Are you considering a career in mechanical engineering in Canada, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 638 mechanical engineering positions across Canada to provide insights into the mechanical engineers salary landscape. This article details the mechanical engineers salary and mechanical engineer wage in Canada for 2025, exploring how much mechanical engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data. We’ll focus on education, career progression, geographical opportunities, and advancement into leadership roles, providing valuable information for both entry-level positions and experienced workers in the field.
Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Canada
The median Canadian mechanical engineer salary is $83,768 CAD per year or $40.27 CAD per hour. This figure provides insight into how much do engineers make in Canada and serves as a benchmark for the engineering salary in the country.
Salary Range Overview
Metric Annual Salary (CAD) Hourly Rate (CAD)
Minimum $30,747 $14.78
Median $83,768 $40.27
Maximum $1,134,000 $545.19
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 638 publicly available mechanical engineering salaries in Canada. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analysed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was completed in May 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on how much do mechanical engineers make in Canada.
Factors Influencing Salary
Required Educational Level and Mechanical Engineer Qualifications
Average Salary by Education Level
The data reveals that while a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most positions, pursuing a master’s degree can lead to significantly higher compensation, with master’s degree holders earning over three times the average bachelor’s degree salary. This highlights the impact of an advanced mechanical engineering degree on salary in Canada.
Education Requirements Distribution
Mechanical engineering positions in Canada predominantly require a bachelor’s degree, with over 82% of positions listing this as the minimum requirement. Interestingly, those with certifications earn competitive salaries, suggesting that specialized technical certifications can be valuable alternatives to advanced degrees for boosting your engineering salary.
Required Years of Experience and Mechanical Engineer Wage Progression
Experience Requirements Distribution
Years of Experience Percentage of Jobs Number of Positions
0 years 2.60% 13
1 year 5.60% 28
2 years 11.60% 58
3 years 19.20% 96
4 years 6.20% 31
5 years 32.80% 164
7 years 5.00% 25
8 years 5.60% 28
10+ years 11.40% 57
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
The data shows a significant salary jump between years 2 and 3, where mechanical engineers see their compensation increase by over 60%. This suggests that the transition from junior to intermediate level represents a critical career milestone for mechanical engineers in Canada, significantly impacting how much does a mechanical engineer make as they gain work experience.
Seniority Level and Total Pay
Average Mechanical Engineer Salary by Seniority
The progression from internship to senior level represents a 248% increase in compensation, highlighting the value of experience and leadership capabilities in the mechanical engineering field. This data provides insights into the potential for career advancement and salary growth in the profession, including roles such as design engineer, project engineer, and engineering manager.
Cities with Highest Mechanical Engineer Salary in Canada
Top Canadian Cities for Mechanical Engineer Compensation
City Province Average Annual Salary (CAD) Average Hourly Rate (CAD)
Windsor ON $244,485 $117.54
Edmonton AB $163,987 $78.84
Port Hope ON $153,738 $73.94
Balfour BC $122,990 $59.13
Beamsville ON $121,500 $58.41
Sherwood Park AB $114,750 $55.17
Vancouver BC $111,147 $53.44
Calgary AB $110,025 $52.89
Windsor, Ontario, surprisingly leads with the highest mechanical engineer salaries in Canada, offering significantly higher mechanical engineering wages than traditional tech hubs. This may be attributed to the automotive industry concentration in the region, which heavily relies on mechanical engineering expertise. The data also provides insights into the mechanical engineering salary in Ontario and the engineer salary in Alberta, two provinces with strong representation in the top-paying cities list. For instance, the mechanical engineer salary Calgary offers is competitive at $110,025 CAD annually.
Top Paying Companies in Canada
Here is a list of the top companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for mechanical engineers in Canada, representing some of the highest paying mechanical engineering jobs in the country:
Highest Paying Employers
Company Average Annual Salary (CAD) Average Hourly Rate (CAD)
Luxolis $891,000 $428.37
Lauren Services $182,520 $87.75
Worley $154,065 $74.07
ROAN International $153,738 $73.94
Verathon $144,187 $69.32
BBA $140,434 $67.52
John Wood Group $137,970 $66.33
Williams Engineering $137,970 $66.33
ThoughtStorm $126,360 $60.75
Klohn Crippen Berger $123,188 $59.22
These organizations span diverse industry sectors including engineering consultancies, oil and gas, medical technology, and specialized technical services, indicating strong demand for mechanical engineering expertise across multiple industries.
