties: Remove waste and recyclables

HVAC Technician
Salary: $68,695 per year
Duties: Install and repair heating/cooling systems

Registered Nurse
Salary: $74,779 per year
Duties: Provide patient care and treatment

Hairstylist
Salary: $48,277 per year
Duties: Cut, style, and color hair

Mechanic
Salary: $75,810 per year
Duties: Repair and service vehicles and machinery

Pipefitter
Salary: $74,375 per year
Duties: Install and maintain piping systems

Brick and Stonemason
Salary: $79,003 per year
Duties: Build and repair brick and stone structures

Child and Youth Worker
Salary: $45,249 per year
Duties: Support children with challenges

Arborist
Salary: $64,325 per year
Duties: Care for and maintain trees

Cabinetmaker
Salary: $52,582 per year
Duties: Construct custom wooden cabinets/furniture

Crane Operator
Salary: $78,399 per year
Duties: Operate cranes moving equipment and materials

Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary: $74,911 per year
Duties: Operate machines like bulldozers

Jumpstart Your Skilled Trade Career

With excellent job security and thousands of open positions, Canada’s skilled trades offer promising career paths for hands-on, technical people. If you’re seeking a stable, well-paying trade job with low barriers to entry, now is an ideal time to gain qualifications and launch your career. Canada’s future depends on a new generation taking up these essential roles.