Snow removal jobs and wages in Montreal: hiring-season market snapshot

Every fall, Montreal's landscaping and snow removal industry goes through the same scramble: companies need crews for winter, workers need steady seasonal income, and nobody has much time to figure out whether the deal on the table is fair. This article breaks down what the official wage data says, when hiring actually happens, and what workers and employers should know heading into each season.

What landscape workers earn in Quebec

The Government of Canada's Job Bank tracks wages for landscape workers (NOC 85121) based on Employment Insurance survey data. As of the most recent update (November 2025):

Quebec landscape worker wages:

• Low end: $17.36/hour
• Median: $21.89/hour
• High end: $28.50/hour

Canada-wide landscape worker wages:

• Low end: $17.00/hour
• Median: $20.75/hour
• High end: $28.00/hour

Quebec's median sits slightly above the national figure. According to Job Bank, 49% of workers in this occupation receive at least one type of non-wage benefit, which may include employer pension plans, insurance, or paid leave.

What snow removal equipment operators earn

Snow removal equipment operators working for private residences are tracked separately by Job Bank (NOC 73400 subcategory). The wage data for Quebec shows a broader range, reflecting the mix of entry-level shovellers and experienced plow operators:

• Low end: approximately $17 to $20/hour for general labour
• High end: $35 to $45/hour for experienced equipment operators

Operators who run heavy equipment like loaders and blowers at snow disposal sites command the highest rates. Manual shovelling and small-equipment work sits at the lower end.

When hiring happens

Montreal's snow removal hiring season follows a predictable rhythm:

September to October: Most established snow removal companies finalize their crews for winter. This is when the bulk of hiring happens. Companies that also do landscaping are transitioning their summer crews to winter operations, so many positions get filled internally.

November: Late-season hiring picks up as companies realize they're short-staffed or pick up new contracts. Snowfall forecasts start driving urgency.

December to February: Spot hiring continues throughout winter, especially after major storms. Companies that lose workers mid-season will hire quickly, often at premium rates.

March to April: As snow operations wind down, companies begin hiring for the spring landscaping season. Workers who performed well during winter often get first priority for summer positions.

What employers look for

Based on Job Bank listings for landscape workers near Montreal, the most commonly requested qualifications include:

• Valid Quebec driver's license (Class 5 minimum, Class 3 for heavy equipment)
• Physical fitness for outdoor work in extreme cold
• Availability for irregular hours (snow removal often means overnight shifts and on-call status)
• Experience with small equipment (snow blowers, salt spreaders, hand tools)
• Bilingualism (French required, English an asset in many companies)

Formal certifications aren't required for most entry-level positions, but workers with equipment training, first aid certification, or CNESST safety training are more competitive.

What workers should know

Seasonal vs. year-round

Many snow removal jobs are seasonal contracts running from November through April. Some companies offer year-round employment by combining winter snow removal with summer landscaping, which provides income stability but requires versatility.

Pay structure

Compensation models vary:

• Hourly rate: most common for labour and equipment operators. Expect overtime pay for hours beyond 40 per week under Quebec's labour standards.
• Per-event: some contractors pay per snowfall event rather than hourly. This can be lucrative during heavy winters but unpredictable during mild ones.
• Salary: less common but available at larger companies. Provides stability but may not compensate for the heaviest workload periods.

Safety considerations

Snow removal is physically demanding and carries real risks: cold exposure, slips and falls, equipment injuries, and fatigue from long overnight shifts. Quebec's CNESST sets workplace safety standards that employers must follow, including cold-weather protocols, equipment safety requirements, and limits on consecutive working hours.

Tips for employers hiring seasonal crews

1. Start recruiting in September. The best candidates get locked in early. Waiting until the first snowfall means you're competing with every other company for whoever's left.
2. Offer competitive wages. Quebec's median for landscape workers is $21.89/hour according to Job Bank. Offering below market means higher turnover mid-season.
3. Provide clear expectations upfront. On-call requirements, overnight shift schedules, and equipment responsibilities should be discussed before hiring, not after the first storm.
4. Invest in training. Workers who understand your equipment and routes perform better and cause fewer accidents. A few days of pre-season training pays for itself.
5. Retain summer workers for winter. Your landscaping crew already knows your standards. Offering year-round work is the best retention tool available.

The bigger picture

Montreal's snow removal workforce is part of a broader seasonal economy that relies on people willing to do hard physical work in difficult conditions. The data from Job Bank shows that wages have trended upward, reflecting both labour shortages and how essential this work really is.

For workers considering the field, the entry point is accessible and the experience transfers directly into landscaping, construction, and property maintenance careers. For employers, treating seasonal workers well isn't just the right thing to do; it's the only reliable way to build a crew that shows up when the snow flies.

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Montreal Paysagement Pro handles residential landscaping and seasonal maintenance across the greater Montreal area. Questions about our services? Call 514-900-3867 for a free phone or video estimate.