u/SingleSuggestion881

Hey everyone, I just wanted to get some perspective from you all. I was working at a company called Urban Electrical (pre apprentice), and even though the pay was always late, I was learning a ton. I was second in command on the fire alarm system so the journeyman was in charge, but I was his right-hand apprentice. I was running suites, pulling hallways, and even guiding two other apprentices who were more senior than me. I was really growing a lot.
But after Urban pulled out of the project, I got laid off and got rehired by CEG (Centennial Electric Group). Now it feels like I’m back to doing more basic apprentice tasks—handling material, a lot of the grunt work. At least the pay is on time now, but I’m worried that I’m not learning as much. How bad is it to take a step back like this at this stage in my apprenticeship?
Would love to hear your advice thanks in advance!

I always hear from coworkers that electricians don’t make great money compared to other trades, especially plumbers. I’m currently in high-rise IBEW 353 electrical, and from what I understand, journeyman rates are going to be around $66/hour including vacation pay on the cheque by 2027. To me, that sounds like pretty solid money, especially when you factor in overtime and double time opportunities.

The thing is, I’m still living at home with my mom, so I honestly don’t have the best sense of what “good money” actually looks like anymore in the GTA. I know housing and the cost of living are crazy, but compared to a lot of jobs, making $60+/hour seems pretty good to me.

Maybe I’m missing something, but I’m curious what other tradespeople think. Are electricians actually behind other trades financially, or do people just compare themselves to the highest earners? How does IBEW 353 electrical stack up against plumbing/HVAC/etc.?