How much do home stagers make in Ontario?

Business Jan 23, 2025 5 Add to Reading List

In Ontario, Calgary home staging is a growing industry driven by the competitive real estate market, particularly in cities like Toronto and Ottawa, where staging has become a key factor in selling homes quickly and at top prices. As a result, home stagers in Ontario can earn a wide range of incomes, depending on factors like location, experience, the size of the property, and the scope of services offered. This article explores how much home stagers make in Ontario, breaking down pay based on these different factors.

Factors Affecting Home Staging Pay in Ontario

Location

Ontario has a diverse real estate market, with major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton offering higher rates for home staging services and interior design services compared to smaller towns and rural areas. In urban centers, where the real estate market is highly competitive and homes tend to have higher market values, the demand for staging is also higher. As a result, home stagers in these areas are able to charge more for their services.

Toronto: As Ontario’s largest city and one of the most expensive real estate markets in Canada, Toronto is home to a large number of professional home stagers who can command premium rates. A typical home staging project in Toronto might cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size and scope of the property. For smaller condos or apartments, the cost might be on the lower end, while for larger homes or luxury properties, the fee can be significantly higher.
Ottawa: The capital city of Canada, Ottawa, also has a competitive real estate market, although it tends to be somewhat more affordable than Toronto. Home stagers in Ottawa typically charge between $2,000 and $6,000 for staging services, with costs increasing for high-end properties or larger homes.
Smaller Cities & Rural Areas: In smaller cities such as Hamilton, London, or Kitchener, home staging rates tend to be more affordable compared to Toronto and Ottawa. On average, home stagers in these areas might charge between $1,500 and $4,500 for a staging project, although high-end homes can still command higher rates.

Experience and Reputation

As with many professions, experience and reputation play a significant role in how much home stagers can earn. Newer home stagers who are just starting out may charge lower rates as they build their portfolio and client base. As they gain experience, complete more projects, and develop a strong reputation, they can command higher fees for their services.

Entry-Level Stagers: Beginners who are just starting their career in home staging may charge anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a smaller home or condo staging. They may also offer a range of services, such as consultation or partial staging, rather than full-service staging, which could be more cost-effective for homeowners.
Experienced Stagers: Experienced stagers with a proven track record and a solid portfolio can charge significantly higher rates. Full-service staging, which includes the rental and arrangement of furniture, accessories, and decor, can range from $2,500 to $7,500 or more, depending on the size of the home and the quality of the staging. Experienced stagers may also be able to charge a premium for luxury properties, with fees going upwards of $10,000 or more for larger, high-end homes.

Property Size and Scope of Work

The size of the property and the complexity of the staging project are key factors that influence how much a home stager will earn. Larger homes with more rooms require more furniture, decor, and accessories, which means the staging process will take more time and effort, thus commanding a higher price.

Smaller Homes (Condos, Apartments): Staging a smaller home or apartment will generally be less expensive than staging a larger property. The cost of staging a one-bedroom condo in Ontario might range from $1,500 to $3,000, while a two- or three-bedroom apartment could cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the level of service and the property’s condition.
Larger Homes (Single-family Homes, Luxury Properties): For larger homes, home stagers in Ontario can earn significantly more. A full-service staging for a three- to four-bedroom home could cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Luxury homes or larger properties may cost $8,000 to $15,000 or more, especially if they require custom furnishings or extensive design work.

Type of Services Offered

Home stagers may offer a variety of services, from basic consultation to full-service staging that includes furniture rental and styling. The type of service a stager provides can greatly impact their earnings.

Consultation Services: Home staging consultations, where a Staging for home offers advice on how to improve a home’s appearance without providing full staging services, can be more affordable. In Ontario, home stagers may charge $100 to $250 per hour for a consultation, or a flat fee of $500 to $1,000 for a comprehensive review of a property.
Full-Service Staging: For full-service staging, which involves renting furniture, arranging decor, and staging every room in the home, the cost can be significantly higher. A full-service staging project can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of the property and the level of detail involved in the staging process. Luxury properties may require more elaborate designs and furniture selections, pushing costs even higher.

Average Earnings for Home Stagers in Ontario

The income of home stagers in Ontario can vary depending on how many projects they take on and the types of properties they stage. Many home stagers work as independent contractors, meaning their earnings fluctuate based on the demand for their services.

Entry-Level Home Stagers: Beginners in the industry who take on smaller or less complex staging jobs may earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the volume of work they secure.
Experienced Home Stagers: Mid-level or experienced stagers with a solid client base can earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, especially if they work on higher-end homes or take on a larger number of projects each year.
High-End Home Stagers: Stagers with significant experience, a strong reputation, and a focus on luxury properties or large-scale staging projects can earn upwards of $100,000 per year. These stagers may charge premium rates for their services and may have fewer but higher-paying projects.

Conclusion

Home stager calgary in Ontario can be a lucrative career, with the potential to earn a wide range of incomes depending on factors like location, experience, property size, and the scope of services offered. In larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa, stagers can charge higher rates due to the competitive real estate markets and the demand for professional staging services. Entry-level stagers may earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, while experienced stagers can earn between $50,000 and $80,000. High-end home stagers who focus on luxury properties or large-scale projects may earn over $100,000 annually. The growing importance of home staging in Ontario’s real estate market suggests that this industry will continue to offer strong earning potential for those with the right skills and expertise.