Power engineer salary in Canada by class and province

Power engineering is one of Canada’s most stable and well-paying skilled trades. If you’re exploring the field, already working toward your certification, or looking to level up to a higher class, understanding what the pay actually looks like at each stage is one of the most practical things you can do. This article gives you a clear, verified breakdown of power engineer salary in Canada by class, from 5th class to 1st class, along with salary expectations for all provinces and territories. So let’s dive in.

How much do power engineers make in Canada?

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, power engineers in Canada earn between $30.00 and $75.55 per hour. These figures cover all certification levels under NOC 92100, which is the national occupational classification for power engineers and power systems operators.

The wide range reflects the full spectrum of certification classes, industries, and provinces. A newly certified 5th class power engineer working at a smaller facility in a lower-wage province will sit near the bottom of that range. A 1st-class power engineer working in Alberta’s oil and gas sector or in a large Ontario industrial plant will sit near or above the top.

In Alberta specifically, Alberta ALIS reports an average wage of $46.73 per hour and an average annual salary of $100,426 for power engineers and power systems operators in the province. This reflects a workforce that spans multiple certification levels, meaning the average pulls together both entry-level and senior positions.

Several factors determine where a power engineer’s pay lands within that range. Certification class is the most significant; higher classes unlock higher-paying roles and larger facilities. Beyond that, industry matters: power engineers in oil and gas, petrochemical, and large-scale industrial settings typically earn more than those in commercial buildings or smaller plants. Geographic location, employer size, union membership, shift differentials, and years of experience all play a role, too. 

You can explore available opportunities at the Power Engineering 101 job board to get a real-time sense of what positions are being advertised and at what level.

Entry-level power engineer salary in Canada

Entry-level power engineers in Canada are typically 5th class or 4th class certificate holders who are in their first years of working under a licensed power engineer. These positions involve assisting with operations, learning the plant systems, and building the hours required to advance to the next power engineering level.

At the entry level, hourly wages typically start in the $20 to $30 range, depending on the province, industry, and size of facility. Some entry-level roles in industrial settings, particularly those involving rotating shift work, can start higher because of premiums for evenings, nights, and weekends. Unionized workplaces often have set wage grids that raise pay at set intervals regardless of class.

Entry-level power engineers who hold a 4th class certificate and are working toward their 3rd class may find that their pay increases as they demonstrate competency on the job, even before they sit their next exam. Employers in oil and gas, mining, and large-scale manufacturing tend to reward the combination of in-class experience and progression toward higher certification.

It is worth noting that even at the entry level, a power engineering certification is what determines whether you can legally operate certain plant equipment. 

Understanding how to become a power engineer is the first step to knowing which roles you can apply for and what to expect in terms of compensation at each stage.

Power engineer salary in Canada by class

The Government of Canada Job Bank classifies all power engineers under NOC 92100 and publishes wage data for the occupation as a whole. Because all certification classes fall under the same classification group, the national hourly range of $30.00 to $75.55 applies across 5th class through 1st class positions. The Job Bank does not publish separate hourly ranges for each class.

The salary expectations below are based on the Job Bank data, Alberta ALIS data, and the relationship between certification class, facility size, and industry type that is well established across the Canadian power engineering labour market. These are expected ranges and will vary depending on province, employer, industry, experience, and other factors. They are not guaranteed figures.

Note: The following Power engineer salary in Canada by class and province expectations are presented as informed estimates based on available data from the Government of Canada Job Bank and Alberta ALIS. Actual salaries vary by province, employer, industry, and individual circumstances, and can change over time. Always verify current rates with your provincial regulator or prospective employer.

1st class power engineer salary Canada

1st class power engineers hold the highest certification in the SOPEEC system and are qualified to operate any boiler plant in Canada. These engineers typically work as chief power engineers or in senior supervisory roles at large, complex facilities. 

At the 1st class level, hourly wages in Canada generally range from approximately $45.00 to $75.55 per hour, with the higher end concentrated in Alberta’s oil sands and large Ontario industrial plants. On an annual basis, this translates to roughly $90,000 to $160,000 or more for full-time positions, particularly where overtime, shift differentials, and benefits are included. Alberta ALIS reports that power engineers in Alberta average $100,426 per year across all classes, and 1st class engineers in that province consistently earn above that average.

Because 1st class certification is required to be the chief engineer at the highest-rated plants, the salary premium for this ticket reflects both responsibility and the relatively small number of certified engineers at this level across the country.

2nd class power engineer salary Canada

2nd class power engineers can act as chief engineers at most provincial plant ratings and often serve as shift engineers at the largest facilities. This class represents a significant step up in both responsibility and earning potential.

