Canada's skilled trades sector is at a pivotal moment. With 700,000 tradespeople expected to retire by 2028, a significant generational shift is underway, creating a high premium on skilled workers. To succeed, companies must adopt a strategic approach to compensation and talent development that goes beyond traditional hiring.
prepare to uncover
- how to attract top talent in a competitive Canadian labor market
- how will the current compensation trends shape your hiring strategy?
- what impact do local salary trends have on today’s skilled trades workforce?
- how to build result-driven hiring strategies to onboard a great skilled trades team
Our 2026 skilled trades salary guide is your essential resource for navigating these shifts, providing the data and strategies you need to attract and retain the next generation of trades professionals.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 skilled trades salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of trades to give you a detailed view of the evolving Canadian market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at national and regional salary averages for the most sought-after roles, including:
- CNC machinist
- electrical machinist
- field service technician
- machine builder
- heavy equipment mechanic
- millwright
- tool and die maker
- welder
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- Competitive wages and work-life balance: The guide explores why compensation strategies are evolving beyond base wages. It highlights the importance of providing competitive pay alongside flexible scheduling and professional development, which are prioritized by 88% of Canadian workers.
- Technology transformation and green skills: The guide explores how technological integration, from drones to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), is reshaping daily operations across multiple trades. It provides insights into how green technologies are creating entirely new skill categories and why 25% of professionals will need to upgrade their skills within five years.
- The power of reskilling: With 68.8% of operational employees considering reskilling opportunities at work to be important, the guide explores how to build comprehensive training programs that successfully blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. It also addresses the generational divide in training to help you better support both new and experienced workers.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of skilled trades compensation in Canada. By understanding these trends, you can build a resilient team for the years to come.
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