Working in Heavy Construction

Explore your Career Options

The heavy construction industry plays a vital role in building and maintaining essential infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. With opportunities for both experienced professionals and newcomers, this field offers diverse career paths, competitive wages, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance your career, there are roles ranging from laborers to project managers, all with on-the-job training and opportunities for growth.

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Download information about working in the heavy construction industry

Why Work in the Heavy Construction Industry?

Say goodbye to the myth that construction work is mindless. The construction industry is an excellent career choice for high-achievers, critical thinkers and problem solvers interested in performing mindful and purposeful work.

With one out of five workers retiring, the industry is looking for 250,000 new workers over the next 10 years.

Construction workers typically earn more than the average Canadian.

Receive on the job training, work in a collaborative work environment and learn from your colleagues.

In Ottawa, workers generally work a 44-hour week with benefits in an office or in the field.

Construction workers typically earn more than the average Canadian.

Learn every day and work with cool, cutting edge technology.

Every job is different, and no two days are alike.

Advance to positions such as foreman, supervisor, project manager or health and safety professional.

You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and to learn new technologies as they emerge or evolve.
Acquire skills that last a lifetime. Learn from experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Acquire skills that last a lifetime. Learn from experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Heavy Construction Careers & Salaries

Labourer $40,300 – $92,000 On the job training
Foreman $80,000 – $95,000 Construction experience
Superintendent $100,000 – $130,000 Construction experience
Civil Engineer $65,000 – $150,000 Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Technologist $45,000 – $100,000 College Diploma
Truck Driver $45,000 – $86,500 G and DZ licences
Heavy Equipment Operator $78,700 – $95,400 Apprenticeship or college program
Project Manager $90,000 – $180,000 College Diploma
Heavy Equipment Mechanic $59,400 – $100,000 Apprenticeship
Surveyor $50,000 – $100,000 Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics or Civil Engineering
Concrete Worker $40,300 – $84,400 On the job training
Paving Crew $40,300 – $92,000 On the job training
Estimator $80,000 – $150,000 College Diploma or Construction Experience
Health & Safety Coordinator $55,000 – $125,000 Diploma in Occupation Health and Safety or Certification as a Registered Safety Professional
  • Labourer $40,300 – $92,000 On the job training
  • Foreman $80,000 – $95,000 Construction experience
  • Superintendent $100,000 – $130,000 Construction experience
  • Civil Engineer $65,000 – $150,000 Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
  • Civil Engineering Technologist $45,000 – $100,000 College Diploma
  • Truck Driver $45,000 – $86,500 G and DZ licences
  • Heavy Equipment Operator $78,700 – $95,400 Apprenticeship or college program
  • Project Manager $90,000 – $180,000 College Diploma
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic $59,400 – $100,000 Apprenticeship
  • Surveyor $50,000 – $100,000 Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics or Civil Engineering
  • Concrete Worker $40,300 – $84,400 On the job training
  • Paving Crew $40,300 – $92,000 On the job training
  • Estimator $80,000 – $150,000 College Diploma or Construction Experience
  • Health & Safety Coordinator $55,000 – $125,000 Diploma in Occupation Health and Safety or Certification as a Registered Safety Professional