Power Engineer Salary in Ontario
Ontario operating engineers earn competitive wages across nuclear, refining, healthcare, and institutional sectors. See detailed breakdowns by class, industry, and region.
Salary data changes frequently. Verify current rates through job postings and official labour market sources.
Overview
Ontario offers strong employment opportunities for operating engineers (power engineers), driven by the province's diverse industrial base including nuclear power generation, petrochemical refineries, healthcare facilities, and large commercial buildings. According to Job Bank Canada, operating engineers in Ontario earn a median wage of $57.00/hour or approximately $118,500 annually.
Salary Statistics
Source: Job Bank Canada (2023-2024 data)
Salary by Class Level
Ontario uses the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification system. Your certification class determines what plants you can operate and significantly impacts earning potential.
| Class | Entry Range | Experienced Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Class | $28 - $38/hr | $42 - $55/hr | Most common starting point |
| 3rd Class | $38 - $48/hr | $52 - $65/hr | Shift lead positions |
| 2nd Class | $45 - $55/hr | $60 - $75/hr | Senior operator roles |
| 1st Class | $55 - $65/hr | $75 - $95+/hr | Chief engineer, management |
Ranges are approximate and vary by employer, industry, and location.
Salary by Industry
Industry sector significantly affects Ontario operating engineer compensation:
Nuclear Power (Highest)
Petrochemical / Refining
Utilities / Power Generation
Healthcare / Institutional
Salary by Region
| Region | Typical Range | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Stratford-Bruce Peninsula | $40 - $98/hr | Nuclear (Bruce Power) |
| Windsor-Sarnia | $32 - $66/hr | Petrochemical, refining |
| Toronto (GTA) | $38 - $82/hr | Institutional, utilities, commercial |
| Ottawa | $28 - $100/hr | Government, institutional |
| Hamilton-Niagara | $35 - $87/hr | Manufacturing, utilities |
| Northwest Ontario | $41 - $52/hr | Mining, pulp & paper |
Source: Job Bank Canada regional data
Additional Compensation
Beyond base wages, Ontario operating engineers often receive:
- Shift premiums: 5-15% for nights, weekends
- Overtime: 1.5x - 2x regular rate
- Benefits: 99.8% receive at least one non-wage benefit
- Pension plans: Defined benefit common in public sector
- Nuclear premiums: Additional pay for specialized certifications
- Living allowances: For positions in remote areas
Increasing Your Earning Potential
- Upgrade certification: Each class level opens higher-paying opportunities. View class guides.
- Target nuclear sector: OPG and Bruce Power offer Ontario's highest wages for those willing to pursue specialized training.
- Gain specializations: Controls, water treatment, refrigeration, and building automation expertise command premium wages.
- Consider petrochemical: The Sarnia-Windsor corridor offers excellent industrial opportunities with competitive pay.
Related Resources
- Power Engineering in Ontario: Complete overview
- Ontario Jobs: Find positions
- 4th Class Salary: National comparison
- Ontario Training: College programs
- Salary Overview: All factors affecting pay