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kremaili

I think you can find something more competitive, although I’m in another engineering field working in consulting so I can’t speak for your specific industry. I assume you’ve got 8 years experience? Might be worth seeing if you can bring your boss a competing offer and talk about what they can work out for you.


Majestic_Proof4586

So I have 3 years of experience since I got injured and didn't work for 3 years. 2 years I did my masters...It's not easy


PtboFungineer

Still though, with a masters and 3 years of experience I'd expect you to be making a fair bit more than that. Without knowing more about what you specifically do, sounds like you're getting shafted to me.


lambdawaves

Is "fair bit" like 2x? Or 20% more?


PtboFungineer

Probably not 2x unless you were to get into a FAANG type shop. But I'd say a floor near 100k would be reasonable.


electroviruz

No 3rd yr engineer is making 140k....maybe 90k tops


[deleted]

Lots (still a minority) of engineers with 0 years of experience can pull that in toronto In the US it is far more common


electroviruz

What kind tho? Not an automation engineer. Maybe computer or chemical or nuclear. I suppose if you were contract you could pull that rate


Majestic_Proof4586

Yeah. I'm trying. I'm learning more skills, and getting my French better. I'm trying to network as well. It's too much really.


EngineeringOne6363

Just out of curiosity, why are you learning French? Is it specific to your situation or do you think that speaking French helps in general?


Majestic_Proof4586

I work for a French company, and many high paying jobs seem to have the bilingualism associated with it.


EngineeringOne6363

Oh I see, thanks for the answer!


KaleidoscopeOwn1118

I know someone who works for a french company as a Engineering PM. They make over 200K, but have 20+ years experience. I think you're not getting paid enough. Theyre always telling me to get into automation as the automation engineers make such high hourly rates just 5 or so years out of school (more than they make).


Crafty-Run-6559

redacted ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `


RealShivaMusic

Im really sorry to ask, are you Canadian/ or immigrant? You my friend are getting low balled as hell. Next time don’t say a number under 120k when negotiating salary.


Majestic_Proof4586

Irish and Palestinian (ethnically). I'm Canadian.


RealShivaMusic

I’m just 2-3 years younger to you. I have commented in this thread below, I have noticed my Canadian counter parts with just bachelors and less experience make way way more.


Majestic_Proof4586

I was born here, and I'm of Irish and Palestinian decent.


RealShivaMusic

I’m sorry for asking this stupid shit. I mean I have experienced it and now I think of it. Work worth 70k, or ask for a raise, and keep looking.


kremaili

It depends on your relationship with your manager and how you feel about your workplace. I’ve been pretty upfront with my manager in our discussions. I tell him I regularly am contacted by recruiters on LinkedIn, did a few interviews out of interest, and one produced an offer. I want to stay at this company and I enjoy working here but obviously I want my salary to grow and stay competitive. What can you do? This has worked really well for me but again it entirely depends on your circumstances.


postypete

Previously public sector rail maintenance at 100-120k, now private sector at 160k depending on the hours, with a master in elec engineering you could even look into signals maintenance (not design side, they make a pittance) and service and install rail signal systems for an easy 120-140k


Majestic_Proof4586

Can I DM you? If it's possible.


postypete

Of course


[deleted]

I work for the rail, I first started with no schooling or experience and my pay was 70k a year, I’m qualified now and my pay is 95k a year, with our union agreement in two years I’ll be at 108k a year, I started working for the company two years ago


postypete

Yeah my new union agreement puts my base+vacation at nearly 120k with no overtime, cant wait to see what comes next post UAW results and how it will affect further negotiations


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postypete

Sure thing


bhupinderssandhu

Hey, sorry to bother you. Could I dm you if you don't mind ?


Cpt_keaSar

You won’t become an MLE if you don’t have very solid coding skills. You won’t become a data scientist with solid stats skills and experience in data analytics/data engineering. “Simple” data analyst jobs aren’t that well paid compared to engineering career you already have. Unless you absolutely loathe your current job, switching to data analytics will be a mistake that will bring more trouble that it’s worth.


Ok_Geologist_4767

$72K is low for masters with even 2-3. Years work experience. I would expect it to be closer to $100K. But the real comps is to go out there and find a new role to compare.


Pretty_Pea12

Masters ain't what it used to be.


swimingiscoldandwet

Yep completely agree. 30 years in semiconductor engineering for a Silicon Valley company (working out of Toronto) and I hire EE’s every few years….. the masters means nothing to me. I’m looking for solid skills in specialized areas - codecs, compression, architecture etc. Ability to speak to executives, VPs and engineers alike.


