Electromechanic Salaries in Quebec: 2026 Complete Guide

If you’re a manufacturer in Quebec looking to hire an electromechanical technician, also called an electromechanic or automated systems technician, the question is always the same: what’s this going to cost me? The answer depends on experience level, the systems they work on, their certifications, and where in Quebec your facility is located. This guide breaks it all down so you can budget accurately and hire with confidence.

Related: Manufacturing Hierarchy: Roles, Responsibilities, and Hiring Challenges

The Short Answer: Quebec Electromechanic Salary Ranges

The average electromechanic salary in Quebec is $32.70/hour, which sits broadly in line with the national average – with a range of $23.00 to $37.50 depending on experience. The Government of Canada Job Bank confirms a provincial range between $24.00/hour and $40.00/hour, reflecting the spread between an entry-level electromechanic in food production and an automation specialist in a complex industrial environment.

Here’s what the data looks like in 2026:

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry level (0–3 years)	$46,000 – $54,000	$22 – $26/hr
Intermediate (3–7 years)	$56,000 – $70,000	$27 – $34/hr
Senior (8+ years)	$70,000 – $85,000	$34 – $41/hr
Specialist / Automation	$80,000 – $100,000+	$38 – $48/hr

For context, electromechanics working at Hydro-Québec earn an average of $39.12/hour, which is approximately 30% above the national average, illustrating the premium associated with heavy industrial environments and critical infrastructure.

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Electromechanic Salary by Region in Quebec

Not all regions pay the same. Where your facility is located has a direct impact on what you’ll need to offer to attract and retain qualified electromechanics.

Electromechanic salary in Greater Montreal (Island + South Shore + Laval)

The largest manufacturing hub in Quebec, with strong demand for electromechanics across pharmaceutical, aerospace, food processing, and automated packaging sectors. Montreal averages $34.52/hour, and Pointe-Claire ranks among the highest-paying cities in the province at $40.07/hour, driven by the concentration of automated plants and high-tech facilities on the West Island and in Laval.

Electromechanic salary in Drummondville / Centre-du-Québec

One of Quebec’s most active manufacturing corridors, with an exceptional concentration of agri-food plants, paper mills, and industrial manufacturing facilities. Recent job postings in Drummondville show salary ranges between $29.90 and $37.43/hour for electromechanics, with senior profiles regularly reaching $36-$40/hour. Local demand is sustained and employer competition is real.

Electromechanic salary in Sherbrooke / Estrie

A growing industrial region with steady demand for electromechanics in general manufacturing and processing. Salaries generally track the provincial average, though profiles with advanced automated systems knowledge, collaborative robotics, or variable frequency drive experience can negotiate above-market offers given the thinner local supply of specialized candidates.

Electromechanic salary in Quebec City Region

The Capitale-Nationale region shows a provincial salary range of $24.00 to $40.00/hour, with positions in defence, pulp and paper, aluminum, and infrastructure tending to pay above average. Electromechanics with experience in heavily regulated environments or continuous process control systems command a premium in this market.

Electromechanic salary in Baie-Comeau / Alma / Saguenay

The region’s heavy industries – aluminum smelters, paper mills, hydroelectric installations – represent some of the highest-paying environments for electromechanics in Quebec. The supply of qualified candidates is lower, working conditions are more demanding (rotating shifts, intensive industrial environments), and cost-of-living adjustments contribute to salaries that consistently exceed the provincial average, particularly for profiles with automated systems and process control experience. The salaries are between $31.35 and $36.63/hour.

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Education & Training: What Credentials Are You Actually Hiring?

Understanding an electromechanic’s educational background helps you assess not just what they know, but how quickly they’ll be productive in your facility, and what you’ll need to offer to close the hire.

Electromechanics with no formal diploma (experience-based)

Some electromechanics in Quebec developed their skills on the floor – starting in production or maintenance roles, working alongside certified electromechanics, and progressively building their knowledge in electrical, mechanical, and automation systems. These profiles can be highly capable, but their skills are harder to verify on paper. Expect to rely more heavily on a practical test, a technical assessment, or solid references.

