The demand for snow plow drivers rises every winter, with municipalities and private contractors hiring hundreds of operators across Ontario. Pay rates usually start around $22 to $32 per hour, while experienced municipal operators can make $35 or more during peak season.
It’s hard work but highly rewarding as you’re keeping your community safe and functional. It also adds to your monthly income with part-time work.
Responsibilities of a Snow Plow Driver
- Clear highways, city roads, and parking lots after snowfall
- Spread salt and sand to improve traction and reduce accidents
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on equipment
- Respond to emergency call-ins during heavy storms
- Keep records of routes, salt usage, and shift hours
5 Steps to become a snow plow driver in Ontario
1. Find the right licence for you
You can start a career in snow plow driving with 3 different licences. It affects the type of plow and location of your work.
Licence options in Ontario:
Class G – covers small pickup trucks with plows used on private property
Class DZ – required for most municipal and highway plow trucks with air brakes
Class AZ – sometimes needed for larger tractor-trailer style plows. Can help you qualify for municipal or highway jobs.
Z Endorsement – mandatory for any plow truck with an air brake system
2. Complete Training and Certification
Training usually covers safe vehicle operation, defensive driving in winter conditions, spreading salt and sand, and understanding municipal safety rules. Formal training is invaluable as it helps you build skills across industries and seasons. Your snow plow job can turn into a landscaping job during summers and fall.
Training options in Ontario:
- Community colleges – offer snow plow operator courses with classroom and hands-on training.
- Truck driving schools – provide DZ or AZ licence training, often combined with snow plow instruction.
- Employer programs – many municipalities run their own seasonal training sessions.
- MELT program – mandatory if you pursue an AZ licence.
3. Gain Experience with Heavy Equipment
Hands-on experience makes you more employable. Employers trust drivers who can already manage large vehicles in tight spaces and under pressure. If you feel this winter is too early, you can gain experience with any of these jobs. You must have a Dz licence to qualify.
- Construction jobs – exposure to dump trucks, loaders, and other heavy machines
- Landscaping roles – practice with utility vehicles and seasonal equipment
- Public works departments – seasonal roadwork jobs often include equipment training
- Entry-level yard work – supporting crews with sanding or minor maintenance
4. Learn Ontario Safety Standards
Employers expect you to understand both equipment safety and the laws that apply to winter road work. YouTube has a great library of free videos. These will give an insight into the kind of work you’re expected to do.
Ontario safety requirements include:
- Pre-trip inspections – mandatory before every shift to check brakes, hydraulics, and lights
- Occupational Health and Safety Act – sets rules for worker safety in winter conditions
- Road maintenance standards – outline how quickly and effectively roads must be cleared
- Salt and sand application rules – ensure the right materials are used without wasting resources
5. Apply for Jobs with Municipalities and Contractors
Ontario has a steady demand for snow plow drivers every winter, with opportunities across cities, highways, and private properties. Most contracts start in late fall, so it’s best to apply by October.
Where to find snow plow jobs in Ontario:
- Municipal job boards – cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston post seasonal driver positions
- Ontario Public Service Careers – lists openings with the Ministry of Transportation
- Private snow removal companies – hire operators for plazas, malls, and industrial sites
- Airports and large institutions – require plow drivers to keep runways and lots clear
Get Your Commercial Trucking Licence with CTDS
At CTDS, we prepare students for careers in commercial driving across Ontario. Our MELT program covers training for DZ and AZ with a focus on safety, compliance, and hands-on experience.Please reach out for more details.
