Electrical Engineer Salary in Canada 2026: Best Salary Guide by Province, Experience & Industry
Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for engineers seeking stable careers, strong compensation, and long-term growth. If you are planning to move, switch jobs, or negotiate a raise, understanding the electrical engineer salary in Canada is essential in 2026. Salaries vary widely based on province, years of experience, industry sector, and professional licensing status.
Table of Contents
This detailed guide breaks down the electrical engineer salary in Canada by province, experience level, and industry. It also covers demand trends, bonuses, benefits, and future outlook to help you make informed career decisions.
Average Electrical Engineer Salary in Canada in 2026
In 2026, the national average electrical engineer salary in Canada ranges between CAD 75,000 and CAD 115,000 per year. The median annual salary sits around CAD 92,000. Entry-level engineers typically start near CAD 65,000, while senior professionals and engineering managers can exceed CAD 130,000 annually.
Salaries depend on several factors:
- Province and city
- Industry sector
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license
- Years of experience
- Project complexity
- Company size
The table below shows the national overview.
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Table 1: National Salary Overview – 2026
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (CAD) | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | 68,000 | 60,000 – 75,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | 88,000 | 75,000 – 100,000 |
| Senior (8–15 yrs) | 110,000 | 95,000 – 130,000 |
| Engineering Manager | 135,000 | 120,000 – 160,000 |
These figures reflect base salary. Bonuses, overtime pay, and performance incentives may add 5–15 percent depending on the employer.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Canada by Province
Location has a major impact on the electrical engineer salary in Canada. Provinces with strong energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors tend to offer higher compensation.
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Table 2: Average Salary by Province – 2026
| Province | Average Salary (CAD) | Market Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 105,000 | Very High |
| Ontario | 95,000 | High |
| British Columbia | 98,000 | High |
| Saskatchewan | 100,000 | High |
| Quebec | 90,000 | Moderate |
| Manitoba | 85,000 | Moderate |
| Nova Scotia | 82,000 | Growing |
| New Brunswick | 80,000 | Stable |
Alberta leads due to oil and gas, utilities, and renewable energy projects. Ontario offers strong opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, and power distribution. British Columbia has growing demand in clean energy and construction.
Cost of living should also be considered. While Alberta and British Columbia offer higher salaries, housing costs in cities like Vancouver and Toronto are significantly higher.
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Salary by Industry Sector
Industry specialization plays a major role in determining the electrical engineer salary in Canada. Engineers working in energy and heavy industrial projects usually earn more than those in smaller consulting roles.
Table 3: Salary by Industry – 2026
| Industry Sector | Average Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | 115,000 |
| Power Generation & Utilities | 108,000 |
| Renewable Energy (Solar/Wind) | 100,000 |
| Manufacturing & Automation | 95,000 |
| Construction & EPC | 92,000 |
| Telecommunications | 90,000 |
| Building Services Consulting | 88,000 |
| Government & Public Sector | 85,000 |
Engineers involved in substation design, high voltage systems, protection and control, and grid modernization often command higher pay. Automation engineers with PLC and SCADA experience also remain in strong demand.
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Salary by Experience Level
Experience remains one of the strongest salary drivers. The electrical engineer salary in Canada increases steadily during the first ten years of practice.
Entry-Level Engineers
Graduates with a Bachelor of Engineering degree typically begin as EIT (Engineer-in-Training). Starting salaries range from CAD 60,000 to CAD 75,000. Employers value internship experience, co-op placements, and software skills such as ETAP, AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SKM.
Mid-Level Engineers
After gaining 3 to 7 years of experience, salaries rise to between CAD 80,000 and CAD 100,000. Engineers at this stage manage projects, supervise technicians, and handle client coordination. Obtaining a P.Eng. license significantly improves earning potential.
Senior Engineers
Professionals with more than 8 years of experience can expect salaries between CAD 100,000 and CAD 130,000. They lead complex industrial projects, oversee electrical design standards, and ensure regulatory compliance.
