14 highest paying trade jobs – Apply Now!

If you are working towards securing a high-paying trade job, this article is for you. Securing a high-paying career is the goal of many as it allows for a comfortable lifestyle and financial stability. Trade jobs are often overlooked options that can provide just that – stable, good-paying work. This article explores 14 of the highest-paying trade jobs that are in high demand. These careers not only offer competitive salaries but also opportunities to gain skills and experience personal and professional growth on the job.

Some people may be hesitant to pursue a career in the trades due to misconceptions about the work. However, many trade jobs today involve operating sophisticated equipment and technology. While physical labor is still part of the work, the problem-solving and troubleshooting skills needed have increased the mental challenge of these roles. With the right training through an apprenticeship program or diploma, individuals can set themselves up for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

1. Oil and gas pipeline operators

Oil and gas pipeline operators help transport resources from drilling locations to refineries. They control, monitor, and coordinate the flow of products through pipelines. The median annual salary is C$92,960. Their work involves switching valves, recording pressure readings, and overseeing pipeline equipment and facilities. Operators need industry-recognized technical training or a two-year college program to qualify.

2. Elevator installers and repairers

As buildings get taller, the demand for elevator installers and repairers increases. They install, maintain, and fix hydraulic and electric elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment. The median wage is C$88,340 annually. A four-year apprenticeship including both classroom study and on-the-job training prepares one for the provincial certifications required. Problem-solving abilities and attention to safety are essential skills.

3. Power line technicians

Power line technicians install and repair transmission towers, poles, and lines that carry electricity. Their work may involve stringing wire, replacing poles, and clearing vegetation from power lines. Earning a median annual salary of C$88,400, these “linespersons” need an industry-recognized apprenticeship or diploma program at a technical school. Working at heights and knowledge of electricity are key requirements.

4. Plumbers

Plumbing systems are a necessity in all buildings from homes to skyscrapers. Plumbers install, maintain, and repair pipes that transport water, gas, and waste. With a median pay of C$80,810 per year, plumbers work both indoors and out. A four-year plumbers’ apprenticeship results in journeyperson certification allowing one to work independently or open their own business. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are important.

5. Heavy-duty equipment technicians

As technology becomes more complex, heavy equipment like trucks, tractors, and excavators require skilled maintenance technicians. They inspect, diagnose, repair, and overhaul vehicles and machinery. Earning a median annual wage of C$80,300, techs need a college diploma or apprenticeship in heavy-duty equipment or diesel engine repair. These roles demand mechanical ability as well as computer and electronics troubleshooting expertise.

6. Ironworkers

Building skyscrapers and bridges involves precision work with steel. Ironworkers erect, install, and dismantle steel structures. Handling beams and metal with cranes requires immense strength and coordination. With a median annual salary of C$76,620, their work takes place at heights on construction sites. Formal apprenticeships provide on-site training safe working at heights and welding skills needed.

7. Gas fitters

Certified gas fitters install maintain and repair industrial and commercial pressurized gas piping for facilities like laboratories, restaurants, and manufacturing plants. Earning a median salary of C$75,610 a year, they typically serve commercial customers rather than residential. A gas fitter diploma or apprenticeship teaches one to understand gas codes and ensure safety. Attention to detail when working with flammable fuels is essential.

8. Steamfitters/pipefitters

Involved in assembly, installation, dismantling, and repair of piping systems carrying water, steam, air, or other liquids in heating, cooling mechanical, and manufacturing processes. Their pipework ranges from routine maintenance to complex project construction. With a typical median pay of C$75,380 per year, formal apprenticeships provide the technical skills and knowledge required to gain Red Seal certification.

9. Millwrights

Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, and move machinery in factories, plants, mines, and other industrial sites. They work closely with engineers, builders, and other trades. Earning a median annual salary of C$75,280, millwrights’ work involves rigging, welding, and aligning heavy industrial equipment with precision. Formal apprenticeship programs teach the mechanical, technical, and safety skills required.

10. Boilermakers

Constructing, maintaining, and repairing large vessels like boilers, tanks, and vats is the work of boilermakers. Working with metals, they may weld, cut, and assemble according to industrial codes and standards. With a median wage of C$73,110 per year, it requires a four-year bookmaker apprenticeship to gain journeyperson status. Attention to detail and working knowledge of welding, rigging, and lifting are crucial.

11. Aircraft mechanics and technicians

As the airline industry grows, aircraft mechanics are servicing and repairing the fleet. They maintain, troubleshoot, and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft airframes. A median salary of C$72,530 is earned inspecting parts and repairing hydraulic and electronic systems. Formal training includes a college program recognized by Transport Canada to qualify for aircraft maintenance licensing.

12. Construction electricians

Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings cannot exist without electrical wiring and systems installed by construction electricians. Working on job sites, they pull cables and install outlets, switches, and other fixtures. With a median pay of C$72,050, it is a Red Seal trade requiring four to five years of apprenticeship and coursework. Essential skills include following electrical codes and safely working at heights.

13. Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

Related to yet distinguished from millwrights, construction millwrights, and industrial mechanics work primarily on construction sites erecting, repairing, and maintaining industrial systems and machinery in factories. A median annual salary of C$71,760 is earned installing conveyors, gears, and other moving systems. Apprenticeship training leads to journeyperson certification in specialized industrial equipment.

14. Telecommunications technicians

Connecting homes and businesses to high-speed internet, phone, and network infrastructure demands the skills of telecom technicians. They install, configure, and troubleshoot various communications systems such as cable, wireless, and fiber-optic networks. With a typical salary of C$69,320, training available through private career colleges, community colleges, or apprenticeships provides technical installation skills.

How to Apply and Get These Jobs

For all of the trades careers mentioned above, the most direct path starts with registering in a formal apprenticeship program approved by the provincial or territorial government where one wishes to work. Apprentices work under the supervision of skilled journeypersons while attending classroom technical training at community colleges or trade schools. 

Applications can be submitted year-round and the selection process considers factors like education, experience, and competency demonstrations such as math and technical aptitude tests. Some employers hold their application intakes to recruit apprentices so it’s worth researching individual unions and training boards directly. 

For some roles like aircraft technicians and power line techs, a pre-employment diploma or certificate program may initially qualify one to seek an apprenticeship opportunity with major employers in the field. Networking and showcasing one’s interest and work ethic are also beneficial strategies for landing a registered apprenticeship position that leads to journeyperson certification and higher earnings over the career.

Application Requirements and Documents

To apply for apprenticeships in the high paying trades, individuals will need:

-Proof of secondary education such as a high school diploma or GED certificate

-Resume highlighting any relevant previous work, volunteer, or extracurricular experiences

-A cover letter explaining the applicant’s suitability and motivation for the specific trade

-Identification like a valid driver’s license or birth certificate

-Contact information for references from past employers or teachers

-Some employers ask for Standard First Aid with CPR and may conduct screening checks

-Depending on the trade, applicants may write an aptitude or technical skills test during the selection process

Conclusion

While often overlooked, careers in the skilled trades offer stable, high-paying jobs alongside good benefits and opportunities for growth. Through apprenticeship training programs with hands-on learning, individuals can gain in-demand qualifications for roles in industries like construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure without large student debts. With aging workforces in many sectors, the demand for qualified tradespeople is only increasing. By researching programs and actively pursuing apprenticeships, individuals dedicated to learning a skilled trade can position themselves for lifelong, rewarding careers.