The construction business in Canada is thriving and the trade people such as tile setters are in demand. In case you are a tile setter or are thinking of becoming one, you may be asking yourself what are the best cities to work in with the best job opportunities and quality of life. Are you more interested in high wages, job security, or good neighborhoods? Canada has something to offer.
This guide will mention the top Canadian cities with tile setter opportunities in 2025 and sort out their opportunities, wages, and living conditions.
Why Tile Setters Are in High Demand in Canada
Canada has a booming construction sector that is fuelled by the need of housing, commercial developments, and infrastructure development. BuildForce Canada believes that the workforce needs additional skilled trades professionals than those available in the country. Tile setters specifically are very crucial in residential and commercial construction.
The most important drivers of the demand:
- Boom in Housing Market: Most cities require workers to satisfy the housing needs as the population grows.
- Renovation Surge: As Canadians continue to prefer renovating their homes instead of moving, there is an upsurge in renovation works by skilled tile setters.
- Retirement in the Trades: Many of the skilled workers are retiring, and this provides room to a new labor force.
In that regard, the following are the best Canadian cities that tile setters need to look at in 2025.
1. Toronto, Ontario
The Economic and Construction Giant of Canada
Toronto is the largest and the fastest-growing city in Canada and as such construction professionals can find it as a good place to be. Housing market in this area creates the demand of tile setters because the residential projects include high-rise condominiums and luxury renovations in the old neighborhoods.
Why Toronto?
- There is a lot of demand of construction workers because of the expansion of the urban areas.
- Competitive wages on an hourly basis which averages at 28 to 38 dollars per hour in tile setting.
- New build and expensive renovation opportunities.
Challenges:
Toronto is known to have high prices of living but the high wages of trades work help to cover the cost of many professionals.
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
A Center of High End Residential Renovations
Vancouver has a developing housing market with stunning sceneries. The tile setters with an expertise in high-quality finishing are especially sought-after due to a reputation of constructing high-value homes and eco-friendly buildings.
Why Vancouver?
- The average yearly wages of tile setters are between 60, 000 and 80, 000 dollars.
- The projects are on luxurious houses and premium commercial places.
- Good job security in construction particularly in the neighboring municipalities such as Burnaby and Richmond.
Challenges:
Similar to Toronto, Vancouver has high costs of houses and living. Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile investment to many workers due to its regular work and availability of beautiful lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest.
3. Calgary, Alberta
Consistent Development and Low Costs of Living
Calgary has an upsurging building industry and much lower living expenses than Toronto or Vancouver. Infrastructure projects, housing projects and a growing population are increasing the economic opportunities here.
Why Calgary?
- Tile setters earn between 25-35 dollars per hour and demand is steady all year round.
- Low prices of real estate and cost of living are appealing to many trade professionals.
- Currently, the projects under construction include suburban and commercial development.
Challenges:
Calgary winters are cold, but to those who are able to endure the cold, the economic benefits are huge.
4. Montreal, Quebec
An Opportunity and History Amalgamation
Montreal is a cultural oasis which is undergoing a construction renaissance. It provides a wide range of jobs as tile setters, as well as the historic homes renovation, and modern design projects.
Why Montreal?
- Pay in the range of 25-32 dollars per hour, and niche work on high-end restoration work.
- The city focuses on design and aesthetics thus attractive to workers who have a creative edge.
- Affordable cost of living as compared to such cities as Toronto and Vancouver.
Challenges:
Montreal is a French-speaking city and therefore, the knowledge of French language can increase the chances of getting a job.
5. Halifax, Nova Scotia
An Emerging Sea Port
Halifax may even come as a surprise to you because it is a new hot spot of tile setters. The expansion of the city in terms of infrastructure and residential building has brought about a constant demand of the skilled tradespeople.
Why Halifax?
- The salaries are between 23-30 dollars per hour and the living costs are below average.
- A close-knit society and beautiful sea-going life.
- The possibility to be involved in the large regional projects.
Challenges:
This is because Halifax has smaller projects as opposed to larger cities and hence growth might not be as fast. Nevertheless, its low cost of living and quality of life ratio makes it appealing to the tradespeople who want a relaxed lifestyle.
6. Edmonton, Alberta
A Star on the Rise of Trades Professionals
Edmonton is usually in the shadow of Calgary, yet this city of Alberta is not new to expansion. It has a varied economy and massive developmental projects that make it a good destination to tile setters.
Why Edmonton?
- Competitive salaries of between 26 to 34 dollars an hour.
- Important opportunities in residential and commercial constructions.
- No provincial sales tax, which is an addition to the affordability.
Challenges:
Just like Calgary, Edmonton winters are difficult. Nevertheless, Edmonton has a stable opportunity to those professionals who have a talent of being resilient.
7. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Low Cost Living and Increasing Demand
The construction economy of Winnipeg is steady and the residential construction provides steady work to the tile setters. It is one of the least expensive cities in this list and is ideal to the tradesmen who are tight on a budget.
Why Winnipeg?
- The average wages range between 22-30/hour.
- There is a rising home renovation market that promotes the stable employment.
- Much cheaper living standard than in big cities.
Challenges:
The smaller size of Winnipeg may put a constraint on ambitious professionals. But it is an economical decision to have a stable and affordable life.
Finding the Right Opportunity
The selection of the best city will be based on your personal objectives. Do you want high pays, regular employment or a flourishing life? This is in a nutshell:
- Toronto and Vancouver are high paying cities with urban living.
- Calgary and Edmonton have a prospect of affording and opportunity.
- Montreal is attractive to people who are interested in creativity and design-oriented projects.
- Winnipeg and Halifax offer low-cost alternatives that have good prospects.
Next Steps for Your Career
There is no indication that the demand of tile setters in Canada is going to decrease. It does not matter whether you are a veteran in the business or new in the trade, but being in the right place can make all the difference.
In case you are willing to make a step in your tile-setting career, visit job boards, recruitment services, or trade schools in the above-mentioned cities. You can also keep yourself ahead in this competitive industry through investing in skill development and certification.