Electromechanics with a DEP en Électromécanique de systèmes automatisés (code 5281)

The DEP in automated systems electromechanics is the reference training credential for entering the trade in Quebec, typically organized over about two years full-time, with a placement rate of 82.4% among graduates according to data from Quebec’s Ministry of Education. It covers industrial electricity, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and sensors. This is the diploma most commonly required in Quebec job postings for this role – the vast majority of active electromechanics in the province hold it. Candidates with a DEP are work-ready quickly and command a legitimate premium from the start.

Electromechanics with an AEC in Automation and Control

The Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC) in automation and control is a college-level technical credential, shorter than a DEC but more focused on industrial automated systems such as PLCs, SCADA, industrial networks, drives. It is often pursued by working electromechanics who want to deepen their automation specialization without returning to full-time school. These profiles command a premium over a DEP-only electromechanic.

Electromechanics with a DEC in Computer Systems Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology

A college-level DEC is a stronger theoretical foundation, it’s useful for roles that blend hands-on electromechanics with automation programming, equipment commissioning, or technical supervision. These profiles tend to move toward automation technician, commissioning specialist, or maintenance project lead roles over time, and command meaningfully higher compensation.

Electromechanics in Apprenticeship

Quebec runs a formal workplace apprenticeship program (PAMT) for electromechanics, managed by Emploi-Québec. Apprentices are paid at a percentage of journeyperson rate, making them a cost-effective way to grow your maintenance team in-house, provided you have experienced electromechanics available to mentor and a production environment that can accommodate the learning curve.

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Certifications: What They Mean for Pay and Hiring

CQP – Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle (Quebec)

The CQP for electromechanics is issued by Emploi-Québec and validates that the candidate meets the provincial trade standard. It can be obtained through the PAMT apprenticeship pathway or through the Reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences (RAC) process for experienced workers without a formal diploma. A candidate holding a CQP has had their competencies formally assessed – a meaningful signal, particularly for companies that don’t systematically test candidates in practice.

Red Seal (Sceau Rouge)

The Red Seal is Canada’s interprovincial trade certification. Qualified electromechanics can obtain the Red Seal endorsement, recognized across all Canadian provinces and territories. The Red Seal establishes common interprovincial standards and proves that the holder meets Canadian trade competency benchmarks. For senior roles, team lead positions, or environments recruiting nationally, the Red Seal is the reference credential – it guarantees the profile’s portability and signals a level of rigor beyond the base diploma.

Electrician’s Licence (Licence C – CMEQ)

Some Quebec job postings, particularly in environments where the electromechanic is expected to perform work on electrical apparatus, require or strongly prefer a CMEQ (Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec) industrial electrician’s licence. An electromechanic holding a Licence C can intervene autonomously on industrial electrical installations, reducing your dependency on a dedicated electrician and representing direct added value for your operation. This profile commands a significant premium.

Electrical Safety Training (CSA Z462)

The CSA Z462 standard on workplace electrical safety, including arc flash risk and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, is increasingly required in Quebec industrial environments, particularly in food processing, chemicals, and energy. An electromechanic trained on arc flash risks and proper isolation procedures is a safer hire for your floor and reduces your CNESST incident exposure.

WHMIS

Required across virtually all Quebec manufacturing environments. Most experienced electromechanics already hold it, but worth verifying during the selection process – particularly in environments handling lubricants, hydraulic fluids, solvents, or industrial gases.

Automation Platform Certifications (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric)

Platform-specific automation certifications such as Allen-Bradley / Rockwell (Studio 5000), Siemens (TIA Portal), Schneider Electric (EcoStruxure), are not formal diplomas, but are highly valued by employers whose facilities run on these systems. An electromechanic certified on the platform you use significantly shortens your integration curve and commands a market premium.

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Where They Work: How the Industry Sector Affects What You’ll Pay

The sector your electromechanic comes from, and the one you’re hiring for, significantly shapes their compensation expectations and what a competitive offer looks like.

Electromechanics working in Agri-Food Processing (most active sector in Quebec)

The agri-food sector is by far the largest employer of electromechanics in Quebec, with facilities concentrated in Drummondville, Saint-Hyacinthe, Boucherville, Montreal, and Trois-Rivières. These environments require electromechanics capable of working under strict sanitary conditions such HACCP systems, stainless steel, high-pressure washdown environments, while maintaining automated production lines in operating condition. Compensation is in the mid-to-upper range, with frequent shift premiums.

