Heavy-Duty Vehicle Mechanic Salaries in Canada in 2026

How much should a heavy-duty vehicle mechanic earn in 2026? To compare salaries, first distinguish highway trucks from construction equipment, then check what the figures actually measure. Here are the available Canadian benchmarks and Canada Motor Jobs estimates to help inform salary negotiations in Quebec — a 2hr Technology briefing.

Heavy-duty vehicles: define the occupation clearly

A truck and transport mechanic and a heavy equipment mechanic belong to different occupational groups. According to Statistics Canada’s 2021 National Occupational Classification, the former is part of group 72410, which also includes automotive and bus mechanics. The latter belongs to group 72401, associated with construction, forestry and mining equipment. (publications.gc.ca)

This distinction is essential when interpreting salaries. This article focuses primarily on highway heavy-duty vehicles: trucks and buses. Data for group 72410 therefore provide a point of comparison, but they do not measure heavy-duty mechanics alone. It would be misleading to present the group’s median as the exact salary for this specialty. (noc.esdc.gc.ca)

Canadian salary benchmarks available for comparison in 2026

As of November 6, 2026, the salary profile consulted on Job Bank shows an update date of November 19, 2025. The amounts below are based on Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for 2023–2024; they are therefore not salaries observed throughout 2026. (guichetemplois.gc.ca)

Province or Canadian-wide figure	Low	Median	High
Canada	$19.00/hour	$29.89/hour	$43.27/hour
Quebec	$20.00/hour	$28.00/hour	$40.00/hour
Ontario	$18.75/hour	$30.00/hour	$43.27/hour
Alberta	$19.84/hour	$30.00/hour	$47.00/hour
British Columbia	$20.00/hour	$35.00/hour	$49.00/hour
Saskatchewan	$18.00/hour	$30.00/hour	$43.50/hour
New Brunswick	$16.00/hour	$24.75/hour	$33.00/hour

These rates apply to the broader occupational group that includes truck and transport mechanics. British Columbia’s median is higher than those of Ontario and Quebec, but this comparison does not establish the salary for any specific position. (guichetemplois.gc.ca)

One other important point: according to Job Bank’s methodology, the low and high figures generally correspond to the 10th and 90th percentiles, not the absolute minimum and maximum. The statistics also do not distinguish by years of experience. A “low” salary is therefore not automatically an apprentice rate. (guichetemplois.gc.ca)

Quebec regional benchmarks from Canada Motor Jobs

For a closer look at progression in a service department, Canada Motor Jobs’ 2025 salary estimates offer additional insight. Its Service department pay scales distinguish apprentices and journeypersons by region and experience, but do not isolate heavy-duty vehicle mechanics.

Based on union collective agreements and statistics from its job platform, Canada Motor Jobs’ salary estimates are benchmarks by occupation, region and experience—not officially observed averages or guaranteed earnings.

Here is a selection of gross annual amounts for a journeyperson mechanic, in Canadian dollars:

Region — CMJ 2025 estimates	1–2 years	3–5 years	6 years and over
Greater Montreal Area	$74,000–$79,000	$83,000–$86,000	$89,000–$91,000
Greater Quebec City Area	$69,560–$74,260	$78,020–$80,840	$83,660–$85,540
Gatineau / Outaouais	$68,080–$72,680	$76,360–$79,120	$81,880–$83,720
Sherbrooke / Estrie	$65,860–$70,310	$73,870–$76,540	$79,210–$80,990
Victoriaville / Bois-Francs	$62,900–$67,150	$70,550–$73,100	$75,650–$77,350

In the Greater Montreal Area, Canada Motor Jobs places a journeyperson with six or more years of experience at $42.79–$43.75/hour in 2025.

These figures can inform a discussion about service department compensation — also useful when comparing openings on Emplois Auto Québec. However, they do not establish that a truck mechanic should earn exactly the same range. Match the position, responsibilities and qualifications before making a comparison.

Apprenticeship and qualifications: consider the progression

For an apprentice mechanic in the Greater Montreal Area, Canada Motor Jobs estimates 2025 gross annual earnings at $50,000–$54,000 for one to two years of experience, rising to $58,000–$62,000 for three to five years.

In the Greater Quebec City Area, the corresponding benchmarks are $47,000–$50,760 and $54,520–$58,280. The apprentice pay scale has no “six years and over” bracket, so it does not provide an estimate for that case.

When assessing a career path in heavy-duty vehicles, check the provincial requirements as well. In 2026, Skilled Trades Ontario describes the Truck and Coach Technician apprenticeship as 6,720 hours, including 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of in-school training. The trade is compulsory-certification. (skilledtradesontario.ca)

In an interview, ask how apprenticeship milestones will be reflected in pay: rate reviews, skills to be mastered and requirements for moving to the next level. A written timeline is more useful than a general promise of a raise.

Look beyond the hourly rate and compare the full position

The technical scope of the trade extends beyond diesel engines. The Red Seal Program describes work on electrical systems, brakes, transmissions and emission-control systems, as well as high-voltage electric vehicles, hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles. Its page does not quantify any pay premium associated with these skills. (sceau-rouge.ca)

When negotiating, point to specific skills: diagnostics performed independently, systems you can work on and training you have completed. Then ask the employer how those skills are recognized in its pay structure.

Compare guaranteed hours, shift premiums, overtime terms, insurance, retirement benefits and tool expenses as well. Clarify how you will be paid: for hours on site, billed hours or a combination. Without these details, it is difficult to assess an annual figure.

Outlook does not guarantee a pay increase

National projections and provincial outlooks do not necessarily tell the same story. According to Job Bank, group 72410 faces a moderate risk of labour shortage in Canada for 2024–2033. For the 2025–2027 provincial outlooks, however, Quebec is rated “Limited,” compared with “Moderate” in Ontario and Alberta and “Good” in Saskatchewan. These assessments apply to the broader occupational group, not heavy-duty mechanics alone. (guichetemplois.gc.ca)

When preparing for a negotiation in 2026, avoid relying solely on labour-shortage arguments. Instead, ask where the position sits on the employer’s internal pay scale and what accomplishments would support progression.