The 6 Highest Paying Construction Jobs in Quebec

The construction industry in Quebec is experiencing a favourable period for job seekers. The sector is facing a significant labour shortage, with approximately 17,000 vacant positions each year for the next decade.

This situation creates exceptional opportunities for you if you are looking for a stable and well-paying career.

Construction trades offer impressive salaries, with an average of about $45 per hour. Some skilled professionals can even earn more than $120,000 per year, including overtime.

If you are seeking a new career direction, now is the ideal time to explore these lucrative careers in the Quebec construction field.

The Construction Sector in Quebec: A Growing Economic Pillar

To compare salary potential with the real market, check out the higher-paying construction jobs currently listed.

Construction in Quebec represents a major economic force with nearly 200,000 workers and about 300,000 direct jobs. More than 26,000 employers are active in this dynamic field across the province.

Despite some challenges like rising interest rates, the sector maintains remarkable activity. If you observe the current market, you will note that:

• The institutional field remains very active
• Commercial projects continue to develop
• The industrial sector shows strong demand
• Civil engineering and roadwork remain robust

Impressive Performances

The year 2022 marked a record with 210.2 million hours worked, an increase of 7.0% compared to 2021. This sustained growth creates a favourable market for skilled workers.

Concrete Benefits for Workers

Working in construction in Quebec offers numerous benefits:

Benefit	Description
Salaries	Constantly rising in almost all trades
Retirement	Pension fund comparable to the public sector
Insurance	Largely covered by employers
Travel	Reimbursement of transportation costs

The construction industry is evolving rapidly. You will discover increasingly modern work environments, where technology enhances both productivity and safety. The building and public works sector today offers conditions far removed from traditional perceptions, attracting a new generation of professionals.

Factors Influencing Salaries in the Construction Industry

In the construction sector, several elements determine what you can earn. Understanding these factors helps you better grasp the differences in pay between trades.

Professional experience plays a crucial role. As a beginner, you will start with a lower hourly rate that will increase over time. For example, a carpenter-joiner may start at about $26.31 per hour and see their salary rise to $44.23 with experience.

Technical specialization strongly influences your salary. If you choose a trade requiring specific skills like refrigeration technician or elevator mechanic, you will generally benefit from better pay.

Working conditions also affect your pay. Trades involving:

• High risks
• Atypical hours
• Difficult physical conditions
• Exposure to extreme temperatures

...often offer higher financial compensation.

The region where you work significantly affects your salary. In major urban centres like Montreal and Quebec City, you can generally obtain better pay due to the higher cost of living and strong demand.

Overtime represents a major advantage. You can significantly increase your annual income through additional hours paid at a premium rate. Some professionals, like refrigeration technicians, can thus reach annual salaries exceeding $120,000.

The job market and labour shortages also influence salaries. When there is a lack of qualified workers in a specific field, wages tend to rise.

Your certifications and training can make a big difference. The more recognized qualifications you have, the better position you are in to negotiate a higher salary.

The following table summarizes the impact of these factors on your pay:

Factor	Impact on Salary
Experience	Progressive and substantial increase
Specialization	The rarer the specialization, the higher the salary
Working conditions	Compensation proportional to difficulties
Region	Higher in major urban centres
Overtime	Potential for significant annual income increase

The 6 Highest-Paying Construction Jobs in Quebec

1. Elevator Mechanic

The job of an elevator mechanic ranks at the top of the highest-paying professions in the Quebec construction sector. These specialists handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators, freight elevators, and escalators in various buildings.

A beginner in this field can expect an hourly wage of about $25, which can quickly rise to $50 with experience. On an annual basis, these professionals can easily earn more than $100,000, even without counting overtime.

To enter this profession, you will need to complete a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) in elevator mechanics, followed by practical apprenticeship. The technical complexity and significant responsibilities explain this attractive remuneration, while job prospects remain excellent due to increasing urbanization.