Electromechanics working in Pulp & Paper / Aluminum (Highest pay)

Large continuous industrial facilities – paper mills, aluminum smelters, chemical processing plants – represent the highest-paying environments for electromechanics in Quebec. Systems are complex, downtime tolerance is near zero, and continuous process automation skills are rare. These positions consistently offer salaries at the upper end of the range, significant on-call premiums, and demanding working conditions that justify the compensation.

Electromechanics working in Aerospace and High-Tech Manufacturing

Aerospace manufacturing environments require a significantly higher level of precision, documentation, and quality rigor (AS9100) than general manufacturing. Electromechanics who have worked in this context (maintaining high-precision CNC machines, automated conveyor systems, test benches) are trained to a discipline that commands a premium. This sector is concentrated in Montreal, Laval, and Mirabel.

Electromechanics working in General Manufacturing (Most common in Quebec)

The majority of Quebec electromechanics work in general manufacturing such as packaging, plastics, printing, light metalworking, industrial equipment. These environments are varied and require solid versatility. Pay is at or slightly below the provincial average for equivalent experience, but the talent pool is broader. This is the profile most manufacturers in Drummondville, Sherbrooke, and the South Shore are competing for.

Electromechanics working in Energy and Infrastructure

Hydroelectric facilities (Hydro-Québec and its subcontractors), wind farms, and water treatment infrastructure represent highly specialized environments for electromechanics. Electromechanics at Hydro-Québec earn an average of $39.12/hour, 30% above the national average. These positions are stable, well-compensated, and hard to leave, which means available candidates from this sector are rare.

Electromechanics working in Defence and Transportation

Growing sectors in Quebec, particularly around Quebec City, Chaudière-Appalaches, and Greater Montreal. Rail, marine, and defence projects require electromechanics with high documentation discipline and experience on critical systems. These profiles command a premium and are among the hardest to find on the market.

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What Skills Drive an Electromechanic’s Salary Up?

Not all electromechanics are priced the same. The depth of their knowledge, the systems they master, and their ability to work autonomously have a significant impact on what you’ll need to offer.

PLC Programming & Automation (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) salaries in Quebec

This is the premium skill par excellence for an electromechanic in Quebec today. A technician capable of programming, modifying, and troubleshooting programmable logic controllers independently, without calling in an external integrator, is a strategic asset. Budget between $34 and $45/hour for profiles with real PLC mastery, and more for those who cover multiple platforms.

Variable Frequency Drives & Electronic Starters salaries in Quebec

The ability to configure, troubleshoot, and replace variable frequency drives (VFDs) is increasingly required on modern production lines. Electromechanics who are comfortable with common VFD brands (ABB, Danfoss, Rockwell, Siemens) without needing an outside specialist significantly reduce your downtime. This skill consistently adds to the salary range.

SCADA & HMI Systems salaries in Quebec

The ability to navigate, configure, and troubleshoot human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and SCADA systems is rare among purely hands-on electromechanics. Those who can read a process synoptic, understand alarms, and modify parameters in Wonderware, FactoryTalk, or Ignition bring direct value to your operations. These profiles sit at the upper end of the range, typically $36-$46/hour.

Industrial Robotics (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka, Universal Robots) salaries in Quebec

With the acceleration of automation in Quebec plants, electromechanics capable of intervening on robotic cells – preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, basic program modifications – are increasingly sought after and hard to find. This profile commands a significant premium and salaries that frequently exceed $40/hour for profiles with real multi-brand robot experience.

Industrial Electrical & Schematic Reading salaries in Quebec

Non-negotiable for the trade, but the depth of competency varies significantly. An electromechanic capable of reading and interpreting a complete electrical schematic, tracing a circuit to the source of a fault, and intervening fully autonomously is significantly more valuable than one who diagnoses by process of elimination. This is the basic differentiator between an entry-level and intermediate profile.

Hydraulics, Pneumatics & Mechanical Systems salaries in Quebec

An electromechanic is by definition a hybrid profile – mechanical and electrical. Those who truly master both sides (example: capable of intervening on a hydraulic cylinder in the morning and troubleshooting a drive in the afternoon) are the most sought-after profiles in general manufacturing. Confirmed versatility adds $3-$5/hour to the market rate.

