Ottawa’s construction industry remains stable, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, high-rise residential developments, and ongoing investments in commercial and institutional construction. As the nation’s capital, the city’s growing population, paired with a relatively steady economy, has continued to fuel the demand for skilled construction professionals across various sectors.
For those seeking high-paying roles in Ottawa’s construction sector, competitive salaries reflect the niche expertise and leadership required in these positions. Whether you’re an experienced construction manager or an estimator looking to advance, here are the top-paying jobs in Ottawa’s construction industry based on salary data from our 2025 Construction & Development Salary Guide.
Vice President – ICI
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $250,000+
As senior executives, VPs oversee construction operations, business strategy, and high-level decision-making across large-scale projects that drive economic growth. Their leadership directly impacts innovation and project success, making them some of the highest earners in the industry.
Project Director – High-Rise Residential
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $200,000+
Project Directors are at the helm of crucial residential developments, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Their expertise in project management, stakeholder communication, and risk assessment makes them indispensable to top construction firms.
Operations Manager – Civil
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $200,000+
Infrastructure projects, from major transit to municipal infrastructure, are crucial for Ottawa’s expanding population. Operations Managers oversee day-to-day construction activities, coordinate teams, manage budgets, and ensure industry regulation compliance.
Construction Manager – ICI
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $200,000+
ICI Construction Managers lead site teams, overseeing the planning, design, and execution of major public and private projects. Their ability to coordinate subcontractors and resolve on-site challenges is key to maintaining project timelines.
Chief Estimator – All Sectors
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $175,000+
Responsible for accurately evaluating project costs, Chief Estimators play a critical role in securing contracts and ensuring profitability. Their ability to analyze bids, materials, and labour costs makes them a crucial part of any Ottawa construction firm’s success.
General Superintendent/Field Operations Manager – High-Rise Residential
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $200,000+
The success of Ottawa’s high-rise construction depends heavily on Field Operations Managers. These professionals ensure that safety, efficiency, and quality standards are met in addition to being responsible for managing teams and coordinating with project managers to deliver successful outcomes.
Senior Superintendent – Civil
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $170,000+
A Senior Superintendent supervises on-site operations for Ottawa’s infrastructure projects, making sure that construction projects adhere to blueprints, schedules, and safety protocols. Their experience and leadership skills have been particularly sought after in Ottawa in recent years and directly impact project execution and overall success.
Senior Project Manager – High-Rise Residential
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $150,000+
Senior Project Managers in the High-Rise Residential space handle complex construction projects, managing budgets, contracts, and stakeholder expectations. The demand for professionals in this space has remained steady in comparison to other Canadian markets.
Estimator – ICI
Greatest Potential Salary/Earnings: $120,000+
Estimators analyze project costs and develop budgets, playing a crucial role in securing in-demand Ottawa projects such as educational facilities, retail spaces, and hospitals. Their expertise in market trends, materials, and labour costs makes them invaluable assets for construction firms.
Eager for additional salary and industry insights? Our Construction & Development recruitment experts are committed to providing our clients and candidates with the latest market intelligence. Our 2025 Salary Guide offers valuable data from our industry placements, prevailing job market trends, and sought-after qualifications to support hiring objectives and the direction in which you can grow your career. Download it HERE, and of course, don’t hesitate to contact our team directly for more information.