2. Refrigeration Technician

Refrigeration technicians hold a privileged position among the highest-paid construction jobs in Quebec. These specialized technicians handle refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Salary Scale:

• Apprentice: approximately $22.40 per hour
• Journeyman: over $47 per hour

To become a refrigeration technician, you will need to obtain a DVS in refrigeration. This profession requires great precision, inventiveness, and a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems. Contrary to common misconceptions about construction jobs, the work of a refrigeration technician skillfully combines technical skills and analytical abilities.

3. Electrician

Electricians are among the consistently well-paid professionals in the Quebec construction sector. Their expertise is essential to all construction projects, as they install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in all types of buildings.

An experienced electrician earns an average of $44.79 per hour in Quebec, which represents over $90,000 annually for full-time work. With overtime, which is common in this profession, your income can easily exceed $100,000 per year.

The required training includes a DVS in electricity, followed by an apprenticeship under the supervision of a qualified professional. In the current context of electrification and infrastructure modernization, the demand for these specialized trades remains particularly strong.

4. Roofer

The roofer profession is among the highest-paid in the construction sector. These roofing specialists perform physically demanding work, often in difficult weather conditions and at heights.

An experienced roofer earns an average of $45.15 per hour in Quebec. On an annual basis, with the many overtime hours available during the summer season, your income can easily reach or exceed $90,000.

To enter this profession, you will need to complete a DVS in roofing installation. Job prospects are very favorable in this field, particularly due to the aging of existing infrastructure and the constant need for renovation and new construction.

5. Carpenter

Carpenters hold a central position in the construction industry, as they are involved in almost every project. Whether you are a carpenter or a carpenter, your responsibilities will include reading plans, constructing wooden or metal structures, and installing elements such as floors, walls, and roofs.

On an annual basis, an experienced carpenter can earn more than $85,000, not including overtime. To practice this trade, you will generally need to obtain a DVS in carpentry. The demand for these professionals remains high, ensuring excellent long-term job prospects.

6. Bricklayer-Mason

Bricklayer-masons are highly skilled professionals who build and repair structures made of bricks, concrete blocks, and stones. Their work combines technical precision and artistic dimension, making this trade one of the most comprehensive in construction.

An experienced bricklayer-mason earns an average of $43.85 per hour in Quebec. For full-time work, this represents about $85,000 annually, with substantial additional income possible from overtime.

To enter this profession, you will generally need to complete a DVS in bricklaying-masonry.

Conclusion: Choosing a Construction Career in Quebec

Construction trades represent an excellent career path in Quebec. With average hourly wages of around $45 for experienced workers and the possibility of earning over $90,000 per year with overtime, these careers are very financially attractive.

One of the great advantages is the accessibility of these trades. You can qualify quickly through short training programs—typically a DVS of 8 to 18 months. This advantageous ratio between training duration and salary makes it an ideal option if you are starting your career or seeking a career change.

Why choose construction now?

• Labour shortage (about 17,000 workers per year for the next decade)
• Excellent job security
• Increased bargaining power
• Stable long-term prospects

The current job market is particularly favourable. Construction remains an essential sector of the Quebec economy, ensuring stable jobs for years to come.

Beyond the financial aspect, these trades offer significant personal satisfaction. You participate in the creation of concrete and lasting works: houses, schools, hospitals, or essential infrastructure. This tangible dimension of work is becoming rare in our service economy and provides a true sense of accomplishment.

Next steps to get started:

1. Explore the different available trades
2. Meet professionals in the sector
3. Visit vocational training centres
4. Discover programs that match your interests

The Quebec construction industry is constantly evolving and warmly welcomes new workers. If you are looking for a stable, well-paid, and rewarding career, construction trades deserve your attention.

Whether you are drawn to electricity, plumbing, carpentry, or other specialties, you will find opportunities suited to your talents and aspirations. The construction sector opens its doors to you with advancement opportunities and a demand that does not wane.