Toronto’s construction and development market continues to evolve in 2026. While economic conditions have shifted over the past few years, demand for experienced leadership across High Rise Residential, ICI, and Civil construction remains strong. Complex builds, tighter margins, and increased regulatory oversight mean companies are paying a premium for proven expertise.
Below, we highlight five of the top paying construction roles in Toronto this year, along with current salary ranges and why these positions are so critical to the market.
Vice President
Salary Range:
- Civil: $220,000 to $300,000+
- ICI: $250,000 to $300,000
- High Rise Residential: $250,000 to over $300,000+
Vice Presidents sit at the executive level of construction organizations and are responsible for overall operational performance, financial oversight, and strategic growth. In Toronto, compensation ranges from $220,000 to over $300,000 depending on company size and portfolio.
This role is essential right now because projects are larger and more complex than ever. Whether leading high rise towers, institutional builds, or major infrastructure programs, Vice Presidents drive profitability, manage risk, and guide long term business strategy. Strong executive leadership is a key differentiator in today’s competitive market.
Project Director
Salary Range:
- Civil: $190,000 to $250,000+
- ICI: $180,000 to $250,000
- High Rise Residential: $190,000 to $250,000+
Project Directors oversee multiple large scale developments and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. In 2026, salaries typically fall between $190,000 and over $250,000. Operations Directors often earn within a similar range due to comparable levels of responsibility.
As projects grow more technical and stakeholder driven, experienced Project Directors are in high demand. They align executive strategy with on site execution, manage client relationships, and mitigate financial and scheduling risk. Their ability to lead teams through complexity makes them indispensable across all sectors.
General Superintendent / Field Operations Manager
Salary Ranges:
- Civil: $190,000 to $250,000+
- ICI: $180,000 to $200,000+
- High Rise Residential: $220,000 to $250,000+
General Superintendents and Field Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing site teams, enforcing safety standards, and maintaining productivity across multiple projects or large developments.
The role is particularly critical in today’s market due to labour shortages and tight timelines. In High Rise Residential, where vertical construction presents logistical challenges, compensation can exceed $250,000. Civil and ICI sectors also command strong salaries due to the scale and technical nature of infrastructure and institutional projects. Effective field leadership directly impacts project outcomes and company profitability.
Chief Estimator
Salary Range:
- Civil: $160,000 to $200,000
- ICI: $170,000 to over $205,000+
- High Rise Residential: $170,000 to over $200,000
Chief Estimators lead the preconstruction function and play a strategic role in determining project viability. In 2026, salaries range from $160,000 to over $200,000 across sectors. For comparison, Estimators typically earn between $80,000 and $165,000 depending on experience and project exposure.
With ongoing cost fluctuations and competitive bidding environments, accurate forecasting is more important than ever. Chief Estimators ensure pricing is competitive while protecting margins. Their expertise allows companies to pursue the right opportunities and manage risk before a shovel hits the ground.
Project Manager
Salary Ranges:
- Civil: $110,000 to $170,000+
- ICI: $100,000 to $170,000+
- High Rise Residential: $145,000 to $180,000+
In 2026, Project Managers in High Rise Residential command the highest compensation, often earning between $145,000 and $180,000+, reflecting the complexity of large scale vertical developments. Civil Project Managers can earn between $110,000 and $170,000+, while those in ICI typically fall between $100,000 and $170,000+.
This role is critical because it connects strategy with execution. Strong Project Managers control costs, manage risk, and ensure that stakeholder expectations are met. In a competitive Toronto market where delays and overruns can significantly impact margins, experienced Project Managers are indispensable to successful delivery.
What This Means for Employers and Professionals in 2026
Toronto’s construction market continues to reward leadership, accountability, and technical expertise. From executive level oversight to on site supervision, the highest paying roles reflect the responsibility required to deliver complex projects successfully.
If you are looking for deeper insights into compensation trends across High Rise Residential, ICI, and Civil construction, download our 2026 Salary Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of roles, ranges, and market intelligence. Whether you are planning your next career move or building out your leadership team, having accurate salary data is essential to staying competitive in today’s market.
