Toronto’s booming construction sector and steady demand for skilled trades make plumbing a promising career in 2026. If you’re considering a trade career, planning relocation, or negotiating pay, this detailed guide will help you understand plumber salaries in Toronto, Ontario, what influences earnings, experience-based pay differences, job market trends, benefits, and how Toronto compares with other cities.
Average Plumber Salary in Toronto (2026)
Plumbing salaries vary widely depending on experience, certification, employer type, and specialization.
Salary Overview
| Role / Level | Average Salary (CAD) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $33,000 – $55,000* | Varies widely by year of apprenticeship and union status |
| Entry Plumber | ~$67,000 | $61,000 – $78,000 |
| Journeyman Plumber | ~$78,000 | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Licensed / Senior Plumber | ~$77,000 – $88,000 | Varies by role and company size |
| Service Plumber | ~$78,000 | $64,000 – $95,000 |
Typical average plumber salary in Toronto (2026): CAD $70,000 – $90,000+ per year depending on experience and role.
Hourly rates also reflect these differences, with many plumbers earning between CAD $20 – $50+ per hour in the Toronto region.
Salary Breakdown by Experience
Experience significantly affects pay in plumbing, as it does in most trades.
Apprentice Plumbers
Plumbing apprentices earn while training, but wages start relatively low and increase as skills improve.
Year 1–2: Lower end of scale
Mid Apprenticeship: Moderate pay increases
Final Years: Near licensed plumber wage levels
Estimated apprentice earnings (full-time):
Approximately CAD $33,000 – $55,000/year depending on year and hours worked.
Entry-Level Plumbers (Post-Apprenticeship)
After completing apprenticeship and earning certifications, plumbers can work independently.
Typical salary: Around CAD $67,000 annually
Range: $61,000–$78,000
Newly certified plumbers may work under more experienced plumbers or as part of larger teams.
Journeyman & Licensed Plumbers
Journeyman plumbers have completed apprenticeship training and hold required certifications.
Median salary: ~CAD $78,000 annually
Range: $65,000–$95,000+
Licensed plumbers with multiple certifications or advanced skills often command higher pay and additional responsibilities.
Specialty & Service Plumbers
Service plumbers (handling repairs, maintenance, emergency calls) often earn higher pay rates.
Typical range: CAD $64,000 – $95,000
Service roles may include extra premiums for on-call work, overtime, and emergency jobs.
Key Factors Influencing Plumber Salaries
Several elements impact plumber earnings in Toronto:
Geographic Demand
Urban centers like Toronto have higher wages due to high living costs and constant construction/maintenance demand.
Certification & Training
In Ontario, completing an apprenticeship and achieving a Certificate of Qualification is essential for independent work and higher pay.
Union vs. Non-Union
Unionized plumbers often enjoy higher wages, benefits, and job security compared to non-union roles.
Type of Work
Residential plumbing often pays less than commercial or industrial plumbing.
Specialized skills (e.g., high-rise systems, backflow prevention) can boost earnings.
Education, Training & Certifications That Boost Pay
Plumbers are typically trained through apprenticeships, which combine classroom and on-the-job learning.
Typical Pathway
High School / Pre-Apprenticeship Training
Registered Apprenticeship Program (~5 years in Ontario)
Certificate of Qualification (C of Q)
Red Seal Endorsement (national recognition, enhances mobility and pay)
Obtaining advanced certifications and specialized credentials often leads to increased earnings.
Job Market Trends in Toronto (2026)
Toronto continues to see strong demand for plumbers due to:
Ongoing residential and commercial construction
Aging infrastructure requiring maintenance and replacement
Renovation boom and retrofitting older buildings
Job openings for plumbers often outpace qualified professionals, creating favorable conditions for wage growth.
Benefits of Being a Plumber in Toronto
Beyond salary, plumbers often receive additional benefits, especially with larger employers or unions:
Health and dental insurance
Retirement savings plans or pensions
Paid overtime and holiday pay
Job stability due to consistent demand
Options for self-employment and business ownership
Many employers also provide benefits like company vehicles, tools, and training reimbursements.
Job Outlook for Plumbers
The outlook is positive:
Skilled trades are in high demand across Canada.
Toronto’s growing population ensures long-term need for plumbing services.
Boom in renovations and infrastructure upgrades fuels opportunities.
Plumbers with diverse skills, adaptability, and certifications will find strong opportunities throughout the decade.
Toronto vs Other Cities: Plumbing Salary Comparison
Here’s how Toronto stacks up with other Canadian cities in earnings potential:
| City | Approx. Average Plumber Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto, ON | CAD $70,000 – $90,000+ | Strong demand, urban market |
| Ottawa, ON | ~$65,000 – $85,000* | Smaller market, steady growth |
| Vancouver, BC | ~$75,000 – $95,000* | Similar to Toronto with high living costs |
| Calgary, AB | ~$70,000 – $90,000* | Good union presence and construction |
| Montreal, QC | ~$60,000 – $80,000* | Lower cost region but steady demand |
Salary ranges estimated based on national and regional data trends.
Key Insight: Toronto sits among the top-paying markets in Canada, though salaries often reflect the city’s higher cost of living.
Final Thoughts: Is Plumbing a Good Career in Toronto?
Absolutely. Plumbing offers:
Competitive wages with room for growth
Stable job demand
Skilled trade with low risk of automation
Opportunities for self-employment and business ownership
Growth with experience and certifications
In 2026, Toronto remains a strong market for plumbers seeking both financial stability and long-term career prospects.