Overview: Careers in Canada’s Transportation Sector

The transportation sector offers many different job opportunities across the country and in areas such as air, road, rail and sea. Jobs in the transportation sector include:

Do you like the open road? Try a career in truck driving!

Truck Driving: Truck drivers provide an essential service to transports goods across the country. Long-haul truck drivers operate heavy trucks to move goods over urban, rural and international routes. Short-haul and local transport truck drivers transport goods within the city.

There are licensing requirements for this occupation, which vary depending on the kind of truck that is driven. Salary varies, but experienced truck drivers can make over $90,000.

Truck driver jobs are a great opportunity for you in Canada!

Explore a career in the Skies!

Airline Pilots or co-pilots: Commercial pilots are essential to ensure the transportation of people and goods. Regional pilots mostly fly to smaller airports and transport goods and services to local regions. Pilots who fly internationally are able to visit the world while providing essential services. Pilots can work almost anywhere with an airport. The median wage for pilots is $45.60 per hour, with some pilots earning over $150,000. To become a pilot, you’ll need to pass a medical check, undertake training and many hours of flight time. There are 3 ways to become a pilot:

  • join the Royal Canadian Air Force,
  • register for an aviation program at a college, or
  • take classes through a local flight school.

A private pilot license is often required to register for an aviation program at a college, university or flight school.  Earning a private license will take at least 45 hours of flight training. To find out how to apply for a private pilot license, explore the websites of your local flight schools!

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers: Aircraft maintenance engineers maintain and repair aircrafts. To become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, you must be at least 21, complete a Transport Canada-approved basic training program for aircraft maintenance engineers, and be licensed by Transport Canada. The median wage for aircraft maintenance engineers in Canada is $37 per hour. This job offers flexibility and is a great way to meet people with similar interests.

Air Traffic Controllers: Air traffic controllers direct air traffic and control aircraft and service vehicles at airports. To become an air traffic controller, you must have completed secondary school, have a basic radio telephone operator's license, complete NAV Canada’s air traffic controller training program, and be licensed by Transport Canada. An Air Traffic Controller needs to be able to work in a high-stress environment. The median wage for an air traffic controller in Canada of $45.00 per hour. This occupation provides income stability and a good income!

Enjoy the Water? The Marine Sector is Looking for You!

Boat and Cable Ferry Operators: Boat and cable ferry operators and workers in related occupations operate lock gates, bridges and similar equipment along canal systems. They are employed by the federal government, cable ferry companies, ferry terminals, marine companies and canal, port or harbour authorities. This occupation includes owner-operators, who are self-employed. This job usually requires some work experience and no formal education. The median wage for boat and cable ferry operators is $24.00/hour.

Deck Officers: Deck officers navigate, maneuver and safely handle their vessels, communicate between ship and shore, handle and deliver cargo, and operate lifesaving devices. This job usually requires a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or experience working in a supervisory occupation. Deck officers have a median wage of $34.86/hour in Canada. Being a Deck officer provides an opportunity to explore your city, province, territory or even the world by water!

Deck and Engine Room Crew: Water transport deck and engine room crew stand watch, operate and maintain deck equipment. They also assist ship engineer officers to operate, maintain and repair engines, machinery and other equipment aboard ships or self-propelled vessels. They are employed by either marine transportation companies or federal government departments. The median wage for deck and engine room crew in Canada is $27.47/hour. This exciting career could mean experiencing long times at sea!

Working in the rail industry provides many opportunities, both close and far from home!

Railway Conductor and Brakemen/women: Railway conductors are important to the flow of people and goods across Canada. They are employed by railway transport companies. They coordinate and supervise the activities of passenger and freight train crew members. This occupation usually requires a college diploma, an apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training. The median wage for railway conductors and brakemen/women in Canada is $38.00/hour.

Railway Engineer: Railway locomotive engineers keep the trains running safely and smoothly. They operate railway locomotives to transport passengers and freight. They are employed by railway transport companies. This occupation usually requires a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training. The median wage for railway engineers in Canada is $40.16/hour. This is an exciting career option for you!

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