Are Construction Jobs in Demand in Canada?

The Canadian construction industry and skilled trade companies are always on the lookout for workers. With a shortage of skilled trades workers, Canada is looking to newcomers to help fill this gap. Currently, newcomers make up 16% of the construction workforce. Learn more about construction job salaries, job requirements, and free pre-arrival services to help you continue your construction career in Canada.

Construction Job Requirements in Canada

Requirements vary based on the construction job. For example, some trades and construction jobs in Canada are regulated in specific provinces while others are not. Currently, there are over 400 skilled trades in Canada. And about 20% of jobs are regulated. Jobs that are regulated require a license or certificate of qualification to practice, ensuring the health and safety of all Canadians.

If your trade is regulated in the province or territory where you plan to settle, you may need to get a license from a regulatory body. 

If you are a construction professional, such as an architect or an engineer, you must also meet professional licensing requirements. Or, you may work in a functional area such as Human Resources, Finance, or IT, and would like to make a career switch to the construction industry. In that case, it’s vital to know the licensing requirements.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Construction Professional

There are steps you can take before you arrive to improve your chances of working in Canada’s construction industry.

Before You Move to Canada for a Construction Career

• Learn about the construction industry in the city where you plan to live in Canada

• Research your occupation and how to compete with local talent.

• Know how to access construction job advice and services.

When researching Canada’s construction industry, consider these questions:

• Do Canadian construction employers value my skills, education, and work experience?

• What and where are construction jobs in demand?

• Is my education equivalent to Canadian standards? Do I need to get my education assessed?

• Is my profession or skilled trade regulated or unregulated?

• Will my professional licence (credential) be recognized?

• What wages can I expect to earn in the city where I plan to live?

What to Expect When Pursuing a Construction Career in Canada

Before you arrive in Canada, you need to know the job requirements to land a job that matches your skills and experience. It’s also important to know where the jobs are because labour market conditions vary across the country. 

With over 400 skilled trades jobs and other licensed professions, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Free pre-arrival services can help you find your way. BCCA-Integrating Newcomers (BCCA-IN) offers free services to people who would like to join Canada’s construction workforce. They know the construction industry and can help you:

• Build local connections

• Work with the right credential authorities

• Connect with construction associations and employers in different regions in Canada.

Is there a Shortage of Construction Workers in Canada?

Yes, Canada is facing a labour shortage in the construction industry. This is due to the number of construction projects in progress and a shrinking labour force. As Canada’s workforce ages, employers need to replace retiring employees and look to labour from around the world to meet the demand.

Amid Canada’s housing crisis, building housing is a priority that will rely on having enough construction workers to fuel development. Attracting global talent will help meet the increasing labour needs.

Demand for construction jobs will remain high for the next decade. According to BuildForce Canada, the industry needs to recruit 309,000 new construction workers over the next decade (2021 – 2030), driven by the expected retirement of 259,100 workers (or 22% of the current workforce).

Many employers accept applications from experienced tradespeople around the world. But the outlook for construction jobs varies depending on the province or territory, and the in-demand trades or professions. Provinces facing the greatest labour shortages include Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Alberta.

What Kind of Construction Jobs are Available?

The construction industry provides high-paying and rewarding careers for tradespeople, licensed professionals, and business function professionals. With experience in the following areas, you can build a great career in Canada:

What is the Salary for Construction Jobs in Canada?

Pay is based on experience, specialized skills, trade, and location. Research the provincial and local labour market conditions for your specific trade or profession to determine what you can expect to make. 

Construction professionals with specialized skills in project management and other management roles have the potential to earn yearly salaries between $100,000 and 150,000.

Construction Job Salary and Wages in Canada

Here is the most recent wage data (updated December 2024) for some trade jobs in Canada. The figures provided are based on national averages. Wages vary based on the province and region. Click on the links for more information about regional wages and job prospects.

What’s Required to Work in Canada?

Internationally trained construction workers must meet the licensing requirements in Canada to practice. But many entry-level jobs require little to no experience. If you have experience, you can qualify for higher-level roles, depending on the trade. 

Construction companies hire newcomers with the ability to write, read, listen, communicate, and speak English (or French if you plan to live in Quebec).

Language Training for Construction Jobs in Canada

You may need to upgrade your communication skills. Strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French, are important for your future in Canada.

Whether you choose to learn or improve English or French will depend on which of the two languages is mostly spoken where you intend to live.

You may be eligible for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. You can also find free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.

