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Scaffolder Jobs in Canada

Sector: Construction & Trades · Typical gross pay: 18–42 CAD/hour · Common locations: British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic Canada

CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Last updated: December 29, 2025
Page: /scaffolder.html
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Role summary Pay (gross) Duties Requirements Work conditions Work authorization Candidate fit FAQ

Role summary (what you’ll do)

This page describes a typical Scaffolder (Scaffold Builder / Erector) role in Canada. Your exact scope depends on the project (commercial, industrial shutdowns, residential), the scaffold system used, and the site safety rules.

Work at height Fall protection focus Toolbox talks Team build + tagging

Typical sites and scaffold systems

  • Commercial construction, maintenance sites, and time-bound shutdown projects (when applicable)
  • System scaffolding (e.g., ringlock/cuplock) or tube & clamp — employer/project dependent
  • Tasks usually include erecting, modifying, inspecting, tagging, and dismantling per site procedure

How to apply

  1. Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Add scaffold experience (systems, heights, industries), certificates, and your preferred provinces
  3. Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates

Neutral note: employers may request additional checks (site access, medical/fitness, background) depending on the project.

Pay in Canada (gross hourly) and what changes the rate

Typical gross hourly pay for scaffolder roles varies by province, project complexity, union vs non-union, and overtime patterns. The range below is a realistic market corridor for Canada.

Pay item Typical gross range What drives the number
Hourly pay (gross) 18–42 CAD/hour Province wage levels, union coverage, site type (commercial/industrial), and experience
Overtime / premiums Project dependent Hours beyond standard schedule, weekends/nights, shutdown timelines, local rules
Pay transparency Always confirm in offer Rate type, vacation pay approach, deductions, and any site allowance must be stated by employer

Overtime, shift premiums, and union vs non-union

  • Unionized projects often have clearer wage ladders and benefit structures (varies by local agreement).
  • Non-union rates can be competitive on some sites, but may differ more by employer and season.
  • Rates are commonly influenced by: competence level (helper vs builder vs lead), system type, and safety tickets.
Province Union / non-union Industrial vs commercial Overtime patterns Certificates

Day-to-day duties (practical list)

  • Load, stage, and handle scaffold materials safely (manual handling is part of the job).
  • Erect, modify, and dismantle scaffold structures per site procedure and manufacturer guidance.
  • Install decks, guardrails, toe boards, access ladders/stairs; maintain safe access routes.
  • Use fall-protection correctly and maintain 100% tie-off where required by site rules.
  • Verify level/plumb, anchoring/ties, base plates/sole boards; support inspection and tagging routines.
  • Communicate with supervisors and other trades; follow permits, exclusion zones, and lift plans.

Scope expands with experience: layout planning support, material quantification, mentoring helpers, and leading safe sequencing.

Requirements and certificates

Safety training (common)

  • Working at Heights / Fall Protection (often requested)
  • WHMIS (hazard communication) (often requested)
  • Site orientation + toolbox talks; understanding of safe load limits and tagging practices

Experience that employers value

  • Hands-on experience with system scaffolds (ringlock/cuplock) or tube & clamp
  • Comfort working at height in changing weather conditions
  • Ability to read basic drawings/layouts and follow a build sequence
  • Clean work habits: housekeeping, material control, and respecting exclusion zones
Nice-to-have: First Aid, forklift/telehandler exposure, industrial shutdown experience

Work conditions in Canada (schedule, tools, PPE, deductions)

  • Schedule: commonly day shift; overtime or nights may occur on shutdowns or tight timelines.
  • Weather: outdoor work is frequent; winter conditions can affect pace and site rules.
  • Tools & PPE: PPE is mandatory; some employers provide site-specific gear while candidates may need basic items.
  • Safety culture: expect checklists, permits, and stop-work authority for unsafe conditions.
  • Deductions: statutory deductions apply; any additional deductions must be clearly stated by the employer.
  • Travel / accommodation: depends on project location; some remote projects use camp-style arrangements.

Work authorization basics (documents and eligibility)

To work legally in Canada, you must have authorization that matches the employer and role. In practice, candidates may work under an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit (status-dependent). Employers typically verify identity and eligibility before onboarding.

  • Valid identity documents (passport) and proof of your right to work
  • Project-dependent checks: site access requirements, background screening, or medical/fitness clearance
  • Trade licensing is role- and province-dependent; scaffolding often prioritizes verified experience + safety tickets
  • Basic English communication is important for safety instructions and teamwork

This page is informational and does not replace official eligibility rules or an employer’s compliance process.

Candidate fit (quick self-check)

You are a good fit if you…

  • Can work confidently at height and follow fall-protection rules without shortcuts
  • Have hands-on scaffolding experience (or strong construction background with a clear learning path)
  • Understand safe load practices and respect tagging/inspection procedures
  • Communicate clearly with the crew and treat safety briefings seriously
  • Can handle physical work (lifting, climbing, repetitive movement)
  • Are reliable with attendance and ready for project-based schedules

This role is not for you if you…

  • Feel unsafe working at height or do not want to use fall protection consistently
  • Prefer fully sedentary work or cannot manage physical demands
  • Ignore site rules, exclusion zones, or permit-to-work instructions
  • Cannot provide a CV or basic proof of experience

Hiring story (how projects usually look)

Some scaffolder hiring in Canada is driven by short planning windows: a commercial site ramps up, a maintenance team needs safe access rebuilt, or an industrial job requires rapid changes to platforms and routes. Employers look for people who build clean, level structures, keep access safe, and communicate clearly when conditions change.

Fast sequencing Safety-first build Team coordination Inspection & tagging

Related roles in Construction & Trades

Internal links to similar vacancies

FAQ

Is a CV required to apply?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Create or upload your CV here: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

What is a realistic gross hourly pay range for scaffolders in Canada?

Common ranges are 18–42 CAD/hour gross, depending on province, union coverage, project type, and experience. Overtime and shift premiums can change weekly totals.

Do I need WHMIS or Working at Heights?

Many employers prefer or require them. Requirements differ by province and site policy, but safety tickets consistently improve hiring speed.

What does “work authorization” mean in practice?

You must have legal permission to work in Canada (status-dependent). Employers typically verify identity and eligibility before onboarding.

Is scaffolding work always physically demanding?

Usually yes. Expect lifting/carrying, climbing, repetitive movement, and working outdoors. A safety-first pace is normal on well-managed sites.

Do employers provide tools or accommodation?

Project dependent. PPE is always required; some sites provide specific gear. Remote projects may offer camp-style accommodation, but it varies by employer and location.