What You’ll Earn Year by Year As An Ontario Electrician Apprentice
One of the biggest questions people have before entering the electrical trade in Ontario is simple: how much will I actually make? The good news is that electrician apprentices in Ontario earn a real wage from day one — no unpaid internships, no working for free to “get experience.” You get paid to learn, and your pay goes up every year.
In this guide, we break down Ontario electrician apprentice wages year by year, compare union and non-union pay, show what you can expect once you’re licensed, and explain exactly what factors affect how much you’ll earn throughout your apprenticeship.
If you’re still deciding whether to enter the trade, start with our full guide: How to Become an Electrician in Ontario. If you already know you want in and you’re wondering how long the journey takes, read our guide on How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician in Ontario.
The Quick Answer: Ontario Electrician Apprentice Wage Overview
According to Government of Canada Job Bank data, apprentice electricians in Ontario earn between $20.00 and $50.50 per hour, depending on their year of apprenticeship, union status, employer, and location. Here’s how that breaks down at a glance:
| Apprenticeship Year | Approximate Hourly Wage (CAD) | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $18 – $22/hr | ~$37,000 – $45,000 |
| Year 2 | $21 – $25/hr | ~$43,000 – $52,000 |
| Year 3 | $24 – $28/hr | ~$50,000 – $58,000 |
| Year 4 | $27 – $33/hr | ~$56,000 – $68,000 |
| Year 5 | $30 – $38/hr | ~$62,000 – $79,000 |
| Journeyperson (Licensed) | $38 – $50+/hr | ~$79,000 – $104,000+ |
Note: Annual estimates based on a standard 40-hour work week, 52 weeks. Overtime is common in the trade and can significantly increase total earnings. Union wages are generally higher — see the union vs. non-union section below.
Year-by-Year Wage Breakdown
Year 1 — Getting Started
Your first year as an apprentice is about learning the fundamentals: rough-in wiring, conduit work, safety procedures, reading blueprints, and getting comfortable on job sites. Pay in this period reflects your entry-level status, but it’s real money from day one.
Typical Year 1 wage: $18 – $22/hour
Non-union first-year apprentices often start in the $18–$20 range. Union apprentices through IBEW locals can start higher, depending on the collective agreement in their region. Either way, you’re earning while your friends in university are paying tuition.
During Year 1 you’ll also attend Level 1 in-school training — several weeks at an Ontario college or training delivery agent. This is paid time in many union agreements; check your specific employer’s terms for non-union positions.
Year 2 — Building Confidence
By your second year, you’re faster and more useful on the job. You’re taking on more tasks with less supervision, and your employer is getting real value from your work. That’s reflected in your paycheque.
Typical Year 2 wage: $21 – $25/hour
Many job postings for second-year apprentices in Ontario advertise in this range. At this stage, working 40 hours a week puts you well above $40,000 annually — before overtime.
Year 3 — Hitting Your Stride
Third year is often when apprentices start to feel genuinely competent on the job. You understand the Ontario Electrical Code well enough to work efficiently, you’re trusted with more complex tasks, and your wage reflects that growing skill set.
Typical Year 3 wage: $24 – $28/hour
Level 3 in-school training happens during this period, covering more advanced topics like motor controls, commercial wiring systems, and load calculations. Your annual income is now well into the $50,000+ range, and you’re still two years away from your licence.
Year 4 — Near-Journeyperson Level
Fourth-year apprentices are doing work that looks very similar to a journeyperson. The main difference is the paperwork — you still have your Training Agreement. At this stage, your employer is relying on you heavily, and your pay reflects that.
Typical Year 4 wage: $27 – $33/hour
Many fourth-year apprentices in Ontario are earning between $56,000 and $68,000 annually at standard hours. With overtime — which is common in construction electrical — that number can climb significantly higher.
Year 5 — Final Stretch Before Licensing
Your final year is about completing your remaining hours, finishing Level 4 in-school training, and preparing for your Certificate of Qualification exam. Your wages are at their highest as an apprentice.
Typical Year 5 wage: $30 – $38/hour
At this stage you’re earning close to journeyperson rates at many employers, and the finish line is in sight. Most fifth-year apprentices are earning $60,000–$79,000+ annually before overtime.
What You Earn After You Get Licensed
Once you pass your Certificate of Qualification exam and become a licensed journeyperson electrician in Ontario, your earning potential increases significantly.
According to Indeed, the average journeyperson electrician wage in Ontario is approximately $38.48/hour, with licensed electricians commonly earning between $34 and $50+ per hour depending on sector and employer.
| Electrician Type | Median Hourly Wage (Ontario) | Top Earners |
|---|---|---|
| Construction & Maintenance (309A) | ~$34 – $42/hr | $50+/hr |
| Industrial Electrician (442A) | ~$38 – $45/hr | $48+/hr |
| Lineworker (Powerline Tech) | ~$45/hr | $62+/hr |
| Master Electrician / Contractor | $80,000 – $100,000+/yr | Unlimited (business owner) |
Industrial and linework roles tend to pay at the higher end of the scale. If you’re eventually interested in running your own electrical business, a Master Electrician licence opens that door entirely.
Union vs. Non-Union: How Big Is the Pay Difference?
This is one of the most common questions apprentices ask — and the answer matters a lot over five years.
IBEW (union) electricians in Ontario earn on average 40% more than non-union electricians, according to IBEW’s own wage data. Union apprentice wages are set by collective agreements negotiated between the IBEW locals and the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECA), meaning your pay scale is locked in and guaranteed.
Union apprenticeships also typically include:
- Health and dental benefits
- Pension contributions
- Paid in-school training periods
- Standardized wage increases tied to hours worked
- Overtime paid at 1.5x for hours over the standard daily maximum
Non-union positions can still pay well — especially with larger private electrical contractors — but wages are negotiated individually and vary more widely. Some non-union contractors match or exceed union rates to attract talent; others pay on the lower end of the range.