There are even language courses in Ontario that teach you professional terms, such as occupation-specific language training (OSLT).

Skilled Trade and Construction Schools in Canada

There are many trade and construction schools in Canada. Continuing your education upon moving to Canada can help you advance your construction career. Most diploma and certificate programs are offered at the college level.

Top Schools for Skilled Trades

Construction and Skilled Trade Associations in Canada

Skilled trades and other construction professions are regulated by each province and territory by regulatory bodies. The role of these bodies is to:

• Set the licensing standards and requirements 
• Assess workers’ qualifications
• Issue licenses when standards have been met.

While some skilled trades are regulated, not all trades require a license.

National Construction Associations

The following associations provide information about licensing and certification.

Canadian Construction Association

Engineers Canada

Canadian Architectural Certification Board

Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Project Management Association of Canada

Canadian Council for Technicians and Technologists

Best Provinces to Work in Construction Jobs

You can expect to find more construction jobs where the population is larger. For example, Ontario, Canada’s largest province, represents about 37.5% of construction jobs in Canada. British Columbia represents 16.7% of construction activity, while Alberta represents 15% of construction activity. (Source: BuildForce Canada)

Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area have the largest construction job market in Canada. The city boasts a high crane count, an indicator of large construction activity.

Before deciding where you want to settle in Canada, research where there is a high demand for your specific job that will allow you to continue your career.

Types of Construction Work in Canada

The industry has two primary sectors: residential and non-residential construction. Whether it’s building new homes or hospitals, schools, or skyscrapers, it’s an exciting time to join Canada’s construction industry! According to the Canadian Construction Association, the industry employs more than 1.4 million people and about 7% of Canada’s workforce. It is one of the leading sources of employment in Canada.

1. Residential Construction Sector

Work in the residential sector includes new home building and home renovation. Employers in residential construction are usually:

• New home builders and renovation contractors hire tradespeople on staff.
• Trade contractors that specialize in a specific area, such as plumbing contractors or heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors.

There are many opportunities in residential construction across Canada. But some regions are more active than others. So, it’s vital to research job demand at the national, provincial, and local levels. BCCA-IN can help you connect with construction associations and employers across Canada.

2. Non-residential Construction Sector (institutional, industrial, commercial, and engineering)

There is also a high demand for construction workers in the non-residential construction sector. For example, there are large, resource-based construction projects underway across the country. 

The table below outlines industrial projects in Canada:

Construction Employers

Canada has many large construction companies, such as PCL and Aecon. But, according to the Canadian Construction Association, 70% of the industry is small (fewer than five employees) to medium-sized companies. With a growing industry, starting your construction career with a small company can allow you to progress and earn a higher income as the company grows.

How to Work in Your Trade in Canada

Construction has many regulated trades and professions. This means you need a license to work.  BCCA-IN can help you find out if your job is regulated and connect you with the right licensing body.

You may need a license to work in Canada. Each province and territory has certification requirements.

With trade experience from another country, you can complete a Trade Equivalency Assessment. This assessment shows your:

• Past training 
• Work experience 
• Level of education
• Level of language ability.

Based on your work experience, you may be able to write the Certificate of Qualification exam. This exam tests your knowledge, competence, and ability to perform important tasks in your trade.

How to Find Your First Construction Job in Canada

To compete in the Canadian job market, you need to prepare to find a job. Research available construction jobs in Canada by province and region, and develop a plan to find work.

To search for a job, you can:

• Broaden your search and include alternative careers.
• Seek a mentor who can give you insight into Canada’s construction industry and introduce you to their network.
• Join job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.
• Attend construction job fairs and regularly check online job boards.

Use Settlement Agencies

Finding a job in Canada may be different than in your home country, and you may need help with your job search. Most settlement agencies offer free services to help you:

• Find job vacancies
• Update your resume
• Write cover letters
• Prepare for interviews, and
• Understand what Canadian employers are looking for.

Find out more about the free settlement services and how they help newcomers.

Build Your Network

Networking and building connections are important in Canada. Many jobs are found in the “hidden job market.” You can discover these jobs through networking with others. So, it’s helpful to connect and build relationships with others in your field who can help you discover these jobs. Good places to network include conferences, associations, and LinkedIn.

Summary

Now is a great time to join Canada’s construction industry. And, if you have the right skills and experience, you’ll find jobs in cities across Canada that pay high construction salaries. With a positive job outlook, it’s a good time to discover your options.