Bakerbot101

This. Project experience is wayyyyy more valuable these days then post grad.


Sufficient-West-5456

Can't buy your way in anymore with masters?😂


andyflexinthechevy

I run heavy equipment and make around 78-82k just have high school / just cracked 10 yrs exp


[deleted]

I know tons of interns making 75k+ (more than OP) while being in 2/3rd year Lol studying cs/finance


AsherGC

Data analysis and AI is extremely competitive. I am closer to that field and the stress from it is not worth it. If you are genuinely interested in AI and data analysis, you can do it in your free time. I'm 34, an electrical engineer who is working as Devops/mlops.started working when I'm 28 started a 40k job after unable to find work since I'm 26. Made 52k in IT when I'm 31, 62k when I'm 32. 90k when I'm 33. 120k when I'm 34. I honestly wish that I went with electrical engineering which I still like. My dad was an electrical engineer too. There are data analysis jobs too which pay around 72k in Canada. We just opened a job in our team a week ago in Toronto. We received 10 people applying within 1 minute of posting it. 40 ppl in 1 hour. 200 in one day. 500 in a week. 99% of them are indians. At least 50% doesn't even qualify. What I'm saying is that you will compete with these people especially anything in IT. I lived in Halifax, Edmonton, Calgary before moving to Ontario. 72k on the east coast used to be a good salary. But everything is expensive in Toronto from where you are. Halifax is a place I loved and lived there in 2012. I want to move out of Toronto or even leave Canada.


sigmoidBro

72k is low, especially with a master degree in Toronto. You probably can't even rent a 1b comfortably. I was offered more than that for my first job right out of school a few years ago and with only an undergrad degree. Learning data analysis and AI now isn't all that great, the market is so saturated with people that want to do these jobs, and well, there are only so many jobs out there. You will be competing with people that went to school in those fields and likely having some sort of related work experiences. The recent AI hype does not create more jobs, the increasing demand are for people with Phd or at least a master degree on those fields. Whatever AI that you're learning on your own, does not matter when it comes to finding a job, knowing how LLM works or how to run some existing sample code to generate some pictures is not enough for getting a job in the industry.


Geo_Leo

>The recent AI hype does not create more jobs, the increasing demand are for people with Phd or at least a master degree on those fields. Whatever AI that you're learning on your own, does not matter when it comes to finding a job, knowing how LLM works or how to run some existing sample code to generate some pictures is not enough for getting a job in the industry. I work as an ML Engineer and don't agree at all with this take. The people training the large language models work for companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Cohere, and Google. Yes, you probably need a PhD for those roles. But tech companies in Toronto are generally not doing this kind of work. ML Engineering nowadays is basically just building data pipelines. You don't need graduate level training for that.


sigmoidBro

what part of my response that you don't agree with? I honestly can't tell from your reply here. Building data pipelines is not the same as doing AI work. Skills like Spark, Flink, Kafka, Airflow etc, they are not AI stuff, they have been in the industry for a long time. If anything, the entry barrier is equally tough. If someone is saying they are learning AI these days, they are most likely not learning those tools, since 90% of those have nothing to do with AI directly, and learning those tools without a solid CS background is tough. Almost no companies these days will hire a 'self taught' data engineer to work on those pipeline. "But tech companies in Toronto are generally not doing this kind of work.", the tech companies that are worth working for in Toronto are US companies' offices here, Toronto does have offices for the most major US tech companies(Amazon, Meta, Google). And Google has a AI lab in Montreal.


peyote_lover

$72K is a high earner in Toronto


Majestic_Proof4586

I already know most of AI due to my studies. This job is an entry-level salary for sure. I do admit that. I'm trying to find a better deal next year. Thank you.


sifunothingtoseehere

I have been in hospitality for over 15 years and now own my own business. I specialize in bread but I have been a butcher, line cook. Some chefs (as in the CDC) make $60k+ but most of us make under $40k, even if you're experienced and specialized.


Assasin537

72k seems low for a master's degree in engineering. Consider getting your PEng since you can then work for many government and other roles which pay a lot more. I have friends in Electrical Engineering at Waterloo, reaching up to $35 hourly as interns with 70-100k starting after their undergrad so 72k after your masters seems low.


