7 Best Trades to Get Into in Ontario (2026): Demand & Salaries
Ontario needs skilled trades workers.
Construction projects are expanding, infrastructure spending continues to rise, and thousands of experienced workers are approaching retirement. According to the Government of Canada, the country will need more than 256,000 new skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet demand.
For people considering a career in the trades, this creates real opportunity.
At the same time, choosing the right trade matters. Some trades offer stronger long-term demand, better wages, and more stable work than others.
Workers across Ontario frequently discuss this topic in trade forums and job sites. According to Ontario Colleges, Ontario will need to recruit over 100,000 construction workers by 2030 to replace retiring workers and keep up with demand Industry reports also point to several trades that continue to see strong demand heading into 2026.
Here are seven skilled trades worth considering.
Best Trades in Ontario: Salary Comparison
How much do skilled trades pay in Ontario? The table below compares the median hourly wages of the seven trades covered in this guide.
| Skilled Trade | Ontario Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Millwright (Industrial Mechanic) | $35.59 |
| Electrician | $34.00 |
| Plumber | $32.50 |
| HVAC Technician | $37.00 |
| Truck and Coach Technician | $30.00 |
| Elevator Mechanic | $43.50 |
| Industrial Electrician | $40.50 |
Source: Government of Canada Job Bank. Ontario median hourly wage estimates, updated November 19, 2025, based primarily on 2023–2024 labour market data. All figures are in Canadian dollars. Actual wages vary by region, experience, employer, and specialization.
Which of These Trades Pays the Most?
Among the seven careers listed, elevator mechanics have the highest reported median hourly wage at $43.50, followed by industrial electricians at $40.50 and HVAC technicians at $37.00.
However, higher wages do not necessarily mean easier entry or stronger job availability. Some specialized trades have smaller workforces and more competitive apprenticeship opportunities.
Before choosing a trade, consider both earning potential and the availability of employers willing to train new apprentices.
1. Millwright (Industrial Mechanic) – One of Ontario’s Most In-Demand Trades
Millwrights install, maintain, and repair industrial machinery used in factories, processing plants, and manufacturing facilities.
This trade is highly valued because modern industry depends on complex mechanical systems. When equipment stops working, production stops. That makes skilled millwrights extremely valuable.
Millwrights often work in industries such as:
- manufacturing
- food processing
- automotive production
- energy generation
- industrial plants
According to labour market reports and organizations such as Skills Ontario, millwrights remain one of the most in-demand and hardest-to-fill skilled trades positions in Ontario.
Strong mechanical ability, troubleshooting skills, and comfort working with large machinery are key strengths for this trade.
2. Electrician – A Reliable Skilled Trade Career in Ontario
Electricians continue to be one of the most reliable career paths in the trades.
Every building requires electrical systems, and those systems need installation, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. As Ontario continues expanding housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects, electricians remain in high demand.
Electricians may work in several areas:
- residential construction
- commercial buildings
- industrial facilities
- infrastructure projects
- renewable energy systems
Many electricians also gain the option to start their own businesses later in their careers, providing additional long-term flexibility.
Government labour data and industry reports consistently show that electricians remain one of the most in-demand skilled trades in Ontario, driven by infrastructure growth, housing development, and persistent job vacancies.
3. Plumber – A Stable Skilled Trade with Strong Demand
Water systems exist in every building, and plumbing issues require immediate attention. Even during slower construction periods, repair and maintenance work continues.
Plumbers commonly work on:
- water supply systems
- drainage systems
- heating systems
- commercial building plumbing
- residential installations
The trade offers strong long-term demand and the potential for steady income through both construction work and service calls.
Plumbing remains one of the most stable trades available. Government of Canada labour data shows plumbers in Ontario benefit from steady demand and a solid long-term outlook, supported by ongoing construction and maintenance needs.
4. HVAC Technician – Growing Demand Across Ontario
HVAC technicians install and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Climate control systems are essential in homes, offices, factories, and hospitals. With Ontario’s cold winters and increasingly hot summers, HVAC work remains essential year-round.
HVAC technicians typically work with:
- furnaces
- air conditioning systems
- ventilation systems
- refrigeration units
- heat pumps
Demand for HVAC technicians has increased in Ontario, driven by new construction and the shift toward energy-efficient building systems. Government labour data shows HVAC mechanics and installers continue to see steady demand across the province.
This trade combines mechanical knowledge, electrical systems, and troubleshooting skills.
5. Heavy Diesel Mechanic – High Demand in Transportation
Heavy diesel mechanics repair and maintain large commercial vehicles.
These include:
- transport trucks
- buses
- construction vehicles
- industrial equipment
Transportation drives much of Ontario’s economy. Every logistics company, construction firm, and transit system relies on heavy equipment that must remain operational.
Truck and coach technicians (310T) are frequently cited as one of the most in-demand mechanical trades in Ontario.