Salary expectations for 2nd class power engineers in Canada generally range from approximately $40.00 to $68.00 per hour, with annual earnings typically falling between $80,000 and $135,000 for full-time roles. As with the 1st class, Alberta and Ontario tend to offer the strongest compensation, particularly for engineers in industrial plants, refineries, and large utilities.

The 2nd class certification is often the target for engineers who want to advance to supervisory positions without pursuing the full 1st class path. Employers recognize the credential and typically compensate it well, especially in provinces where the class is required to supervise high-pressure, high-temperature plant operations.

3rd class power engineer salary Canada

3rd class power engineers are qualified to act as shift engineers at medium-to-large facilities and can supervise lower-class engineers. This class is a major milestone in career progression. 

At the 3rd class level, typical hourly wages in Canada range from approximately $33.00 to $57.00 per hour. Annual salaries generally fall between $65,000 and $115,000, depending on province, industry, and facility size. Power engineers at this level working in industrial sectors such as pulp and paper, food processing, or oil and gas can expect to sit toward the higher end of that range.

3rd class engineers who are actively working toward their 2nd class certification are often viewed as strong candidates for promotion, and some employers will offer structured pay increases tied to exam progress or successful advancement.

For more details on what this certification covers, visit the 3rd class power engineer article.

4th class power engineer salary Canada

4th class is the first major working certification in the power engineering system. Engineers at this level are qualified to operate boiler plants that meet provincial plant rating thresholds, and many work under the supervision of 3rd, 2nd, or 1st class chief engineers. 

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank (fourth-class power engineer wages), fourth-class power engineers fall under NOC 92100 with the national range of $30.00 to $75.55 per hour. In practice, most 4th class engineers working full-time in their first few years earn between $28.00 and $48.00 per hour, with annual salaries typically in the $55,000 to $95,000 range. Saskatchewan’s Job Bank data shows a provincial range of $26.00 to $60.58 for power engineers, which reflects the broad mix of classes and experience levels in that province.

The 4th class certification is the most common entry point into independent power engineering work and represents the foundation from which most engineers build their career and earnings trajectory.

For more on the role, see the 4th-class power engineer guide.

5th class power engineer salary Canada

5th class is the foundational certification in the SOPEEC system. Holders of this certificate have demonstrated basic knowledge of boilers, pressure vessels, and plant operations, and they typically work as helpers, operators-in-training, or assistants under the supervision of a higher-class engineer.

5th class engineers are generally at the beginning of their careers, and their salaries reflect that. In Canada, entry-level roles for 5th class certificate holders typically pay between $20.00 and $35.00 per hour, translating to roughly $40,000 to $70,000 per year in full-time employment. Pay will depend heavily on the province, the type of facility, and whether the employer is in a higher-paying sector like oil and gas versus commercial building operations.

Progression beyond the 5th class requires completing the required operating experience hours and passing the 4th class examinations. Most engineers treat the 5th class as a starting point rather than a long-term position, and employers understand this.

How does a class 4 power engineer’s pay compare to a class 1?

The pay gap between a class 4 and a class 1 power engineer in Canada can be significant, and for good reason. The two certifications represent completely different levels of responsibility, plant access, and professional standing.

A class 4 power engineer working in their first few years can expect hourly wages starting in the high $20s to low $40s. A class 1 power engineer at a senior facility can earn $50.00 to $75.00 per hour or more. On an annual basis, this can mean a difference of $40,000 to $80,000 or higher, depending on the role and location.

The gap comes from several compounding factors. First, a class 1 certificate is required to be the chief engineer at the largest and most complex plant ratings in Canada. The chief engineer’s role carries full legal and operational responsibility for the plant, which is reflected in compensation. Second, the career path from class 4 to class 1 typically takes 10 to 15 or more years, during which engineers accumulate experience, seniority, and in many cases union-scale raises that build up over time. Third, 1st class engineers are relatively rare, the exams are demanding, and not everyone pursues it, so employers compete for them, which keeps wages high.

That said, the pay gap is not only about the certificate. A class 3 engineer with 12 years of experience at a major industrial plant may earn more than a class 2 engineer who recently certified and is new to their role. Experience, industry, and location all layer on top of the class.

For anyone mapping out their career progression, the earnings trajectory across the five classes makes a strong financial case for continuing your education. Power Engineering 101’s practice exams and PE101 online courses are designed specifically to help engineers pass the SOPEEC exams at each level and move up the pay scale faster.

Power engineer salary in Canada by province

Salary data for all provinces below is sourced from the Government of Canada Job Bank, updated November 19, 2025, and Alberta ALIS (updated March 31, 2025). Figures reflect the full range of power engineering positions in each province, from entry-level to senior class.

It is important to understand that not every province has enough survey data to publish separate Job Bank wage figures.

