Labourer CCQ wage 2026: hourly rate by sector

In 2026, a labourer earns $40.19/h in the institutional-commercial (IC) sector and $36.98/h in light residential (rates in effect since April 26, 2026).

The labourer is not a trade but an "occupation" as defined by the CCQ: there is no apprenticeship and a single rate per sector. Labourers do general job site work (material handling, cleanup, helping tradespeople). The rate ranges from $36.98 in light residential to $41.02 in civil engineering and roadwork. The specialized labourer, another occupation, earns $40.83 in IC. The industrial sector pays exactly the same rate as IC.

Hourly rate by sector (2026)

Sector	Hourly rate	Employer insurance	Employer pension
Light residential	$36.98	$2.93	$5.21
Heavy residential	$38.78	$2.93	$5.21
Institutional-commercial (IC)	$40.19	$3.48	$5.21
Industrial	$40.19	$3.48	$5.21
Civil engineering and roadwork	$41.02	$3.48	$5.21

Regular hourly rate, excluding the 13% for vacation and holidays and benefits. Rates are provincial: they do not vary by region, except for isolated job sites, the James Bay region and north of the 55th parallel, which have separate schedules ($41.84/h in IC).

No apprenticeship for labourers

The labourer is an occupation: there are no apprenticeship periods and no apprentice rates. The same rate applies from the day of hiring, depending on the job site sector.

Employer cost of a labourer in IC

Hourly rate (IC): $40.19
Vacation and holidays (13% × $40.19): $5.22
Pension plan (employer share): $5.21
Insurance (employer share): $3.48
9% tax on insurance: $0.31
Hourly cost: $54.41

$40.19 + $5.22 + $5.21 + $3.48 + $0.31 (9% tax) = $54.41 (rounded, same method as the calculator). Statutory contributions are extra: QPP (Quebec Pension Plan), employment insurance (EI), QPIP (Quebec Parental Insurance Plan), CNESST (workplace health and safety board) and HSF (Health Services Fund), plus the other CCQ contributions (training, compensation, levy). The 13% (6% vacation, 5.5% statutory holidays, 1.5% sick leave) is remitted to the CCQ, which pays it to the worker twice a year.

Example: annual estimate over 1,800 hours

Wages (1,800 h × $40.19): $72,342
Vacation and holidays (13%): $9,404
Employer cost (1,800 h × $54.41): $97,938

Example only, in IC, without overtime, premiums or travel expenses. The number of hours actually worked varies by job site and season.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a CCQ labourer earn in 2026?

Since April 26, 2026, a labourer earns $40.19/h in the institutional-commercial sector and $36.98/h in light residential. This rate does not include the 13% for vacation and holidays or benefits.

Are there apprentice labourers?

No. The labourer is an occupation: there are no apprenticeship periods and a single rate applies per sector, for example $40.19/h in IC.

Does the CCQ rate for a labourer change by region?

No. CCQ rates are the same everywhere in Quebec for a given sector. Only isolated job sites, the James Bay region and projects north of the 55th parallel have separate schedules: in IC, $41.84/h for a labourer.

How much does a labourer cost the employer per hour?

In IC, expect about $54.41/h: $40.19 in wages, $5.22 in vacation and holidays (13%), $5.21 in pension plan and $3.48 in insurance. Statutory contributions (QPP, EI, QPIP, CNESST, HSF) are extra.

Other trades

Source: official CCQ wage rate tool (ccq.org), consulted on October 1, 2026. The text of the collective agreements prevails.