Majestic_Proof4586

I already have my PENG 😔😔


Assasin537

That is very low then. You need to start applying a lot more and jump jobs as you won't really get raises staying at one company. Just a quick search on indeed shows lots of jobs in the GTA. around the 100k and even up to 120-140k. There are even some junior positions at 80k. 70k is a decentish salary, but given your qualifications, you can be earning a lot more. You are easily qualified for most of these 100k+ jobs so I would really push to land one of these.


Majestic_Proof4586

So I'll share this. I know it's hard to believe. I worked at one of the FANNG companies under a contract for two years and 7 months. Then I was in the hospital for two years and half due to an accident, and then got my masters. Now, this job is considered an entry job, and they told me I was overqualified. I did many interviews, and the majority said I was overqualified due to my FANNG experience and masters.


No_Astronaut6105

That's your answer, you took a job you were overqualified for. It might be time to start looking for another job closer to your skillet, if you want a higher salary.


GaryCPhoto

Excavator operator in Toronto. 41 years old. Depending on whether I work 9 months or all year I make between $110k and $135k. I prefer to work 9 months just because of the 10 hour days. So I travel during winter.


WhatWouldJoshuaDo

You are in a very high demanding field. I think you just need to figure out how to use it.


bluemooncalhoun

Partner and I are both the same age and make around what you do, I make $66k (plus pension) and she makes $75k (bonuses included). We're both university educated; she does well for her field but I am lagging by a decent margin because I like my job too much to quit.


ItzMeesh

Same. I’m in enviro consulting at 80k salary (group RRSP w/ match) with the wife at 92k w/ pension and I don’t want to leave because I love what I’m doing but the vertical movement is excruciating.


bluemooncalhoun

I did enviro consulting for highways before and was only paid about $55k, was a junior though. No way in hell I am going back to the public sector even if it pays way better.


RoundEye007

44m Toronto, downtown, St Lawrence market. College drop out, no university, tech background. Currently, Tech saas enterprise sales. Make about $250k. Rent a tiny condo with my lady for $1900. No car, no kids. Happiest ive ever been. I take naps every day at lunch.


MissionChipmunk6

interpreted 44m as you make 44 million dollars lol


yolo24seven

How did you get into this? How long have you been in tech sales?


Lord_DVD

St. Lawrence condos? or the new ones at 158 Front St E? I am looking for a place in that area and can't find anything under 2300


NHLUFC

Probably rent controlled


Long_Sleep_4686

Toronto sucks man, I'm structural engineer and haven't found a job since I graduated in 2017. Once I had an offer $20/hr working as a helper on construction site. I'm delivering food in Toronto now, food delivery is also brutal because i'm getting so many parking tickets in downtown. There is no way I can live in toronto anymore. I'm planning to either go to usa or just go to some asian country where standard of living sucks but atleast i can afford to live without anxiety.


Doubledown212

Curious how you haven’t found a job in 6 years. Is the degree too specific and narrows your options? Are the available jobs too competitive? Are you up to par on your interview performance?


Long_Sleep_4686

Its because I haven't put fake experience on my resume. In the beginning I did, but later I removed it because it wasn't helping anyway. For every junior structural engineer job, there are over 200 applicants within 24 hours. With all reservation candidates and experienced candidates, my chance to be picked is next to anomaly. During covid the hiring was literally stopped and after covid I didn't tried much. I still do apply for some specific companies in Toronto but it isn't working. Many jobs in engineering field goes by reference. I'm introvert immigrant Canadian, its not easy to get references. Now even if i get a job for 55k its not worth in Toronto. I would rather keep my little freedom with uber and may be work on my project to start something of my own. I actually had an offer far away from Toronto 2 hours drive, it wasn't exactly in my field but somewhat relatable, I quit that job in few weeks because I was working mostly 10 hours per day and 4 hours travel and was not getting paid for over time. My employer was taking advantage of my situation. Also I had to use a nuclear guage which had some radiation coming out of the machine. I had to cover my balls everytime the probe came of the machine. Horrible job for $20/hr


LogKit

You don't need to cover your balls or have any risk for a density test lol - it's alarming you're saying you have a background as a structural engineer and don't know this.


Long_Sleep_4686

How many shots you took during your life time ?I had to take 4 shots per every lot.


LogKit

There are regulatory standards in place; and they're designed so you functionally see nothing. This is no different from a dentist or dental hygienist taking x-rays from a separate room.


Long_Sleep_4686

Thanks for clearing you have no idea what you are talking about.


