Labour Market Info
Looking for a job? Why you should consider the trades!
The shortage of skilled tradespeople in Canada has been flagged by the building industry as a cause for concern for more than a decade, but as time goes on – and current demographic trends continue – it may soon reach crisis proportions. Canada is looking at a shortage of one million tradespeople by 2020. The average age of a tradesperson in Canada reached 40 in 2007, four years older than it was in 1987. The average age of welders is 56. The average framers and finisher are also in their 50s.
There are simply not enough young people pursuing trades to meet the demand. And the difficulty in finding skilled tradespeople in the housing industry– framers, carpenters, drywall installers, among others – has greatly extended construction project timelines.
Majority of parents support a career in trades for their children
“With Canada facing an unprecedented skilled trades shortage, we need more parents to discuss the unlimited career possibilities in the skilled trades with their children,” says David Tsubouchi, former Registrar and CEO, Ontario College of the Trades. “Apprenticeship is a great way to earn money while learning new skills and working towards a rewarding and exciting career.” Read more from the Ontario College of Trades.
Learn more about the Renfrew County Labour Market trends and why a career in the trades ranks among the top 10 occupations in our community.
How well does it pay?
Contractors: Normal pay for Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades is $55,967 per year. That is about $4,663 per month or $26.91 per hour. New workers generally start around $36,300, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $75,167.
Carpenters: Normal pay for Carpenters is $47,405 per year. That is about $3,950 per month or $22.79 per hour. New workers generally start around $31,381, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $70,106.
Construction Estimator: Normal pay for Construction estimators is $62,412 per year. That is about$5,201 per month or $30.01 per hour. New workers generally start around$44,818, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $94,194.
Construction trade helper or labourer: Normal pay for Construction trades helpers and labourers are $37,151 per year. That is about $3,095 per month or $17.86 per hour. New workers generally start around $23,874, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $62,087.
Plasterer, drywall installer or finisher or lather: Normal pay for Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers is $50,233 per year. That is about $4,186 per month or $24.15 per hour. New workers generally start around $29,080, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $72,823.
Roofer or shingler: Normal pay for Roofers and shinglers is $55,278 per year. That is about $4,606 per month or $26.58 per hour. New workers generally start around $34,972, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $72,061.