Power engineer salary in Alberta

Alberta is consistently the highest-paying province for power engineers in Canada. The oil sands, petrochemical plants, refineries, and heavy industrial operations in the province drive strong and sustained demand for certified engineers at all class levels. Alberta ALIS reports an average wage of $46.73 per hour and an average annual salary of $100,426 for power engineers in Alberta. The Job Bank reports a provincial range of $31.00 to $73.00 per hour for Alberta.

Alberta is also the province where ABSA-accepted power engineering courses are required for those pursuing formal classroom training toward ABSA certification. The combination of certification requirements and high industrial demand makes Alberta one of the most attractive provinces for power engineers at every level.

Power engineer salary in British Columbia

British Columbia’s power engineering workforce is spread across a range of industries, including pulp and paper, mining, natural gas processing, and large commercial and institutional facilities. The Job Bank reports a provincial range of $35.00 to $66.87 per hour for power engineers in BC, with a median of around $41.00 per hour.

BC’s higher cost of living in cities like Vancouver can affect the real value of wages, so engineers considering a move there should factor in housing and living costs alongside the compensation. That said, BC remains one of the stronger-paying provinces for certified power engineers, particularly at the 2nd and 1st class levels.

Power engineer salary in Ontario

Ontario is home to the largest number of power engineers in Canada by volume, and the province offers a wide range of industries and facility types. Manufacturing, healthcare, utilities, universities, and large commercial properties all employ certified power engineers across multiple classes. The Job Bank reports a provincial range of $33.37 to $87.00 per hour for power engineers in Ontario, with a median around $57.00 per hour — one of the highest median wages in the country.

The high end of Ontario’s range is particularly notable. Senior 1st class engineers at major industrial plants or utilities in Ontario can earn salaries that rival or exceed those in Alberta. Ontario’s large population of facilities also means more job openings at all class levels, giving engineers more options when they advance.

Power engineer salary in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s economy is driven by agriculture, potash mining, and oil and gas, all of which require certified power engineers for plant operations. The Government of Canada Job Bank (Saskatchewan) reports a provincial range of $26.00 to $60.58 per hour for power engineers in Saskatchewan. SaskPower and large industrial operations are among the major employers in the province.

Saskatchewan’s wages are competitive for the region, and the lower cost of living in cities like Regina and Saskatoon means engineers’ purchasing power is generally strong relative to their income.

Power engineer salary in Manitoba

Manitoba’s power engineering workforce is employed across hydro, manufacturing, food processing, and commercial facilities. The Government of Canada Job Bank (Manitoba) reports a provincial range of $29.00 to $50.48 per hour for power engineers in Manitoba. Winnipeg hosts a concentration of industrial and institutional facilities that employ engineers at various class levels.

While Manitoba’s upper wage range is lower than Alberta’s and Ontario, the province’s relatively lower cost of living helps offset the difference. Union-scale positions in Manitoba can also provide strong wage grids and benefit packages.

Power engineer salary in New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s industrial base includes pulp and paper, energy generation, manufacturing, and food processing. Power engineers are employed across these sectors, as well as in large institutional settings such as hospitals and universities.

The Job Bank reports a range of $25.85 to $58.15 per hour for power engineers in New Brunswick, with a median of around $43.27 per hour. NB Power is one of the significant employers of power engineers in the province. The province’s lower cost of living relative to central Canada makes New Brunswick a viable option for engineers at all class levels who want to keep their expenses manageable.

Power engineer salary in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s power engineering opportunities are concentrated in manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and industrial facilities around Halifax and the broader province. The Job Bank reports a range of $25.37 to $50.00 per hour for power engineers in Nova Scotia, with a median of around $35.00 per hour.

Nova Scotia’s range reflects a mix of facility types and certification classes. Engineers in senior roles at larger plants or Nova Scotia Power’s generation facilities tend to sit toward the higher end of the range.

Power engineer salary in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy includes offshore oil, mining, hydro generation, and industrial facilities. These sectors create meaningful demand for certified power engineers, particularly at the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st class levels. The Job Bank reports a range of $25.00 to $67.31 per hour for power engineers in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a median of around $45.90 per hour.

The province’s offshore oil sector in particular has historically offered some of the strongest compensation packages, including remote work premiums and rotation schedules, which can substantially boost annual earnings above the base hourly wage.

Power engineer salary in Quebec

Quebec’s industrial base is broad, spanning manufacturing, pulp and paper, aluminum smelting, food processing, and large commercial facilities. The province regulates power engineers under its own provincial framework, and certified engineers are employed across a wide variety of plant types. The Job Bank reports a range of $24.60 to $57.00 per hour for power engineers in Quebec, with a median of around $37.50 per hour.

