I’m looking for some advice on my current job situation and whether my salary expectations are fair.
I work in Ontario as a Civil Engineering Technician / CAD Designer in land development. I started with my current company as a co-op in summer 2024, then continued part-time, and later moved into full-time work since may 2025 I’m currently making around $48k/year. At my 1 year I plan on asking for 60k raise.
My role has grown a lot since I started. I’m not just doing basic drafting anymore. I’m involved with actual design with engineers. Friends of mine who I graduated are at 60-65k with municipalities or contractor side and I feel behind being stuck at this job…
I’m planning to ask for $60k minimum because I feel that better reflects the work I’m doing and the value I bring. If they can’t get close to that, I’m considering looking for a municipal job or another civil tech/design position with better pay, benefits, and long-term growth. I’m also getting C.tech soon thru OACETT which brings my value up.
I don’t want to come across as entitled, but I also don’t want to stay underpaid if my responsibilities have increased. I’m trying to figure out if $60k is a fair ask for someone with my experience in Ontario, especially in land development / civil design.
Is municipal work a better move at this stage, or should I keep building consulting/design experience first?