Preventive Maintenance & CMMS (SAP, Maximo, MP2) salaries in Quebec

Electromechanics who can manage their own work orders in a CMMS, document their interventions, and contribute to improving the preventive maintenance program are a strategic hire. This profile stands out from a reactive electromechanic and brings direct value to your equipment availability rate.

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Electromechanic vs. Automation Technician vs. Reliability Engineer: What’s the Difference (and the Cost)?

These titles are often used loosely in Quebec job postings, but they represent meaningfully different skill levels, responsibilities, and compensation expectations.

What is an Electromechanic

The electromechanic trade combines electricity, mechanics, and automation – installing, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing automated production equipment. This is the base profile most manufacturers are looking to hire. In Quebec, electromechanics typically earn $24-$41/hour depending on experience, systems mastered, and sector.

What is an Automation Technician

A more specialized profile focused on programming, commissioning, and optimizing automated systems – PLCs, robots, SCADA, HMIs. Unlike the electromechanic who covers the full scope of floor maintenance, the automation technician is often centred on the digital side and control system performance. These profiles typically earn $38-$50/hour, and more for systems integration specialists.

What is a Reliability Engineer / Maintenance Specialist

Goes beyond hands-on work – analyzes recurring failures, designs preventive and predictive maintenance programs, manages asset performance at the plant level. Typically requires significant hands-on experience combined with a DEC or bachelor’s degree in engineering. Compensation in Quebec typically ranges from $80,000-$110,000+ annually.

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Don’t Forget the Full Cost of Employment

The hourly rate is only part of what an electromechanic costs you. When budgeting an electromechanic hire in Quebec, factor in:

QPP contributions: Quebec Pension Plan employer contributions add approximately 6.4% on top of gross salary.

QPIP & EI premiums: Quebec Parental Insurance Plan and Employment Insurance employer shares typically add another 3-4%.

CNESST (workplace safety): Electromechanics work in environments with elevated electrical and mechanical risk. Expect CNESST premiums at the higher end of the manufacturing bracket.

Benefits: Extended health, dental, and life insurance packages typically add $3,000-$6,000 per employee annually.

Shift premiums: The vast majority of electromechanic positions in Quebec involve rotating shifts – evenings, nights, or weekends. Expect to add $1.50-$3.50/hour on top of base wage, and on-call premiums for emergency coverage on critical equipment add further to total compensation.

Tools and PPE: Electromechanics often supply their own hand tools and measuring instruments (multimeter, clamp meter). Some employers offer a tool allowance of $500-$1,500/year to attract and retain qualified profiles.

When all statutory costs are factored in, an electromechanic earning $32/hour in base wages costs an employer approximately $37-$39/hour in total compensation.

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What This Means

The Quebec electromechanic market is one of the tightest in manufacturing’s technical trades. The graduate placement rate for electromechanics in Quebec reaches 82.4% – meaning new graduates are absorbed almost immediately by the market, without a meaningful availability window. Add to that an aging workforce and the accelerating pace of automation in Quebec plants, and you have an equation that is structurally imbalanced in favour of candidates.

The manufacturers who consistently hire the best electromechanics are the ones who move quickly, present complete and competitive offers, and understand that a vacant electromechanic seat is not just an HR problem – it’s a production constraint. Every week a position stays open is a week of deferred maintenance, uncovered breakdown risk, and pressure on the team that remains.

At Talentive, we specialize exclusively in Quebec’s manufacturing market. We work closely with electromechanics, automation technicians, and maintenance specialists across Montreal, the North and South Shore, Drummondville, Sherbrooke, Terrebonne, Trois-Rivières, and beyond.

Whether you are hiring or exploring new opportunities, we can give you a clear, real-world view of what competitive offers and market conditions look like today.

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Sources

• Talentive Database
• ERI SalaryExpert
• Indeed – Electromechanic salaries, Province of Quebec
• Glassdoor – Electromechanic salaries, Quebec
• Government of Canada Job Bank (NOC 7776)
• HARtech – Le métier d’électromécanicien au Québec

updated for late 2025-2026