Equipment Operators in Ontario (2026)

Ontario Market

Canada's largest economy. Heavy construction in GTA (Toronto/Hamilton), mining in north, utilities across province.

Job Sectors

• GTA Construction: Highest-paying urban market. Condos, transit, highways.
• Mining (Northern ON): Gold, nickel, minerals. Highest wages, remote work.
• Utilities: Hydro One projects, water, sewer. Steady, year-round.
• Road/Highway: MTO projects, seasonal variation.

Salary (2026)

• Entry (0-2 yrs): $32-38/hr ($64-76K/year)
• Journeyman (3-7 yrs): $52-62/hr ($104-124K/year)
• Senior (8+ yrs): $62-80/hr ($124-160K/year)
• GTA premium: +$3-5/hr vs. regional
• Mining premium: +$8-15/hr

IUOE Local 793

Ontario's operating engineers union. Covers construction, utilities, mining. Largest local in Canada (40,000+ members).

Top Markets

• Toronto (GTA): Highest wages, most jobs, high cost of living
• Sudbury (Mining): Lower cost, excellent pay, isolation
• Thunder Bay: Utilities + construction, growing market

Cost of Living

GTA: High ($1,800+ rent). North ON: Moderate ($1,200 rent). Balance: good wages offset high costs in GTA.