Plumbing is a skilled trade that offers steady employment and competitive wages across Canada. In Montreal, QC, plumbers are in strong demand due to ongoing construction, renovation projects, and infrastructure maintenance. This detailed 2026 guide explores plumber salary ranges in Montreal, how experience and certifications influence earnings, job market trends, benefits, and salary comparisons with other cities.
💵 Average Plumber Salary in Montreal (2026)
Plumber salaries in Montreal vary based on experience, certification, and industry segment. According to recent wage data:
📊 Estimated Salary Range
| Salary Type | Annual Salary (CAD) | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Apprentice | ~25,000 – 40,000 | ~24–29/hour |
| Licensed Plumber | ~54,000 – 96,000 | ~41/hour avg |
| Market Data Estimate | ~64,000 – 92,000 | ~31–44/hour |
| Median Wage (Govt) | ~39.80 hourly | ~C$82,700/year (approx) |
👉 In 2026, a typical plumber in Montreal earns between about C$54,000 and C$96,000 annually depending on role and experience.
👷 Salary by Experience Level
Experience is one of the most significant factors affecting income in plumbing.
👶 Entry-Level Plumbers (0–2 Years)
Often apprentices still completing training
Perform basic installation and repair tasks
Salary: ~C$25,000–C$40,000 annually
🛠 Intermediate Plumbers (2–5 Years)
Handle a wider range of plumbing work independently
Begin working on commercial jobs and complex systems
Salary increases moderately with skill growth
👨🔧 Experienced Plumbers (5–10 Years+)
Can tackle heavy-duty troubleshooting and commercial systems
Often earn competitive wages ~C$65,000–C$92,000+ annually
🔧 Seasoned / Specialized Plumbers
May operate as contractors or supervisors
Can earn above average, especially with specialized certifications
Takeaway: Experience typically drives pay higher, especially once fully licensed and working independently.
📈 Key Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Several elements impact how much plumbers make in Montreal:
🧠 Training & Certification
Apprenticeship completion and trade certification boost income potential
Red Seal endorsement facilitates mobility and higher pay
Specialized certificates (e.g., gas fitting) add value
📍 Work Type
Residential vs. commercial vs. industrial projects
Emergency call-outs often command higher hourly rates
Union roles can provide better benefits and pay
🏠 Sector Demand
Renovations, aging infrastructure, and construction trends influence job volume
Greater Montreal often has higher demand than rural regions
🎓 Education, Certifications & Career Progression
Although you don’t need a university degree, proper education and credentials significantly impact earning power.
📘 Education Path
High school diploma or equivalent is standard
Trade school and plumbing apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years)
Red Seal endorsement applicable across provinces
📜 Certifications That Can Boost Salary
Journeyman Plumber Certificate
Red Seal Endorsement
Gas Fitting Certification
Safety and specialized technical courses
Pro Tip: Certified and skilled plumbers are more likely to win contracts and secure higher-paying positions or business ownership.
📊 Job Market Trends (2026)
Montreal’s plumbing market continues to evolve with industry trends.
📌 Strong Demand
Residential renovations and new developments fuel consistent work
Aging public plumbing systems require ongoing maintenance
📌 Workforce Shortage
Skilled tradespeople are in demand as older workers retire
Apprenticeships remain crucial to sustaining the workforce
📌 Competitive Landscape
Employers seek plumbers ready for both traditional plumbing and modern system installation
Overall, Montreal’s job outlook for plumbers is stable to growing in 2026.
🎁 Benefits of Being a Plumber in Montreal
Plumbers enjoy not only solid salaries but also several job perks:
🧰 Common Job Benefits
Employer-sponsored health and dental plans
Pension or retirement benefits in union roles
Paid vacation and statutory holidays
Opportunities for overtime and premium pay
👷 Career Flexibility
Options to work as an employee or independent contractor
Potential to start a plumbing business and earn significantly more
Plumbing remains one of the more recession-resistant skilled trades due to constant maintenance needs.
🏙 Salary Comparison: Montreal vs Other Cities (2026)
| City | Typical Plumber Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal, QC | C$54,000 – C$96,000+ | Broad range depending on experience |
| Quebec City, QC | Slightly higher average than Montreal | |
| Greater Toronto Area, ON | Often above C$80,000 | Higher cost of living, strong demand |
| Vancouver, BC | Competitive wages ~C$75,000+ | Market-driven high rates |
| Calgary, AB | Salaries strong, comparable to Vancouver |
Insight: Montreal’s wages are competitive within Quebec and reasonable compared to larger Canadian metros, though cities like Toronto and Vancouver often report higher average earnings.
📈 Job Outlook & Future Prospects
The future for plumbers in Montreal looks positive for 2026 and beyond:
📌 High Demand Job Outlook
Steady residential and commercial construction
Infrastructure upgrades needed citywide
Plumbing skills essential across many sectors
📌 Advancement Opportunities
Lead plumber, supervisor, or contractor roles
Specializations (industrial, gas fitting, green plumbing)
Business ownership potential increases long-term income
📌 Labour Market Health
Apprenticeships remain a pipeline for new talent
Government data shows median hourly wages well above minimums
🧠 Final Thoughts
Becoming a plumber in Montreal, QC in 2026 offers a pathway to a stable career with solid compensation and advancement opportunities. Salaries range widely based on experience and certification, making skill development essential. Whether you’re starting out as an apprentice or aiming to become a certified journeyman or specialized contractor, Montreal’s plumbing industry provides value, stability, and future growth potential.