Becoming an Electrician in Ontario: A Path to One of the Highest Paid Jobs Canada Offers

If you’re looking for a career path that offers job stability, hands-on work, and impressive financial rewards, becoming an electrician in Ontario is worth serious consideration. Electricians are not only essential to residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure—they also hold one of the highest paid jobs Canada has to offer in the skilled trades sector. With the increasing demand for energy efficiency, smart technology, and green infrastructure, electricians in Ontario are enjoying some of the best job security and compensation available in the country. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or a parent helping your child plan their future, this is a path that pays off—literally and figuratively.

Table of Contents

Why Choose the Electrical Trade in Ontario?

The Growing Demand for Electricians

Ontario is undergoing a significant infrastructure transformation, including residential development, public transit expansions, and green energy upgrades. This boom has created a constant demand for licensed electricians across the province. From installing EV chargers to wiring up intelligent HVAC systems, today’s electricians are on the cutting edge of technological progress.

With these developments, electricians have secured a spot among the highest paid jobs Canada consistently offers in the skilled trades market. The shift toward smart homes and sustainable building practices only increases the relevance of this profession.

High Earning Potential

In Ontario, electricians start strong and can build lucrative careers quickly. On average:

Apprentices earn between $18 to $30/hour.
Licensed electricians make $30 to $45/hour.
Red Seal electricians can earn $40 to $60/hour or more, especially in industrial sectors.

This puts them solidly among the highest paid jobs Canada sees in the skilled trades realm. Learn more about where electricians rank among other trades in our article on the Top 10 Highest Paying Trades in Canada.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an Electrician in Ontario

Step 1: Get Your High School Diploma (or Equivalent)

To start on the path to becoming an electrician, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong foundations in math, physics, and technology education can set you up for success. These skills will be critical as you enter technical training and tackle real-world problem solving on the job.

Step 2: Find an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is the heart of your electrician training. Typically, apprenticeships last about five years and combine around 9,000 hours of on-the-job training with 600 hours of in-class learning. You’ll work under licensed professionals while getting paid to learn.

Finding an apprenticeship can be competitive. That’s where Canada’s leading employment agency like Pure Staffing Solutions comes in. We specialize in placing candidates in skilled trades positions, including hard-to-find apprenticeships.

Step 3: Complete On-the-Job Training + In-Class Learning

Apprentices will split their time between working in the field and attending courses, usually at a trade school or college. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) oversees apprenticeship programs and ensures they meet provincial standards.

If you’re looking for a trade school, Ontario has several excellent options. Check out our guide on Top Trade Schools in Canada.

Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam (Red Seal)

Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible to write the Red Seal exam. Passing this exam certifies you as a journeyperson and allows you to work across Canada. Red Seal electricians are in particularly high demand and hold some of the highest paid jobs Canada offers within the trade sectors.

Electrician Salary & Career Progression in Ontario

What You Can Expect to Earn

Electricians earn well across every stage of their career:

Apprentice Electricians: $18–$30/hour
Licensed Electricians: $30–$45/hour
Red Seal Electricians: $40–$60/hour+

These figures make electricians one of the highest paid jobs Canada offers without requiring a traditional four-year degree.

Job Growth and Specialization

As the industry evolves, electricians can specialize in industrial automation, renewable energy systems, or building automation. There are also options to become a master electrician, start your own business, or teach at a trade college. This flexibility adds to why it remains one of the highest paid jobs Canada can provide over the long term.

Top Schools & Programs in Ontario for Electricians

Ontario boasts some of the country’s best institutions for trade education. Consider enrolling in programs at:

Humber College
George Brown College
Durham College
Centennial College
These schools are known for their excellent trades programs and partnerships with industry employers.

Resources to Kickstart Your Career

Apprenticeships and job placements can be challenging to find. That’s where working with Canada’s leading employment agency can make all the difference. At Pure Staffing Solutions, we help connect aspiring electricians with top employers across Ontario and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or already licensed, we can help you take the next step.

Conclusion

Becoming an electrician in Ontario is more than a career choice—it’s a smart investment in your future. With high salaries, job security, and endless opportunities to grow and specialize, it’s clear why this path continues to be among the highest paid jobs Canada provides. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to shift careers, Pure Staffing Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit our Skilled Trades Jobs page or View Jobs directly to explore current openings in your field.

FAQs: Job Search in Brantford

What qualifications do I need to become an electrician in Ontario?

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is required, along with registration in a formal apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

How long does it take to become a licensed electrician?

It typically takes 4 to 5 years to complete an apprenticeship and pass the certification exam.

Can I work in other provinces with my Ontario electrician license?

Yes, if you pass the Red Seal exam, your license is portable across all Canadian provinces.

Is becoming an electrician a good career path in Ontario?

Absolutely. With strong demand, excellent pay, and room for growth, it’s consistently listed among the highest paid jobs Canada offers in the skilled trades.

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