The bottom line: If you have the opportunity to get into a union apprenticeship through an IBEW local in Ontario, the long-term financial difference is substantial. Over a five-year apprenticeship, the gap in total earnings between a union and lower-paying non-union position can easily reach $40,000–$60,000 or more.
What Affects Your Wage as an Apprentice in Ontario?
Beyond union vs. non-union, several other factors influence where your pay lands within the ranges above:
- Employer size and sector: Large commercial and industrial contractors generally pay more than small residential shops. ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional) work pays more than low-rise residential in most cases.
- Location: Toronto, the GTA, and other major urban centres typically pay more than rural Ontario, partly due to cost of living and higher demand.
- Overtime: Overtime is common and sometimes expected in construction electrical. At 1.5x your hourly rate, a few overtime hours per week can add $5,000–$15,000+ to your annual income.
- Performance: In non-union settings, demonstrating skill and reliability early can lead to faster-than-standard wage increases. It never hurts to ask.
- Your specific IBEW local: Different IBEW locals across Ontario have different collective agreements. Toronto’s Local 353, Ottawa’s Local 586, and other locals all have their own wage schedules. Check the IBEW Ontario website for your region’s current rates.
How Does Electrician Pay Compare to University Graduates?
This comparison is worth making — especially if you’re weighing the trades against a four-year degree.
A university graduate typically spends 4 years accumulating $40,000–$80,000+ in student debt before earning their first professional salary. An electrician apprentice in Ontario spends those same 4–5 years earning money — accumulating roughly $180,000–$250,000+ in wages over the apprenticeship period — while building toward a licensed career that pays $38–$50+/hour.
The net financial difference by age 30 between a journeyperson electrician and a typical university graduate is often $100,000 or more, once student debt is factored in. And the electrician’s career doesn’t require a master’s degree to advance — it requires skill, experience, and licences that you earn on the job.
📺 Want to Hear It From a Real Apprentice?
Numbers on a page are one thing — hearing from someone who’s actually living it is another. Search YouTube for real Ontario and Canadian electrician apprentices talking about their pay, day-to-day work, and what they’d do differently:
👉 Search YouTube: “Electrician apprentice Canada wages” →
You’ll find first-hand videos from apprentices at various stages of their careers sharing real pay stubs, breakdowns of their annual earnings, and honest takes on union vs. non-union work. It’s some of the most useful research you can do before making a decision about the trade.
How Much Will You Earn Over Your Entire Apprenticeship?
Let’s put the full picture together. At a conservative estimate using the mid-range of each year’s wages at standard 40-hour weeks:
| Year | Hourly (Mid-Range) | Annual Estimate | Running Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $20/hr | ~$41,600 | ~$41,600 |
| Year 2 | $23/hr | ~$47,840 | ~$89,440 |
| Year 3 | $26/hr | ~$54,080 | ~$143,520 |
| Year 4 | $30/hr | ~$62,400 | ~$205,920 |
| Year 5 | $34/hr | ~$70,720 | ~$276,640 |
At conservative mid-range rates with no overtime, you can realistically earn $250,000–$280,000+ over your five-year apprenticeship in Ontario — all while building toward a licensed career. Add union benefits, overtime, and above-average employers, and that number climbs considerably higher.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Understanding the wages is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re ready to seriously pursue a career as an electrician in Ontario, here’s where to go next:
- 📖 How to Become an Electrician in Ontario — the complete step-by-step guide to licensing, registration, and finding your first apprenticeship
- ⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician in Ontario? — a full year-by-year timeline of the apprenticeship journey
- 🔗 Government of Canada Job Bank — Ontario Electrician Wages — the most up-to-date official wage data
- 🔗 IBEW Ontario — Union Wage Packages by Local — find the specific wage schedule for your region
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first-year electrician apprentice make in Ontario?
A first-year electrician apprentice in Ontario typically earns between $18 and $22 per hour, depending on whether they’re in a union or non-union position and who their employer is. At 40 hours per week, that works out to roughly $37,000–$45,000 per year before overtime.
Do electrician apprentices get paid during in-school training in Ontario?
It depends. Union apprentices in IBEW programs typically receive paid in-school training as part of their collective agreement. Non-union apprentices should clarify this with their employer before signing their Training Agreement, as policies vary. Some employers continue to pay regular wages during school blocks; others treat it as unpaid time off.
What is the average electrician apprentice wage in Ontario?
According to Government of Canada Job Bank data, apprentice electricians in Ontario earn between $20.00 and $50.50 per hour across all years of apprenticeship. According to Indeed, the average wage for electrician apprentices in Ontario is approximately $27.66 per hour when all years are averaged together.
Do union electricians make more than non-union in Ontario?
Yes, significantly. IBEW data indicates union electricians in Ontario earn on average 40% more than non-union counterparts. Union positions also include benefits such as health coverage, pension contributions, and standardized wage increases that add further value beyond the base hourly rate.
How much does a licensed journeyperson electrician make in Ontario?
A licensed journeyperson electrician (309A) in Ontario typically earns between $34 and $50+ per hour. The median wage according to the Government of Canada Job Bank is approximately $34/hour for construction and maintenance electricians, while industrial electricians often earn $38–$48/hour. With overtime, annual earnings for journeypersons commonly exceed $80,000–$100,000.
Can electrician apprentices earn overtime in Ontario?
Yes. Electrician apprentices in Ontario are entitled to overtime pay when they exceed the standard hours set by their employment contract or collective agreement. In union positions, overtime is typically paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours above the daily or weekly standard. Overtime is common in construction electrical work and can significantly increase total annual earnings.