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The average plumber salary in Canada is $65,000-$95,000 per year for journeymen. This guide breaks down plumber pay by province, experience, and specialization.
Plumber Salary by Province
| Province | Journeyman | Entry Level | Senior/Foreman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $90,000 | $55,000 | $105,000 |
| Ontario | $82,000 | $48,000 | $98,000 |
| British Columbia | $85,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Quebec | $72,000 | $42,000 | $88,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $85,000 | $52,000 | $98,000 |
| Manitoba | $78,000 | $48,000 | $92,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $68,000 | $42,000 | $82,000 |
| New Brunswick | $65,000 | $40,000 | $78,000 |
| Newfoundland | $75,000 | $48,000 | $90,000 |
| PEI | $62,000 | $38,000 | $75,000 |
| Territories | $100,000+ | $65,000 | $120,000 |
Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year Apprentice | $35,000-$42,000 | $17-$20 |
| 2nd Year Apprentice | $42,000-$50,000 | $20-$24 |
| 3rd Year Apprentice | $50,000-$58,000 | $24-$28 |
| 4th Year Apprentice | $55,000-$65,000 | $27-$31 |
| Journeyman | $70,000-$95,000 | $34-$46 |
| Foreman | $85,000-$105,000 | $41-$50 |
| Master Plumber | $90,000-$110,000 | $43-$53 |
Salary by Specialization
| Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Residential Service | $70,000 |
| Commercial | $82,000 |
| Industrial | $90,000 |
| Pipefitter | $88,000 |
| Gasfitter | $85,000 |
| Sprinkler Fitter | $80,000 |
| Steamfitter | $92,000 |
Salary by Employment Type
| Type | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Union Employee | $85,000-$100,000 |
| Non-Union Employee | $65,000-$85,000 |
| Self-Employed (Solo) | $80,000-$120,000 |
| Business Owner (Employees) | $120,000-$250,000+ |
Take-Home Pay (Ontario Example)
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Net |
|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | $53,500 | $4,460 |
| $85,000 | $63,000 | $5,250 |
| $100,000 | $72,500 | $6,040 |
Union vs Non-Union
| Factor | Union | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $45-$55 | $32-$42 |
| Pension | Defined benefit | RRSP match |
| Benefits | Full | Varies |
| Job Security | Higher | Variable |
| Overtime | Time and a half | Varies |
| Training | Paid | Often unpaid |
Business Ownership
Self-employed plumbers and business owners can significantly increase earnings:
| Business Size | Owner Income |
|---|---|
| Solo (Service) | $80,000-$120,000 |
| 1-2 Employees | $100,000-$150,000 |
| 3-5 Employees | $120,000-$200,000 |
| 5+ Employees | $180,000-$300,000+ |
Career Path Timeline
| Milestone | Timeline | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Start Apprenticeship | Year 0 | $35,000 |
| Journeyman Certificate | Year 4-5 | $75,000 |
| Senior/Specialization | Year 8-10 | $90,000 |
| Start Own Business | Year 8+ | $100,000+ |
Is Plumbing a Good Career in Canada?
Pros:
- No student debt (earn while learning)
- Strong demand, recession-resistant
- Business ownership potential
- Physical work vs desk job
- Variety of environments
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- Emergency/on-call work
- Working in tight spaces
- Exposure to hazards
- Weather (outdoor work)
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