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Engineering Managers and Directors
Leadership roles in utilities, EPC firms, and manufacturing plants can exceed CAD 140,000 annually. These positions require strong technical expertise combined with project management and budgeting skills.
Impact of P.Eng. License on Salary
Holding a Professional Engineer license increases the electrical engineer salary in Canada by 10 to 20 percent on average. Many employers require a P.Eng. for signing and sealing engineering drawings.
Licensed engineers are eligible for:
- Senior project roles
- Government contracts
- Independent consulting
- Higher managerial positions
Provincial regulatory bodies such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and APEGA in Alberta oversee licensing. International engineers may need credential assessment and supervised work experience before obtaining licensure.
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Hourly Rates and Contract Roles
Some professionals work on contract rather than full-time employment. Contract electrical engineers typically earn between CAD 45 and CAD 85 per hour depending on specialization.
High voltage commissioning engineers and protection engineers can command even higher hourly rates during shutdown projects. Contract work often includes travel allowances and per diem benefits.
Job Outlook and Market Trends for 2026
The demand for electrical engineers in Canada remains strong in 2026. Several factors are driving this trend:
- Expansion of renewable energy projects
- Grid modernization initiatives
- Electric vehicle infrastructure
- Industrial automation upgrades
- Infrastructure development programs
Canada’s transition toward clean energy has increased investment in solar farms, wind power plants, and battery storage systems. This shift positively impacts the electrical engineer salary in Canada, particularly in provinces investing heavily in sustainable projects.
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City-Wise Salary Snapshot
Major metropolitan areas offer competitive salaries due to project volume and corporate presence.
Table 4: Salary by Major Cities – 2026
| City | Average Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Calgary | 108,000 |
| Edmonton | 105,000 |
| Toronto | 100,000 |
| Vancouver | 102,000 |
| Montreal | 92,000 |
| Ottawa | 95,000 |
While Toronto and Vancouver offer high compensation, living expenses must be carefully evaluated. Mid-sized cities sometimes provide better overall savings potential. Find more about Best Electrical Engineering Schools in the World | Top Global Universities for EE Programs
Factors That Influence Salary Growth
Several elements affect how quickly your salary increases:
Education and Certifications
A master’s degree in electrical engineering or certifications in project management can accelerate career growth.
Technical Skills
Expertise in power system analysis, relay coordination, industrial automation, and renewable energy integration improves job prospects.
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Software Proficiency
Experience with electrical design software, load flow studies, short circuit analysis tools, and CAD platforms enhances market value.
Industry Exposure
Working on large infrastructure or energy projects strengthens your professional profile.
Negotiation Strategy
Understanding the current electrical engineer salary in Canada allows you to negotiate confidently during interviews and performance reviews.
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Benefits Beyond Base Salary
Most employers provide comprehensive benefits packages that add significant value. These may include:
- Health and dental insurance
- Retirement savings plans
- Annual performance bonuses
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Professional development support
In some sectors, relocation allowances and signing bonuses are also offered.
Is Electrical Engineering a Good Career in Canada in 2026?
Electrical engineering remains a stable and rewarding profession. The electrical engineer salary in Canada reflects strong technical demand and long-term infrastructure needs. With consistent investment in renewable energy, smart grids, and industrial automation, the profession offers strong job security.
Engineers who continuously upgrade their skills and obtain professional licensing can expect steady salary growth. The combination of competitive pay, career progression, and diverse industry options makes Canada an attractive destination for electrical professionals.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding the electrical engineer salary in Canada helps you plan your career path strategically. Salaries differ across provinces, industries, and experience levels, but overall compensation remains competitive in 2026. Whether you are a fresh graduate, an internationally trained engineer, or a senior professional seeking advancement, Canada offers solid earning potential and long-term stability in the electrical engineering field.
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