How to Maximize Your Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your mechanical engineer salary in Canada:
- Pursue Advanced Education Strategically – While a bachelor’s degree opens doors, a master’s degree can triple your earning potential
- Focus on the 2-3 Year Experience Mark – The most significant salary increase occurs at this career stage
- Consider Geographic Opportunities – Cities like Windsor and Edmonton offer premium compensation packages
- Develop Leadership Skills – Progression to senior and management roles offers the highest compensation potential
- Obtain Professional Certifications – P.Eng. designation and specialized certifications can boost earning potential
Key Skills to Develop:
- Technical Competencies: CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD), FEA/CFD analysis, stress analysis
- Emerging Technologies: Automation, robotics, sustainable engineering practices
- Software Skills: MATLAB, Python for engineering applications
- Specialized Areas: HVAC systems, piping design, mechanical systems, vessels and tanks, pumps, blowers, and fans
Read our detailed article on the required Mechanical Engineering Skills
Future Trends in Mechanical Engineering Salaries
The mechanical engineering field in Canada continues to evolve, with increasing focus on:
- Green Technology: Sustainable design and renewable energy systems
- Automation and Robotics: Industry 4.0 implementation
- Advanced Materials: Composite materials and nanotechnology
- Digital Twin Technology: Virtual modeling and simulation
- Electric Vehicle Development: Battery technology and powertrain design
Engineers who develop expertise in these emerging areas are likely to command premium salaries as Canadian industries compete for talent with specialized knowledge. The demand for mechanical engineers is expected to grow, particularly in clean technology and advanced manufacturing sectors, positively impacting the job market and job openings in the field.
Conclusion
The mechanical engineering profession offers strong earning potential across Canada, with the median mechanical engineer salary reaching $83,768 CAD annually. While education provides a foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices and industry selection have equally important impacts on total compensation.
For mechanical engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach combining technical skill development, professional certification, and leadership capabilities is essential. Understanding salary trends and labour market trends will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current median salary for mechanical engineers in Canada?
According to our analysis of 638 mechanical engineering positions across Canada, the median mechanical engineer salary is $83,768 CAD per year or $40.27 CAD per hour. This figure represents the benchmark for mechanical engineering professionals as of May 2025, though actual compensation varies based on education, experience, location, and industry sectors.
How does education level affect mechanical engineer pay in Canada?
Education significantly impacts mechanical engineering salaries in Canada. While 82% of positions require only a bachelor’s degree (average salary $83,279 CAD), pursuing a master’s degree can increase earnings to an average of $265,803 CAD annually. Interestingly, specialized certifications also command competitive salaries averaging $122,990 CAD, suggesting alternative paths to higher compensation.
Which Canadian cities offer the highest salaries for mechanical engineers?
Windsor, Ontario leads with an average annual salary of $244,485 CAD, followed by Edmonton ($163,987 CAD) and Port Hope ($153,738 CAD). Major cities like Vancouver and Calgary offer competitive salaries around $110,000-$111,000 CAD annually. The variation often reflects local industry concentrations and cost of living factors. This data provides insights into regional differences in mechanical engineering salaries across Canada, including the mechanical engineer salary Toronto and other major cities offer.
How does experience level affect mechanical engineer salaries in Canada?
Experience dramatically influences compensation, with the most significant jump occurring between years 2-3 of experience (from ~$68,000 to $110,000 CAD). Entry-level engineers earn approximately $64,348 CAD, while those with 5+ years experience can expect $131,686 CAD or more. This 60% increase at the 3-year mark represents a critical career milestone and demonstrates how much mechanical engineers make as they gain experience.
What strategies can help maximize salary potential for mechanical engineers in Canada?
To maximize earning potential, focus on: obtaining your professional engineer (P.Eng.) designation, developing expertise in emerging technologies (automation, sustainable design), considering high-paying locations like Windsor or Edmonton, pursuing leadership roles, and targeting industries like oil and gas or specialized engineering consultancies. Additionally, continuous skill development in software tools, project management, and areas like product development can significantly boost your market value. Effective salary negotiation and understanding of job benefits can also contribute to a more competitive overall compensation package.
