Canada Limited

Plumbers

Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Employment Outlooks

Economic Region Outlooks

Select your region(s)

Choose up to 3 regions to see employment outlooks. This occupation has data for 72 economic regions.

Salary Information

National wage data for this occupation

Entry-level

CA$21.00

/hr

Typical

CA$34.00

/hr

Experienced

CA$46.00

/hr

Average: CA$33.95/hr

82.2% of workers in this occupation receive non-wage benefits

Source: Job Bank Canada. Wages may vary by region and experience.

Examples

Illustrative Examples

maintenance plumber
plumber
plumber apprentice
plumbing mechanic

All Examples

apprentice plumber
journeyman/woman plumber
maintenance and repair plumber
maintenance and repair plumber (non-construction)
maintenance plumber
marine plumber
plumber
plumber - pipefitting
plumber apprentice
plumbing heat technician - Canadian Armed Forces
plumbing installer
plumbing mechanic
radiator plumber
residential construction plumber

Main Duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems
Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines
Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
May prepare cost estimates.

Requirements

Employment Requirements

Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in plumbing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified plumbers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.