Manufacturing is one of the most important pillars of the Canadian economy in 2021, representing over 10% of the country’s GDP. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down many industries and forced them to drastically adapt the way they work, the government has taken steps to help drive growth in Canada’s manufacturing sector. Industry leaders are also calling for strengthening of some of the weaknesses that were exposed in manufacturing when the pandemic first hit, which could lead to further investment and maybe even job growth.
If you’re interested in getting involved in the manufacturing sector, you might want to know what the best paying positions are. Read on to learn why manufacturing and factory jobs are some of the best paid in Canada, and what the top 5 highest paying careers in manufacturing are for 2021.
Are manufacturing positions among the highest-paying jobs?
The Canadian manufacturing industry is probably bigger than you think. Almost 70% of Canada’s merchandise exports come from the manufacturing sector, generating billions of dollars each year. It’s no wonder that the industry supports a massive 1.7 million full-time and well-paid manufacturing jobs!
Canada’s manufacturing companies are constantly looking for new ways to grow while getting people interested in working in the sector, as is the government. Programs like the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant serve to encourage young people to join different sectors of the economy, including manufacturing.
These are just some of the reasons that skilled professionals all over Canada can find well-paid jobs in the manufacturing industry.
Best options for well-paid manufacturing jobs
While there are thousands of different job types in the industry, we’ve narrowed down some of the most popular and well-paying manufacturing positions that we hire for on a regular basis. To find out how much specific manufacturing jobs pay in your area, check out our nationwide salary calculator! Here are 5 great options for high paying manufacturing jobs in Canada for 2021:
Electrician
Electricians are an important part of the manufacturing industry and are mostly responsible for tasks related to electrical controls, equipment and wiring in industrial plants and factory areas. Their daily duties are likely to include testing, troubleshooting, installation and repair of electrical equipment and machinery. Electricians that work in manufacturing companies often work alongside other professionals like engineers. In specialized sectors such as automotive production, electricians are tasked with wiring and testing products before they’re sent out to customers.
Experienced electricians are well paid and are currently in high demand in the manufacturing sector. Electrician positions usually require an electrical license and 2-4 years of experience in manufacturing roles.
Salary range for electricians: $55,400 - $94,100.
Millwright
A millwright is a highly-skilled mechanic with experience in industrial and manufacturing settings. Common millwright duties include installing, maintaining, and repairing industrial equipment, as well as relocating machinery on the factory floor. Millwrights may use specialized tools like hydraulic bolters and welders and are often in charge of replacing machine parts as part of a team alongside engineers, electricians, and other professionals.
Millwright positions require a completed 4-year apprenticeship program, technical training, and a valid journeyman certificate. The highest-paying millwright jobs often need over 5 years of experience in manufacturing.
Salary range for millwrights: $58,100 – $97,200
Engineer
Engineers are vital for different areas of manufacturing, from the design and development of machinery to the maintenance of complex manufacturing equipment. More specific areas of engineering may also be involved in manufacturing depending on the company and the goods being produced. For example, companies in the chemical production sector will rely on chemical engineers to design safe and effective manufacturing processes as well as solve problems related to the management of industrial chemicals.
Engineers are typically very well paid and experienced or well-qualified engineers are also in high demand across the manufacturing industry. Engineering positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and practical work experience.
Salary range for manufacturing engineers: $68,100 - $110,400
IT Specialist
In modern manufacturing companies, IT specialists are essential. Their responsibilities include supporting, supervising and training employees from other departments to make sure they know how to use equipment correctly. They also troubleshoot problems with software and hardware related to computer systems. Senior IT professionals may research and implement new technologies to improve IT infrastructure like servers and internet networks within a manufacturing setting.
IT specialists earn good salaries in manufacturing and require a bachelor’s or master’s degree depending on the seniority of their position. Most IT jobs in the manufacturing sector are available for professionals with 2+ years of relevant experience, and training qualifications are also useful for getting a high salary.
Salary range for IT specialists varies greatly according to experience and role, but you can expect to earn anywhere from $44,800 - $170,700.
Service Technician
Service technicians and manufacturing technicians are the backbone of many companies in the sector. They are the workforce behind the production of goods and are usually responsible for running and maintaining basic factory equipment, monitoring assembly processes, checking product quality and documenting productivity. They also ensure adherence to manufacturing protocols that are important for uniform and timely production of goods.
Service and manufacturing technicians are well paid and in high demand for growing areas of the manufacturing sector. This position requires a high school level of education and at least 3 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Certifications and training related to manufacturing equipment are usually needed to ensure a high-paying position or a team leader role.
Salary range for service technicians: $51,000 - $89,200
There you have our pick of the top 5 well-paid manufacturing jobs in Canada for 2021! To get started on your career in manufacturing or to find your dream job, don´t forget to check out our frequently updated
manufacturing and factory job postings!