Construction
Career Ladder
Learn About The Construction Career Path
Advance your skills and learn what it takes to move up the Construction Career Ladder!
Each career level contains information about hourly wages, job descriptions, main job duties, examples of job titles, general skills, and links to educational courses and training opportunities. Select one of the levels to learn more.
To explore other career ladders, please visit our Career Ladders page. If you have further questions about local labour market information, email helpdesk@wdb.ca or visit wdb.ca.
* Many other career paths branch out from apprenticeship within the construction industry.
Entrepreneur / Business Owner
Varies
Construction Managers
$47.44
Contractors & Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
$39.33
Carpenters
$30.48
Residential & Commercial Installers & Servicers
$25.55
Construction Trades Helpers & Labourers
$24.71
Apprenticeships can lead to careers in carpentry. It is also possible to enter this career path directly.
Apprenticeship*
$26.00
*median hourly wage as of October 1, 2024
Apprenticeship
Wages
Low
$22.00
Median
$26.00
High
$35.00
What is Apprenticeship?
- A pathway to a rewarding career in the trades that require a high level of skill, judgement and creativity
- A combination of on-the-job training & in-school learning
- An opportunity to earn an hourly wage while learning from experienced workers
- A 2-5 year process wherein apprentices work for a year, then switch to studying in class for 8-12 weeks
- 144 trades in Ontario that support mechanical, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, building and service industries
Skills
Judgement
Creativity
Examples of Trades with Apprenticeships
Plumber, General Carpenter, Heavy Equipment Technician, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Operator
Education & Training Resources
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Skilled Trades Ontario
FLEMING COLLEGE
Construction Training & Apprenticeship Ontario
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Support Ontario Youth
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Construction Trades Helpers & Labourers
Wages
Low
$19.77
Median
$24.71
High
$34.59
Main Job Duties
- Load and unload construction materials, and move materials to work areas
- Assist tradespersons such as carpenters, bricklayers, cement finishers, roofers and glaziers in construction activities
- Assist in demolishing buildings using prying bars and other tools, and sort, clean and pile salvaged materials
- Mix, pour and spread materials such as concrete and asphalt
Skills
Problem Solving
Interpersonal Skills
Customer Service
Job Title Examples
Construction Labourer
Carpenter’s Assistant
Asphalt Spreader
Education & Training Resources
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Construction
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Find your local employment service provider here or adult education and training provider here and contact them for current training programs such as:
- Occupational-specific training, career planning, job search, resume writing, or government-funded programs
- Upgrading and skills development including grade 12 support, customer service, money math, computers, and apprenticeship preparation
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Residential & Commercial Installers & Servicers
Wages
Low
$20.00
Median
$25.55
High
$35.60
Main Job Duties
- Read blueprints or work order specifications to determine layout and installation procedures
- Install, repair and service interior prefabricated products such as doors, windows, kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanities, water heaters and household appliances using hand and power tools
- Install, repair and service exterior prefabricated products such as siding, shutters, awnings, fencing, decks, septic and irrigation systems, signs and play structures using hand and power tools
Skills
Time Management
Customer Service
Work Independently
Job Title Examples
Siding Installer
Fence Builder
Window Installer
Education & Training Resources
On-the-job training and several months of related installing, repairing and servicing experience usually required. A driver’s license may be required.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Construction
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Find your local employment service provider here or adult education and training provider here and contact them for current training programs such as:
- Occupational-specific training, career planning, job search, resume writing, or government-funded programs
- Upgrading and skills development including grade 12 support, customer service, money math, computers, and apprenticeship preparation
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Carpenters
Wages
Low
$24.38
Median
$30.48
High
$38.58
Main Job Duties
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements
- Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials
- Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
- Fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, molding and hardware
Skills
Attention To Detail
Teamwork
Customer Service
Interpersonal Skills
Job Title Examples
Framing Carpenter
Finish Carpenter
Rough Carpenter
Education & Training Resources
Trade certification for general carpenters is non-compulsory in Ontario. Apprenticeship training consists of 6,480 hours on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training (approximately 4 years).
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Construction
COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Find your local employment service provider here or adult education and training provider here and contact them for current training programs such as:
- Occupational-specific training, career planning, job search, resume writing, or government-funded programs
- Upgrading and skills development including grade 12 support, customer service, money math, computers, and apprenticeship preparation
RED SEAL PROGRAM
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Contractors & Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
Wages
Low
$31.39
Median
$39.33
High
$45.96
Main Job Duties
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
- Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed
- Requisition materials and supplies, prepare schedules and other reports, and train or arrange training of workers
Skills
Time Management Communication
Planning
Job Title Examples
Construction Foreman
Carpenter Supervisor
Carpentry Contractor
Education & Training Resources
Several years of experience as a carpenter are required. Trade certification is usually required.
COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Construction Managers
Wages
Low
$35.42
Median
$47.44
High
$60.72
Main Job Duties
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
- Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed
- Requisition materials and supplies, prepare schedules and other reports, and train or arrange training of workers
Skills
Communication Planning
Time Management
Job Title Examples
Site Superintendent
Construction Project Manager
Residential Construction Manager
Education & Training Resources
Several years of experience in the construction industry, including experience as a construction supervisor or field superintendent, are usually required.
Trade certification or a college diploma in construction technology is usually required. A post-graduate certification in project management may be required.
Extensive experience in the construction industry may substitute for post-secondary education requirements.
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Entrepreneur / Business Owner
60 new construction businesses in the WDB Region are launched annually.
Main Job Duties
- Creating and managing a business plan, ongoing research and planning, hiring staff, creating policies, and forecasting
- Maintaining business accounts, payments processing, taxes and general bookkeeping
- Develop marketing campaigns, manage social media and conduct other marketing activities
- Respond to customer service inquiries, including answering phone calls and emails to build a positive reputation for the business
Skills
Customer Service
Organization Accounting
Time Management
Job Title Examples
Small Business Owner
Franchisee
Education & Training Resources
Grant for students aged 15 to 29 to start a new summer business
Grant for Canadians 18+ to start a new business or grow a business that has been in operations for fewer than five years
Financing, mentorship and community support for local small businesses
Supports entrepreneurs in the formation and growth of tech-driven companies
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
TRENT UNIVERSITY
Post-Secondary Education
Sources:
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
Lightcast (2023.3)
Job Bank
Job posting data is from WDB Local Jobs Hub (WDB Region)
These Career Ladders were developed as part of the Pathways to Prosperity Program
and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.