Construction Jobs in Canada (2025) – Salaries, LMIA, Red Seal & PNP

Canada’s construction industry faces a major labour shortage in 2025. Employers are actively hiring foreign workers with LMIA sponsorship for trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, and general labour. This guide covers salaries, Red Seal, NOC codes, provinces hiring, and immigration pathways.
- 🔧 In-demand trades: carpenter, electrician, plumber, welder, HVAC, heavy equipment operator.
- 💰 Pay: $18–$26/hr (labourers) and $30–$45/hr (skilled trades).
- 🛂 Work permits: LMIA sponsorship; PR via Express Entry & PNP.
- 🎓 Credentials: Red Seal + safety tickets increase hiring chances.
- 📍 Hot provinces: BC, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Atlantic Canada.
Why Construction Workers Are in Demand
- Massive housing and infrastructure projects across Canada.
- Shortage of skilled trades due to retirements and fewer apprentices.
- Employers rely on LMIA work permits to hire foreigners.
- High demand in cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary) and remote projects.
NOC Codes & Trades List (2025)
NOC | Trade / Role | Notes |
---|---|---|
73100 | Carpenters | Framing, finishing, formwork |
72200 | Electricians | Residential & commercial wiring |
72300 | Plumbers | Residential, commercial, industrial |
72307 | Welders | Fabrication, pipelines, structures |
73400 | Heavy equipment operators | Excavator, dozer, grader |
73201 | HVAC mechanics | Heating, refrigeration, A/C |
73101 | Roofers & shinglers | Steep/flat roofing systems |
75110 | Construction labourers | Entry-level, LMIA common |
Salaries by Trade & Province (2025)
Trade | BC | AB | ON | SK | Atlantic |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Carpenter | $28–42 | $27–40 | $26–40 | $26–38 | $24–36 |
Electrician | $32–48 | $32–46 | $30–45 | $29–43 | $27–41 |
Plumber | $31–47 | $30–46 | $29–44 | $28–42 | $26–40 |
Welder | $30–45 | $30–46 | $28–43 | $27–42 | $25–40 |
HVAC Tech | $30–45 | $29–44 | $28–43 | $27–41 | $25–39 |
Heavy Equip. Op. | $30–44 | $30–45 | $28–42 | $27–40 | $25–38 |
Labourer | $20–28 | $20–29 | $19–27 | $18–26 | $18–25 |
Eligibility, Safety Tickets & Red Seal
- Experience: Verified work history/apprenticeship.
- Safety tickets: WHMIS, First Aid, Fall Protection, CSTS.
- Tools/PPE: Steel-toe boots, gloves, helmet.
- Red Seal: Boosts wages & mobility across provinces.
- Language: IELTS needed only for PR, not LMIA permits.
LMIA, PNP & Express Entry
- LMIA Work Permit: Employer gets LMIA approval to hire you.
- Provincial Nominee Programs: Alberta, Saskatchewan, NS nominate trades workers.
- Express Entry (FST): Skilled trades get PR with job offers/PNP.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: Great for NS, NB, PEI, NL jobs.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Match your NOC code correctly.
- Prepare a Canadian-style resume.
- Search jobs on Job Bank, Indeed, Workopolis.
- Apply to LMIA-approved employers.
- Employer gets LMIA → you apply for Work Permit.
- Gain experience → apply PR via Express Entry or PNP.
Pro Tips to Get Hired Faster
- Highlight safety tickets on your CV.
- Remote camp jobs are often LMIA-friendly.
- Translate certificates into English/French.
- Never pay for job offers or LMIA fees.
Related Posts
- Top 15 Most In-Demand Jobs in Canada 2025
- Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada (2025 Guide)
- How to Apply for Jobs in Canada from Outside
FAQs
1) Can foreigners get construction jobs in Canada?
Yes, many employers hire via LMIA sponsorship.
2) Which trades are most in demand?
Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC techs, labourers.
3) What is the Red Seal?
A national trade certification boosting wages & job mobility.
4) How much can trades earn?
Labourers: $18–26/hr; skilled trades: $30–45/hr.
5) Do I need IELTS?
Not for LMIA jobs; required only for PR pathways (CLB 5–7+).
Conclusion & Share
In 2025, construction jobs in Canada are a golden opportunity for foreign workers. With high demand, competitive wages, and PR pathways, tradespeople with LMIA work permits can build a strong future in Canada.
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