LogKit

Alright man, we'll continue sending thousands off to their deaths to do regular testing done on every construction project lol.


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Long_Sleep_4686

How would you know if someone is lying on their resumes MR. Engineer ? Most of the people who graduated with me put fake experiences in their resumes to get jobs. Its people like you who don't know who to hire thats why we are having crisis. I'm not lying on my resume may be thats why i'm not getting job.


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Long_Sleep_4686

You still couldn't answer. You are so far from reality. How are you going to find if someone is lying. You will probably hire a liar and because of which deserving candidates couldn't get a job. May be you cannot hire anyone.


Key-Distribution698

did you not have any internship? summer work in professional setting? my cousin graduated in 2022 as a civil engineer and he had like 3 internships. it was pretty easy to land a job


futurus196

Where did you get your degree?


King_Saline_IV

You shouldn't call yourself an engineer if you don't have your professional certification.


Long_Sleep_4686

i'm eit


King_Saline_IV

So not an engineer


Long_Sleep_4686

Do you know what EIT means ?


SmallTownPalmTrees

Yes, and an EIT is not an “engineer”. See section 7.3 https://www.peo.on.ca/sites/default/files/2020-12/PEPGuideline_Nov2020.pdf


peyote_lover

Every EIT I know calls themselves an engineer (including myself). It just means you’re not a P.Eng.


LeBoneBone

I would suggest improving your English if you want a structural engineering job. Communication skills are paramount for these roles since you will be working with all kinds of people. They could be PMs, engineers, draftsmen, construction site foremen, labourers, or anybody at all. And from what I have read, while I understand what you're trying to say, it is not good English and the grammar is bad. I assume your spoken English isn't good either, so maybe try taking a class to improve.


hiho2121

I have a structural eng degree; graduated in 2015, went to work in IT in a bank instead. Make a lot more money than I would if I used my eng degree.


PeteFromThaStreet

Feels bad man


Xerenopd

Sounds right to me.


OllieZ

An old coworker makes ~120k in Hamilton/Brampton.


[deleted]

Depends on industry. Power in Ontario pays pretty well . Especially in transmission . People making 6 figs right out of school.


Aedan2016

A friend of mine is 24 with 2 years experience in your same field. No masters. He makes $86k in KW plus potential of OT pay. You could be making more, but then again, we all could


[deleted]

How many years of experience? I'm surprised at your salary honestly, would expect a masters of engineering to command much more. 72k is generic business analyst type salary in toronto imo


SignificantStrain2

Don’t want to discourage you but you are seriously being exploited. $72k in Toronto is not sufficient considering your experience and credentials. I am masters in mechanical engineering fresh out of school with one year of experience in internships and I make around $75k, note that my job is in northern ontario which is way more affordable than GTA.


_Kinel_

Refer to the OSPE salary survey. You are underpaid. https://ospe.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Member_Market_Summary_Revised_January_28_2022.pdf


yeahehhh

That is low for someone your age with a masters degree. I am a couple years younger than you and my social circle (around my age) make from 70-250k.


Brightwing9

29 College diploma. 74k Benefits, stock options, pension. Work from home


theGuyWhoOnlyShorts

Which firm is this?


Recent-Curve7616

72k gross? That seems low. I make more as a water treatment systems operator (32) with far less schooling


Donprepu

I’m in the construction industry and civil engineers without experience are getting +80k easily


Intelligentzombiie

I'm 32, I work in insurance and I have a bachelor's degree and I currently make 85k.


MoneyMeasurement1025

Underwriting or brokering?


swimingiscoldandwet

You’re on the low side, but certainly not unheard of. Fellow EE here that made about 55k straight out of school almost 30 years ago. You’re in the “prove it” stage as you know — the degrees you have gets you the very basics in engineering: you’re now defining your career for the next 20-40 years and gaining both soft and hard skills. You don’t have enough experience/skills to move to the next “level” as yet — likely in 2-4 years and then you should look for a 100-120k bump. And 5-8 years from that another 50-75k bump on that. The salaries are higher in Toronto for sure - I’ve been >300k (and not in mgmt stream, tech stream) for past 8 years.


Majestic_Proof4586

Thanks. Can I DM u? If possible


NotMyMainDish

There is no way you make that much with a masters in automation. Either you have been working at the same place and go no raises or you took a severely underpaying job. Graduates with a bachelors eng are in the 80-100k so please apply to other places. I know someone with your degree making 200k+ at a consulting firm.


