Entry-Level Mechanical Engineering Salary in Canada: A Deep Dive Into Earnings and Opportunities

What can you expect to earn as a fresh mechanical engineering graduate in Canada? This question is often on the minds of new graduates or those about to complete their mechanical engineering degrees. It’s not just about numbers, though. There's a myriad of factors at play: location, industry, certifications, and even the current economic climate. But here’s the most important part: you could be earning anywhere between CAD 55,000 to CAD 75,000 in your first few years as an entry-level mechanical engineer in Canada. This figure, however, fluctuates based on multiple influences which we will delve into in this comprehensive guide.

Canada is an attractive country for mechanical engineers, and rightfully so. It boasts a growing economy, a strong emphasis on technological and industrial innovation, and plenty of opportunities across a variety of sectors. But first, let’s start with the basics. How much can you really expect to earn?

What Influences Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Canada?

Before we delve into numbers, it’s essential to understand what factors influence the salary of a mechanical engineer in Canada. While an entry-level salary provides a good benchmark, various factors can tip the scales in your favor—or against it.

1. Location

Salaries vary depending on the province, and in some cases, even the city where you’re employed. For instance, mechanical engineers working in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver tend to earn more due to the higher cost of living and the presence of large industries and corporations. Conversely, salaries in smaller provinces or rural areas may be lower, but the cost of living also tends to be more manageable.

Province/City	Average Entry-Level Salary (CAD)
Toronto	70,000 - 75,000
Vancouver	65,000 - 72,000
Montreal	60,000 - 68,000
Calgary	72,000 - 80,000
Ottawa	67,000 - 74,000
Halifax	55,000 - 65,000

2. Industry

The industry you work in can significantly impact your salary. Mechanical engineers are employed in diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. Some industries, like oil and gas, typically offer higher salaries, while others may be more modest in compensation.

• Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace is a high-demand industry in Canada, with salaries ranging from CAD 65,000 to CAD 85,000 for entry-level roles.
• Automotive Engineering: Expect to earn anywhere between CAD 60,000 and CAD 75,000 in the automotive sector.
• Energy (Oil & Gas): This industry pays some of the highest salaries, with starting figures between CAD 75,000 and CAD 90,000.
• Manufacturing: Entry-level positions in manufacturing typically offer between CAD 55,000 and CAD 70,000.
• Healthcare: Engineers focusing on medical devices or healthcare systems may see starting salaries around CAD 60,000 to CAD 72,000.

3. Certifications and Education

While a degree in mechanical engineering is the minimum requirement, additional certifications can boost your salary. Obtaining your Professional Engineer (P.Eng) certification can add several thousand dollars to your paycheck. In Canada, licensed engineers can expect a 10% to 20% increase in their salaries compared to their non-licensed counterparts.

4. Experience Level

Although we're focusing on entry-level positions, it's worth noting that the salary trajectory for mechanical engineers in Canada is promising. As engineers gain more experience, their compensation increases significantly. After 5-10 years in the field, mechanical engineers can earn upwards of CAD 85,000 to CAD 100,000 annually.

Experience Level	Average Salary (CAD)
Entry-Level	55,000 - 75,000
5-10 Years	85,000 - 100,000
Senior Engineers	100,000 - 130,000

5. Company Size and Reputation

Larger companies with international operations tend to offer higher salaries than smaller, locally-focused firms. For example, global giants like Bombardier, SNC-Lavalin, or General Motors have the capacity to pay mechanical engineers more generously than smaller, regional firms.

Comparing Salaries Across Canada: A Closer Look

Now that you know the factors influencing salary, let’s zoom in on the numbers. Across Canada, entry-level mechanical engineering salaries exhibit regional variability. This variability isn’t arbitrary—different provinces emphasize different industries, and the cost of living also varies significantly.

Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta)

Western provinces, especially Alberta, are known for their robust energy sector, which includes oil and gas, a leading employer of mechanical engineers. In these regions, salaries for fresh graduates tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum.

• British Columbia: The province is known for its diverse industries, from aerospace in Vancouver to energy in the northern regions. Salaries range from CAD 65,000 to CAD 72,000.
• Alberta: Alberta’s energy sector, especially in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, can push entry-level salaries to CAD 75,000 or even higher.

Eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec)

Ontario and Quebec are home to the largest manufacturing sectors in Canada, with a particular focus on automotive and aerospace industries. These provinces offer competitive salaries, but they can vary significantly based on location and the specific industry.

• Ontario: In cities like Toronto and Ottawa, entry-level salaries can be as high as CAD 75,000. However, in smaller cities, salaries might hover around CAD 60,000 to CAD 65,000.
• Quebec: Montreal is a major hub for aerospace engineering, with salaries ranging from CAD 60,000 to CAD 68,000 for new graduates.

Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Atlantic Canada’s economy is smaller, and so are the salaries. However, the cost of living is also more affordable in these provinces, balancing out the lower starting salaries. Mechanical engineers here can expect to earn between CAD 55,000 and CAD 65,000 at entry level.

Region	Average Entry-Level Salary (CAD)
Western Canada	65,000 - 80,000
Central Canada	60,000 - 75,000
Atlantic Canada	55,000 - 65,000

The Future of Mechanical Engineering Salaries in Canada

The demand for mechanical engineers in Canada is expected to grow in the coming years, especially with the rise of renewable energy projects, sustainable manufacturing, and advancements in aerospace and healthcare technologies. This will likely keep salaries competitive, with many entry-level engineers starting at CAD 70,000 or more in the near future.

Additionally, Canada’s efforts to address climate change and promote clean energy solutions could create more jobs for mechanical engineers, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, green building technologies, and environmental engineering.

Conclusion

In summary, while your starting salary as a mechanical engineer in Canada will depend on several factors, including your location, industry, and additional certifications, you can expect to earn between CAD 55,000 and CAD 75,000 in your early years. As you gain experience and further certifications, your earning potential grows significantly, potentially exceeding CAD 100,000 within a decade.

It’s an exciting time to be entering the mechanical engineering field in Canada, as the country continues to emphasize technological innovation and industrial growth. Whether you’re interested in aerospace, energy, or manufacturing, the opportunities are plentiful—and so are the financial rewards.