Hidden Career Gold: Why Septic Jobs Offer $44/Hour and Unbeatable Stability

Every flush, every shower, every load of laundry in rural Ontario depends on a hidden network of septic and on-site wastewater systems that quietly protect public health, groundwater and the environment. Yet the industry responsible for installing, inspecting and maintaining these essential systems is facing a growing labour crisis.

Demand remains steady as rural development continues. More than one million Ontario properties rely on septic systems rather than municipal sewers, but finding qualified workers has become increasingly difficult. Unlike many skilled trades, there is no single, widely recognized provincial certification pathway for septic professionals, creating challenges for recruitment, training and succession in an industry that offers stable, well-paying careers and work that communities simply cannot do without.

“There is definitely a skills gap in the industry,” said Brock Peel, owner of Canadian Sanitation, Simcoe County’s premier septic installation, repair and maintenance specialists. “Because it’s not a recognized trade, there is not a whole lot of available training and licensing when it comes to septic systems. For those individuals looking to get into the industry, there’s very little education on how to do it and what is involved.”

While working in the septic and sanitations industry might not appeal to everyone, there are distinct benefits for those looking for a job that’s stable, pays well, and is in a growing industry.

“It’s really an essential service,” said Peel. “It’s just as important as having running water. You can’t have water coming into your house unless there’s a way for water to get out of your house. Anybody today not connected to a municipal system is on a septic system. No matter what kind of economic downturn there is, people need a washroom every day. We’ve got a job posting right now paying $44 an hour for a lead installer. That’s a good wage. And it comes with good benefits and long-term stability. Septic systems aren’t going anywhere and neither are we.”

In a proactive move designed to help bring some consistency to septic training, Peel is now serving on the Installer Advisory Committee with the Ontario Wastewater Association.

“What that means is I’m helping the Association create and build training documents to support new people and train individuals coming into the industry all around Ontario,” said Peel. “Right now there are a lot of contractors who advertise septic services but there’s really nothing to substantiate the qualifications of one provider over another or whether it’s a recognized trade or not. You can do a one-week BCIN training to be an installer/designer. You write the test and you can start designing septic systems whether you have any experience or not. We’re trying to raise the standards on training.”

It’s a step Peel has taken with his own company, where they have established in-house training programs for anyone joining the team at Canadian Sanitation. It is called the CanSan University, a program designed to train all technicians in house so they can become qualified septic installers and maintenance technicians.

“We take on that responsibility. We’re always looking for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the septic industry because of the ongoing demand. Any rural property not on a municipal sewer has septic system. Every system needs to be serviced, maintained, or eventually replaced. More septic systems are going into the ground every day. It’s a good time to get into the industry. If they don’t come to us with training and experience we’re building them from scratch to be the best qualified team in the industry.”