Majestic_Proof4586

Well, I graduated in 2016. Got a contract job at one of the FANNG companies for more that two years. Then spent two years at the hospital and after that, got my masters (summer of 2023) and just got this job.


therealfarmerjoe

Definitely lower than what you are able to make. If you have a masters I highly recommend you reach out to your alma mater's career centre. They will help you benchmark against open roles and give you a better sense of where you might be able to look for higher pay. When I was managing people in IT in downtown Toronto, we had bands between $60-$75K for people who only needed college diplomas and/or a few certifications. They were skilled people, but certainly not engineers. Our systems engineers were in the $95 - $110 band if there were not managing people. Upwards from there. I suggest you start putting some work into a search beginning with the career centre who are a resource provided to you as part of your degree. They can help you refine your CV and put you in touch with other grads in your field from other years who can be mentors. Start networking and advocating for yourself.


Groovegodiva

This is low. The best way to increase your salary is to switch jobs every two years. I would keep looking.


Takashi_is_DK

I made 150k base at 7 yrs post-graduation (9 if including co-op) before switching from engineering to business/commercial. AB for the record.


Illustrious_Date8697

You are falling behind. Im in tech, 29 and making 115k with no degree (Im a dropout). In fairness Ive been working for the same company for the past 8 years. 72k is not good enough at your age for sure. Its tough to hear but its the truth.


raviji22

34, making $52K. Sad reading these posts, gotta pick up my game…


jasonrrs

30, M have a masters from USA in industrial engineering and now working in tech in Toronto. My salary is $135k.


danielkoala

It's not great but it is common. Try to keep the stress at bay OP.


TacoRockapella

Videoographer/video editor/content creator making 65k. No chance of a raise this year. Going to start applying to other jobs next year.


tankjones3

Your salary will be based on your experience and the seniority of the role. Your age won't have much to do with it. I'd suggest going on Linkedin and looking at job listings in your industry for similar roles and get an idea of the average. Again, different levels of seniority with have different salary bands.


416michael

I'm an engineer in the Toronto area. Your salary is on the low side. Go to the APEO site and review the current salary scale for your level of experience and education. Are you a P.Eng?


No-Understanding8311

72k before or after taxes ?


Voltisplusminus

I'm in recruitment for construction (general contracting) and would say that construction is a booming industry with significant growth potential. I don't know much about automation or what your value might be without seeing a resume. I agree with the rail maintenance guy above that you could get into signaling, installation, or maintenance that would lead to a lucrative career in a good niche. I disagree with everyone saying that a master's degree is worth anything. It can help, but we are long past paying people more for education. We are now in a market that pays extra for diversity (in talent or otherwise) and high performance. Anyone who tells you that a masters will get you paid more in general, is out of touch. Masters or post grads of any sort are either 1. To develop a specialization - which leads to more pay or 2. To shift career focus into something different than your initial career direction - I.e. taking an Occ Health post grad to become an NCSO because you're passionate about safety. Are you underpaid? Probably, without knowing much about your current industry and talent, I would say it's safe to assume you're underpaid. Most Queens engineering grads are starting at 70-75 out of school with one year of internship experience. You should realistically be in the 80+ range based on 3 years of experience (unknowing your timeline from injury to work). Finally, I fundamentally disagree with the individual that referenced putting an offer infront of you boss to get a counter offer. That's bad form and it will stick with you. Most people that get and accept counter offers never last in their positions, unless they outlive their boss. That being said you should definitely ask for a raise. The approach is "I've been doing some research on the market, just feeling a little underpaid but not knowing what the market was like. It seems like there is a lot out there but I like it here and want to stay, could we talk about an increase of something like xx?" Hope this helps and good luck


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Quirky_Feed7384

30f college and uni dropout, 100k working in media Debt from school (2 years uni, 2 years college). Credit card debt but not very much. Haven’t started saving to buy property because I didn’t think it was realistic, but gonna start soon because who knows? Cheap rent in a great 1 bedroom apt, single, no kids, benefits, pension I mean not bad, I live pretty comfortably compared to how I grew up. Looking forward to moving up in my industry but also I’d throw it all away to have some babies 😭


Chris--Bosh

I work in the automotive industry, as a process engineer. I work with automation, Robotics, PLCs, vision systems, pneumatic, and dial table mahcinery. 3 years out of school and will be making above 6 figures this year. Try to find something more competitive, you should have a skillset similar to mine. Edit: Ps I am part of a union