Quebec’s unionized industrial sector is particularly strong, and power engineers working under collective agreements in the province often receive structured wage increases and benefit packages that add significantly to overall compensation.

Power engineer salary in Prince Edward Island

PEI is the smallest province by population, and its power engineering workforce is correspondingly smaller. Engineers in PEI are typically employed in food processing, commercial facilities, and institutional settings such as hospitals and government buildings. The Job Bank reports a range of $24.92 to $49.04 per hour for power engineers in PEI, with a median of around $28.50 per hour.

While PEI’s salary ceiling is lower than that of larger industrial provinces, the cost of living is also lower, and power engineering remains one of the more stable skilled trades occupations on the island.

Power engineer salary in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories’ power engineering opportunities are largely tied to remote mining operations and territorial utilities such as the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Working in the NWT often involves remote and northern work premiums that can substantially increase compensation beyond the base hourly wage.

Specific Job Bank wage data for the NWT is limited due to the small workforce size in the territory. Engineers working in the NWT can expect wages within the national range of $30.00 to $75.55 per hour, with remote premiums and cost-of-living allowances often layered on top. These additional benefits can make NWT positions financially compelling for engineers willing to work in northern and remote settings.

Power engineer salary in Yukon

Power engineers in Yukon are employed primarily by Yukon Energy, mining operations, and territorial facilities. Like the NWT, working in Yukon often comes with remote or northern living allowances that supplement the base wage significantly.

Job Bank coverage for Yukon is limited. Engineers in the territory fall within the national NOC 92100 range of $30.00 to $75.55 per hour, and total compensation packages for remote positions typically exceed what that hourly range alone suggests. For current postings, the

PE101 job board lists active power engineering positions across Canada, including in northern and remote regions.

Power engineer salary in Nunavut

Nunavut is the most remote jurisdiction in Canada, and power engineers there play a critical role in maintaining infrastructure for communities that often rely on diesel generation. The Qulliq Energy Corporation is the primary employer of power engineers in the territory.

Due to the very small workforce, specific Job Bank wage data for Nunavut is not published separately. Engineers in Nunavut can expect compensation within or above the national range of $30.00 to $75.55 per hour, with northern allowances and housing support often forming a meaningful part of the overall package. The commitment required to work in Nunavut is significant, and compensation reflects that reality.

What impacts a power engineer’s salary in Canada?

Certification class is the single biggest driver of salary, as it determines which plants and roles an engineer can legally operate. Beyond class, the province of employment matters significantly; Alberta and Ontario consistently produce the highest wages, while Atlantic and smaller provinces tend to be lower. Industry is also important: oil and gas, petrochemicals, and large utilities pay more than commercial building operations or smaller manufacturing plants. Years of experience, union membership, shift premiums, and facility size all stack on top of these primary factors.

Do power engineers in Canada earn more with union membership?

In many cases, yes. Unionized power engineers typically benefit from collectively bargained wage grids that guarantee step increases based on time served, regardless of individual performance reviews. They also tend to have stronger benefit packages, including pension plans, overtime rates, and health coverage. Non-union positions can sometimes pay higher base rates to attract talent without a collective agreement, but the total compensation, including benefits and job security, often favors unionized workplaces over the long term.

How much more can a power engineer earn by advancing from 4th to 3rd class?

Advancing from 4th to 3rd class typically opens up a meaningful salary increase, not just because of the certificate itself but because of the types of roles it unlocks. A 4th class engineer working as a plant operator under supervision might earn in the $30 to $45 per hour range. A 3rd class engineer who becomes eligible for shift engineer or chief engineer roles at smaller-to-medium facilities can move into the $38 to $57 per hour range. The exact increase depends on the employer and the province, but the 4th-to-3rd transition is widely recognized as one of the most impactful certification upgrades in terms of career opportunity and pay.

Is power engineering a financially rewarding career in Canada?

Power engineering compares favorably to many other skilled trades in Canada, particularly at the 2nd and 1st class levels. The national wage ceiling of $75.55 per hour (as reported by the Job Bank) exceeds the median wages for most journeyperson trades. The combination of stable shift work, industrial demand, and clear certification progression makes it a strong long-term career choice from a financial standpoint. 

Power engineering in Canada offers one of the clearest and most financially rewarding progression paths of any skilled trade. From the first 5th class certificate to the 1st class ticket, each step up the certification ladder opens new roles, higher wages, and greater responsibility. The national wage range of $30.00 to $75.55 per hour captures that entire journey, and where you land within it depends on your class, your province, your industry, and the effort you put into advancing.

If you’re working toward any class of power engineering certification, Power Engineering 101 has the tools to help you pass your SOPEEC exams and move up faster. Explore the online courses and practice exam packages built specifically for Canadian power engineering candidates at every level. So sign up now.