Electrician Jobs in Canada
Sector: Construction & Trades · Typical gross pay: C$28–48/hour · Typical locations: British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador
Role overview
This page describes a typical Electrician role in Canada across residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Employers commonly hire electricians for new builds (condos, retail units, warehouses), upgrades (lighting, panels, fire/safety interfaces), and ongoing maintenance where fast, safe troubleshooting matters as much as installation quality.
This is a role profile (not a single guaranteed job offer). Tasks, tools, and licensing expectations depend on the province and the site. Apply with a strong CV and we will contact shortlisted candidates.
Typical gross pay (brutto)
Canadian wages are typically quoted as gross hourly pay (before taxes and deductions). The ranges below are indicative for electricians in Canada and can vary by province, collective agreements, project type, shift premiums, and your certification level.
| Level | Typical gross hourly pay (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / helper track | C$20–30/hour | Entry range depends on year/level, site complexity, and supervision model. |
| Qualified electrician (journeyperson) | C$28–48/hour | Typical for proven experience; high end often requires strong troubleshooting + recognized certification. |
| Overtime / premiums | Project-dependent | Overtime and shift premiums may apply based on province/site rules and employer policy. |
Pay is indicative only. Final pay depends on province, overtime rules, shift premiums, licensing status, experience, and employer policy.
Short candidate portrait (what “good” looks like)
- Hands-on: confident with installations, terminations, testing, and tidy workmanship.
- Safe: follows lockout/tagout, uses PPE correctly, and respects site permits and toolbox talks.
- Reliable: punctual, consistent output, clear communication with foreman and other trades.
- Documented: can prove experience (references, project list, photos) and present trade documents.
- English: at least A2/B1 functional site communication is strongly preferred.
Requirements (detailed)
Must-have (baseline for most sites)
- Documented experience as an electrician (residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance).
- Ability to read basic drawings/schematics and follow written procedures.
- Strong safety mindset and readiness for site rules, inspections, and quality checks.
- Eligibility to work in Canada as required by law and employer policy.
Strong advantages (often increases pay and shortlist probability)
- Provincial trade certification / certificate of qualification (where applicable).
- Red Seal endorsement (Construction Electrician or Industrial Electrician).
- Experience with troubleshooting, commissioning, controls, VFDs, or industrial equipment.
- Experience working under a foreman model on large projects (multi-trade coordination).
Typical duties (what you will actually do)
- Install, route, and secure wiring (conduit, cable tray, armoured cable—site dependent).
- Terminate panels, receptacles, lighting, and equipment connections to spec.
- Test circuits and systems (continuity, insulation resistance, fault finding) and document results when required.
- Troubleshoot power loss, nuisance trips, controls issues, and equipment faults.
- Coordinate with other trades to avoid clashes and keep sequencing on track.
- Maintain clean work areas, follow site permits, and pass inspections.
Provincial certification reality (important)
Electrician certification is regulated provincially/territorially. In several provinces it is compulsory for construction electricians; in others it may be available but voluntary. Your pathway depends on where you will work.
| Province (page focus) | Trade certification status (construction electrician) | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Compulsory | Expect requests for proof of certification or an approved pathway under supervision. |
| Nova Scotia | Compulsory | Certification matters; employers often screen for recognized trade status. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Compulsory | Be prepared to show trade documents and verifiable experience. |
| British Columbia | Available, voluntary | Certification still helps for better projects and higher responsibility roles. |
If you are certified, include the certificate name/number in your CV. If not, clearly state your years/hours, scope, and supervision model.
How to apply (CV required)
Steps
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- List your electrician scope (residential/commercial/industrial), tools, and the types of projects you have completed
- Add certifications (if any), and clearly mention your preferred province and availability
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
To reduce processing time, include: (1) years in trade, (2) top 5 tasks you can do independently, (3) any certification status, (4) languages, (5) willingness to relocate within Canada.
Common CV mistakes (avoid)
- Only writing “Electrician” without describing scope (panel work, conduit, troubleshooting, maintenance).
- No project evidence (no references, no project list, no photos).
- Not stating location preference (province/city) and availability date.
- Missing certificates section (even if you only have safety tickets or internal training).
FAQ
Is a CV required for Electrician jobs?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Create or upload your CV here: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Are wages shown gross or net?
All pay ranges on this page are shown as gross (brutto) hourly pay in CAD. Final take-home pay depends on taxes, deductions, and your personal situation.
Do I need Red Seal or a provincial license?
It depends on the province and the site. In several provinces (including Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador), trade certification for construction electricians is typically treated as compulsory. In British Columbia, certification can be available but voluntary. If you have certification, include it in your CV; if not, clearly document your experience and scope.
What work authorization do electricians typically use in Canada?
Most foreign candidates work on an employer-specific work permit tied to a job offer (often supported by an LMIA) or under an LMIA-exempt category where the employer submits an offer through the employer portal. Some eligible candidates may have an open work permit.
What should I include in my CV to get shortlisted?
List your electrician scope (residential/commercial/industrial), core tasks you can do independently (terminations, troubleshooting, panel work), tools/systems, certificates, and a short project list with references or proof. Also include province preference and availability date.
What affects the top end of the pay range?
Higher gross rates are typically linked to recognized certification, strong troubleshooting/diagnostics, industrial experience, ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and project complexity (shift work, remote sites, or specialized systems).