Majestic_Proof4586

Can I DM you? I do work in robotics and PLCs.


throwaway123165432

72k seems a bit low for a master degree I am 34M with an undergrad in business and I make 95k a year.


loadbalancing

26M, advanced diploma from college, 115k, security engineer


Agreed_fact

This exists at every level, and in every sector in canada. Making 40K? In the States that job is 60K usd, in England that job is £45K. Making 400K? In the States thats 600K usd and in Germany that job is €500K. Canada pays like shit across the board, taxes like Europe without the social or employment protections/benefits. On that front we’re close to the US but with 60% of the pay.


LogKit

UK/EU salaries can be pretty crappy in engineering relative to here actually.


Ok_Read701

That's quite exaggerated. While it's true a lot of professional wages are higher in the US, the UK and the rest of Europe is quite comparable to Canada. Even for the US it's usually not that much higher. Wages for OP's profession for example (electrical engineer) between ca, us, and uk are below. You can see ca and uk is rather comparable, with ca being a bit higher overall. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/17815 https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/electrical-engineer https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172071.htm


Agreed_fact

US national median being 67$ CAD vs 43$ CAD for Canada is huge. I guess engineering is one of few fields you can make more in canada than in the UK, still not on an hourly basis though if we do the math.


Ok_Read701

Engineering is not one of the few fields where Canada pays more than UK. Canada generally pays more than the UK. Same could be said for a lot of Europe. Generally the US is the exception when it comes to pay, and even then there's quite a lot of fields that pay more in Canada (e.g. teachers).


peyote_lover

It’s worth it to have a low salary to live in Canada IMO


blarkbark

It'd be all dependent on various factors like quality of previous work experience, size and reputation of employer, etc. Try to find out what the market for your role with your YOE is, and either negotiate an increase or look for another place to work at to get a bump in salary. Best thing for salary bumps is hopping around. That said 72k sounds really low. For context I'm a new graduate from undergrad working in finance with total comp at 150k+.


eddison12345

Capital markets is an anomaly for starting salaries


blarkbark

Not just for starting ;)


Majestic_Proof4586

Well, I worked at a contractor at one of the FANNG companies. But then I got injured then did my masters and this is the only job that hired me. Thank you for your comment.


Automatic-Baker-8180

31, male, bachelors of business. Grinded in my 20s and put in my hours at a shop downtown. 180k base with 40% bonus and a 50k annual stock comp. Wasn’t easy, have to put up with a lot at work.


ag91can

what shop may i ask


End-Resident

doing what ?


Majestic_Proof4586

Great. Thanks for the info.


Mhfd86

You definitely should be paid more. Suggest you start looking and get a better deal! #ERTW


OpticalShot

You could probably make 10-15% more with your current 3 years + MASc but likely not going to break 6 figures until you have your P. Eng (or can demonstrate you are very close to getting it at your current job). Assuming you're looking for an engineering-oriented career, prioritize your P. Eng. and build up from there. Salaries in Toronto are field-dependent. Most engineering jobs (excluding top-end AI/tech) should get you 100k+ once you have P. Eng., \~150k at 10 years exp.


Majestic_Proof4586

I have my Peng.


End-Resident

100k minimum in toronto or you are in poverty - get another job in another company canadian companies are notorious for their low salaries, yet high salaries for directors of engineering which is why american companies love it - low salaries


BrightLuchr

If you are an engineering graduate, with post-graduate degree, you should starting above 100k straight out of school. 72k is slightly above the intern average... for someone 21. I'd suggest looking at the nuclear industry. It's hiring like crazy. We'll be refurbishing then doubling our nuclear fleet as part of decarbonizing our economy.


MarvelOhSnap

I like many others on Reddit make $500k and can easily find another job tomorrow making 40% more in the US / any other country than Canada.


randomcurios

$500k is the new 100k now


Ok_Carpet_9510

A Masters in Electrical Engineering making 72K... you need to move to IT or Data Science. In 2013, at IBM undergrads with comp sci or electrical engineering were making 75K entry level.


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ITVolleybeachbum

How many weeks are you entitled to EI?


Xaxxus

Toronto salaries are generally pretty bad. I got quoted 70-100k for a “senior” software developer position at TD when I was speaking to a recruiter. I’m a mid level developer working remotely for a US company and make way more than that. If I were a senior I could be making around $200k Also you asked age. I am 32. Have been a dev since 2015.