Unlike automotive mechanics, many diesel technicians work on hourly pay structures rather than flat-rate systems, which can offer more predictable earnings.
6. Elevator Technician – One of the Highest Paid Trades
Elevator technicians install and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
This trade is known for offering excellent wages and strong union representation, but it can also be difficult to enter because the workforce is relatively small and highly specialized.
Elevator technicians typically work in:
- high-rise buildings
- hospitals
- office towers
- transit infrastructure
- commercial developments
Although competitive to enter, elevator technician positions remain among the highest-paid trades in many cities.
7. Industrial Electrician – Essential for Manufacturing
Industrial electricians focus specifically on electrical systems used in manufacturing plants and industrial facilities.
Their work includes:
- industrial control systems
- automated equipment
- robotics systems
- plant electrical infrastructure
As automation continues to expand across manufacturing, the demand for skilled industrial electricians remains steady. Government of Canada labour data shows ongoing job opportunities in Ontario, driven in part by retirements and the need to maintain complex industrial systems.
Which Skilled Trades Are Most in Demand in Ontario?
Demand for skilled trades varies by occupation and region. A trade can offer a good long-term career without having a province-wide labour shortage.
According to the Government of Canada's Job Bank employment outlooks for 2025–2027:
HVAC technicians: Good employment prospects across Ontario, supported by equipment servicing needs, building upgrades, and energy-efficiency projects.
Electricians: Moderate employment prospects across Ontario, with opportunities related to construction, infrastructure, and electrical maintenance.
Plumbers: Moderate employment prospects across Ontario, with work spanning new construction, repairs, and building maintenance.
Millwrights: Moderate employment prospects across Ontario, including opportunities in industrial maintenance and replacement demand as experienced workers retire.
These outlooks highlight an important distinction: the highest-paying trade is not necessarily the easiest one to enter, and demand can differ significantly between Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and other regions.
For the latest regional information, consult the Government of Canada Job Bank before choosing an apprenticeship.
Reality Check: Getting an Apprenticeship Isn't Always Easy
While skilled trades are in high demand, entering the trades still requires effort.
Many people assume the labour shortage means apprenticeships are easy to obtain. In reality, companies often need experienced workers more than entry-level trainees.
Some research suggests that fewer than 30 percent of pre-apprenticeship graduates actually secure apprenticeships, and in certain trades the rate can be even lower.
Employers typically look for candidates who demonstrate:
- reliability
- strong work ethic
- willingness to learn
- ability to handle physically demanding work
Many successful tradespeople begin by working as labourers or helpers before securing formal apprenticeships.
Tips for Getting Into the Trades
If you're serious about entering the trades in Ontario, a few steps can increase your chances of success.
Apply to multiple companies
Apprenticeships are competitive. Applying widely improves your chances.
Start with entry-level job site work
Labourer positions can lead to apprenticeship opportunities.
Network with experienced workers
Many tradespeople find opportunities through referrals.
Show up early and work hard
Reliability matters more than almost anything else in the trades.
Stay open to different trades
Sometimes the trade that hires you first becomes the career that works best.
Thinking About Getting Into the Trades?
Skilled trades continue to offer some of the most reliable career paths in Ontario.
Demand is strong, the work is hands-on, and there’s real long-term stability across industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Trades such as millwright, electrician, plumbing, HVAC, and heavy equipment mechanics all present solid opportunities heading into 2026.
If you like working with your hands, solving real problems, and building practical skills, the trades make sense, and the gear you start with matters more than you think.
Long hours on concrete, uneven ground, and active job sites will wear you down fast if your boots aren’t up to it. A reliable pair makes a real difference in how you feel at the end of the day.
You can take a look at our CSA Approved work boots designed for real jobsite conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trades to get into in Ontario in 2026?
Millwright, electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, truck and coach technician, elevator mechanic, and industrial electrician are seven skilled trades worth considering. The best choice depends on your interests, local employment prospects, apprenticeship opportunities, and income goals.
What trades are most in demand in Ontario?
Demand varies by region and occupation. HVAC mechanics have a Good employment outlook in Ontario for 2025–2027, while electricians, plumbers, and millwrights have Moderate outlooks according to the Government of Canada Job Bank.
What are the highest-paying trades in Ontario?
Among the seven trades covered in this guide, elevator mechanics and industrial electricians have the highest Ontario median hourly wages. These figures do not represent a complete ranking of every skilled trade in Ontario.
Is it hard to get an apprenticeship in Ontario?
Finding an apprenticeship can be competitive, particularly in specialized trades. Applicants may need to approach multiple employers or apprenticeship sponsors. Visit the Ontario apprenticeship website to learn about the official process.
Do I need safety boots as a trades apprentice?
It depends on the trade and workplace hazards. Many construction and industrial environments require protective footwear that meets applicable safety standards. Always check your employer's specific requirements.
If you're starting a career in the skilled trades, MooseLog offers an Apprentice Program with 20% off eligible safety boots for qualifying applicants.