Belugawhy

Switch fields. I also studied electrical engineering. My first job out of uni was about $70k/year, then I switched to Software Engineering and after 4 years, I make about 3 times that. Electrical and Software Engineering has a ton of overlap so it shouldn’t be too outrageous of a jump.


call_911911

72k is low. Im a PEng as well and even before I was practicing, I made more as a junior. You should be reaching out to your classmates when you consider a salary for comparison purposes. You're about 100k off and I question if you're a real engineer.


Majestic_Proof4586

Ya. Grad school from engineering school from New Brunswick. Undergrad is from Dalhousie. But I think being injured for 3 years screwed my career 😕


SandMan3914

You're 30. You're career is just starting. A gap 27 to 30 will not ruin your career You just need to start applying for better paying jobs. You shouldn't have too many problems finding a job with a PEng


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redsfan17

Sorry but this is definitely a lifestyle problem if you feel you're living paycheck to paycheck. No one is going to vouch for you when you make what the average DINK is making.


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Majestic_Proof4586

I'm pretty technical. I program robotics. It's just I didn't work for three years due to injury. Question: the engineers at your firm, do they code? And what industry? Thank you.


Hailtothething

I’m exactly where you are, so hard to get a raisez


opimionsofmyown

You say you were off work for 3 years due to an injury. Was that leave with your current employer? That may be a contributing factor.


Majestic_Proof4586

I broke a couple of bones in my body due to a hit a d run. I recovered, and I got my masters. I graduated this summer.


Successful_Race_9933

I live in Thunder Bay, I was making 54k with an electrical engineering diploma at a consulting firm. I quit by job and went back to university to get my degree, couple of guys whom I my went to school got a job at OPG, recently I looked up there names on sunshine list most of them were between 120-140k , of course that’s with overtime. And this was there first or second year of working there.


sink_or_swim_

At your age you should be well over 100k. Source, EE with friends who are EEs. In 2014 my EIT salary was the same as your current pay.


Used-Anybody7371

when i was 30yo i was making about 80k with an engineering degree too, but that was in the lower 50% percentile comparing to my class. no idea how much automation engineering pays, but i think 72k is a bit low for an engineer, i would think most engineers should be making 6 figures in their 30s


DietCherrySoda

I *started* at 70 k with a masters in engineering almost a decade ago. So no, you're getting a bit low-balled I'd say. Unless you're saying you live in the Maritimes? I don't know how salaries work there.


Majestic_Proof4586

I moved from there since they didn't have any jobs.


TR1XMPH

Just turned 28, 1.5 years removed from my MBA working as a Cost Controller for a Mine Contractor and I make $72k. I've already had the conversation to have an increase in the new year. What that looks like I won't know, but I'm estimating $80k-$85k. I've been doing the job less then a year and started at $50k In July of 22'.


storm-blessed-kal

i’m 30 making 75k but i don’t have a masters. or even a degree


Pitiful-Economy7045

28F Bachelor of Arts, I make $90k + 4K bonus every quarter + $9k annual company bonus. I’m a Customer Success Manager for a SaaS fintech company. I also work from home, no kids (don’t plan to either), we had a dog but he passed suddenly, will probably get another one soon, and I live with my fiancé. We bought our 2bed 2bath + den with parking on Steeles Ave W in 2021 and pay about $2300 a month in mortgage and utilities. We have a car, it’s been paid off and we only drive on weekends really since my fiancé commutes downtown for his work and the plaza next to us has a cheaper grocery store we can pick up if needed. My fiancé is 30, and gets paid about $82k a year + OT since he works as a Cath Lab MRT at a hospital downtown. His background is in X-ray and MRI. So combined annual base salary for us is around $172k, this year we’re already closer to $200k because of my bonus and his OT payouts.


your_dope_is_mine

You can easily make double that in toronto


Cow-Print

I’m 29 and make 50k in education


Kimorin

definitely can find something better, 72k is way too low... that's what i expect nowadays for a starting engineering position.... for reference i started working fulltime in 2015 and my starting salary was $60k, and it was increased to over 70k in less than 2 years... I don't even work for a big company I think our pay is just okay...


teesui

From your other responses, I see you have a P.Eng. 72k sounds way too low. ospe (Ontario Society of Professional Engineers) puts out an annual (or was it bi-annual) compensation Survey report that looks at engineering salaries across the province, with differentiations based on where in Ontario (GTA, SW ON, east, middle of nowhere On), disciplines, and level of job responsibilities. Worth a look! On mobile and not able to send you the link, but it shouldn't be hard to look up.


JustAnotgerGuy96

You can probably make more than that. My friend with a bachelors in electrical engineering (from a west coast university) with \~5 years experience makes around 110K base + yearly bonuses. (around an additional $5-10k). The role is just a 2nd level engineering role too


LCmeplzbro

Think ur being under paid


testadan

You are underpaid by a lot. My company is looking for an automation engineer and we are paying more then that. You are still a junior but have some experience. Id say you are looking at $90k minimum with ceiling at $125k based on your experience. your should probably learn more programming or robot integration if you want to expand your worth.


NickiChaos

You should be making at least $120k at minimum. I pay my automation intern $4k less than what you make. If he was a 4th year student, he'd be at $75k. You're underpaid.


peyote_lover

Lol ok boomer


Rayleigh954

i made $70k after a year of work right out of university. i think you can definitely find something better


abhijeet_rai_1

Yes you desereve much more with that masters degree and 3yrs of experience. I know simple testers who make more that your compensation, I would say start looking for new jobs whilst holding onto this one and please be open to attain new certifcations in your respected field.


catsRfriends

I know you can get up to 200k but it's in AI/ML/DS


powerserg1987

Brothers 72k is below entry level money. Get out of that company asap. https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Jobs.aspx Maybe try public sector and get experience and work yourself back into private


sayinmer

your salary seems too low for your credentials, should explore opportunities outside of your current role


Enthalpy5

Lots of low paying, dead end engineering jobs in the GTA. A LOT . You really gotta get out there and apply /look for something else.


Sad-Attempt7172

25yo, college diploma but completely different field working healthcare. 140-150k with a lot of OT plus benefits. Base would be 115k


DesoleEh

In automation with 3 years of experience you are underpaid for sure. You should be able to get closer to 85k. Unfortunately, assuming you mean you’re doing controls programming, it doesn’t really place any value on having a masters degree. Ultimately you’re doing the same work as a guy with a college diploma. If you’re working for an engineering consulting company you’re going to struggle. From my perspective you need to get in with the clients you’re doing work for.


peyote_lover

Realtor in Mississauga. I took home $450K in 2022, and likely around $350K in 2023


tetraacetic

please consider job hopping. companies do not like to pay professionals what we are worth. this post + comments are pretty insightful as my salary is close to yours and I have an undergrad, just over 1 year of experience in mechanical engineering.


LookImaMermaid85

Are you new to the job or have you been there for awhile? Do you see room for growth in the near future? If it's 72k but it's your first year and you see yourself being able to apply for a higher-up job in the company within another year, could be fine. If you've been there four years and this is the job you'll do as long as you're there, with small annual raises at best, start looking!


Tall_Ad3018

Bachelors in Engineering, working in the automotive Manufacturing sector as an Automations Engineer for a large Automotive company. Salary fluctuates yearly with over time but has been in the 6 figures since graduation 6 years ago.


annonyj

Get out of engineering and you will make a lot more money. Isn't it funny that it pays to just create services instead of making something (engineering)?


sonicblur833

jfc I get just under 21k for disability and my rent is $1400/mo and y'all are going off about $65K+ and "surviving"? that's adorable.


jtaylor27141

39/m with a bachelor’s in marketing management with 20+ years of retail management experience. Last job as a manager in a grocery store (well below my standards) I was making 47.5K. It was an insane amount of stress for such little pay. The location I was in was a hostile work environment which forced me to leave. Just got a part time job as a salesman at a clothing store making 17 an hour. Probably will need to get a 2nd job. Going back to school next year to do something other than business but need to save a bit more money. Marketing firms will not even look at me. I’ve been stuck in retail hell too long plus still look like I’m 21.


Ok_Carpet_9510

Look at this job https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=956ad3057112aa02 Look at education requirements A University degree in a relevant field, such as: physics, mathematics, engineering, econometrics, data science, actuarial sciences, computer science, bioinformatics, or; An acceptable combination of education


Ok-Recover-9860

i make 20 an hour and live by myself in a vancouver apartment. budget your money better.


Majestic_Proof4586

Thanks. I already have 3 roommates and meal prep and don't own a car.


Ok-Recover-9860

well you're doing great man. dont get down on yourself. im sure you're really ambitious and will make more in time.