If you’re considering a career as a plumber in London, Ontario, or researching current pay trends for 2026, this detailed article has you covered. Plumbing continues to be a reliable trade in Canada with strong employment prospects and competitive wages, especially in urban centres like London. Below, you’ll find insights into salary ranges, experience‑based earnings, influencing factors, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with other regional cities.
📊 Average Plumber Salary in London, ON (2026)
Understanding current pay is essential if you’re planning a plumbing career or negotiating your next job offer. Salaries for plumbers in London, ON are influenced by experience, certification, employment type, and sector.
💰 Estimated Salary Range (2026)
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (CAD) | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level / Apprentice | $40,000 – $50,000* | ~$20 – $25 |
| Journeyperson Plumber | $55,000 – $76,000 | ~$27 – $37 |
| Licensed Plumber | $55,000 – $77,000+ | ~$27 – $37 |
| Top Earners / Experienced | Up to $85,000+ | ~$36 |
| Average Across All Levels | ~$64,000 | ~$31 |
*Apprentice wages can vary and typically start lower while in training programs.
According to employer‑reported data, the average plumber in London, ON makes about CA$64,000 per year (~CA $31/hour) as of early 2026. Top performers and more experienced plumbers can earn up to around CA$85,000 annually.
🧰 Salary by Experience Level
Experience dramatically shapes a plumber’s earnings, and London is no exception. Here’s how pay typically scales:
1. Apprentices and New Entrants (0–2 Years)
Usually enrolled in apprenticeship programs
Paid training while learning on the job
Hourly rates are lower initially
Wages increase significantly with each level of apprenticeship
📌 Early career plumbers may earn approximately $40,000–$50,000 annually once fully employed in junior roles.
2. Journeyperson Plumbers (3–8 Years)
Independently handle installations, maintenance, and repairs
Often work in residential and commercial jobs
Journeyperson status significantly improves pay
Average range: CA$55,000 – CA$76,000 per year.
3. Experienced and Licensed Plumbers (9+ Years)
May specialize (service, industrial, gas fitting, etc.)
Often take supervisory or contract roles
Higher earning potential and job autonomy
Experienced plumbers regularly earn above CA$76,000, with top earners nearing CA$85,000+.
🔍 Factors Influencing Plumber Earnings
Several elements affect how much a plumber can make in London, ON:
📌 Key Salary Drivers
Training and Certification: Additional certifications (e.g., Red Seal) often yield higher pay.
Union vs. Non‑Union: Union plumbers (e.g., Local 527) typically command higher base rates (over $50/hr or more) and benefits.
Type of Work: Service plumbers, industrial plumbers, and commercial contractors often earn more than residential installers.
Overtime & On‑Call Work: Emergency service calls can significantly boost monthly income.
Business Ownership: Running your own plumbing business offers the highest income potential.
🎓 Certifications, Licensing & Education
Education and credentials play a pivotal role in wage growth:
📜 Essential Credentials
Apprenticeship Completion Certificate: Foundation requirement for higher pay.
Journeyperson License: Standard for independent plumbing work.
Red Seal Endorsement: National credential that boosts mobility and pay across Canada.
Specialized Certificates: Backflow prevention, gas fitting, and medical gas installer certificates enhance earning potential.
Continuing education and skill upgrades can translate to higher hourly rates and better job offers.
📈 Job Market Trends (2026)
The plumbing job market remains solid in Ontario, including London:
📊 Trends to Watch
Steady Demand Across Sectors: Residential upgrades, commercial development, and infrastructure maintenance fuel consistent demand.
Historic Skills Shortage: Many regions report gaps in trained tradespeople, improving prospects for apprentices and experienced plumbers.
Urban Development: London’s ongoing growth means abundant plumbing work in both renovation and new construction.
In Ontario overall, plumbing is considered an in‑demand trade with opportunities across multiple sectors.
💼 Benefits of a Plumbing Career
Plumbing isn’t just about wages. Many professionals enjoy a range of advantages:
✅ Common Benefits
Job Stability: Plumbing skills are continuously needed in homes and businesses alike.
Good Work‑Life Balance: Many roles allow structured hours with overtime optional.
Career Mobility: Experience and credentials enable work throughout Ontario and Canada.
Entrepreneurship: Many plumbers eventually open businesses with higher profit potential.
Union roles often include comprehensive benefits packages such as pensions, health coverage, and union wage protections.
📍 Comparison With Other Ontario Cities
How does London stack up against other markets?
| City | Average Plumber Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| London, ON | ~$64,000/year (~$31/hr) |
| Toronto, ON | Often higher, especially union (~$70,000+) |
| Ottawa, ON | ~$70,000+ |
| Hamilton, ON | ~$68,000+ |
| Greater Toronto Area | ~$75,000+ |
Larger urban centres like Toronto and the GTA typically offer higher average pay than London, though cost of living and competition can vary.
📊 Job Outlook & Future Career Prospects
The long‑term prospects for plumbers in London, ON remain promising:
🔮 Outlook Highlights
Stable employment through economic cycles — plumbing is essential work.
Expansion of green technologies increases demand for specialized services (e.g., water conservation systems).
Advancement opportunities for those with Red Seal and advanced certifications.
Overall, plumbing is regarded as a future‑proof trade with increasing demand as infrastructure ages and cities grow.
🧠 Final Thoughts
A plumbing career in London, ON moves beyond just decent wages. With competitive salaries (around CA$64,000 on average), solid job demand, and opportunities for advancement through experience and certification, plumbing offers a fulfilling path for those who enjoy hands‑on work and career autonomy. Whether you’re a new apprentice or a seasoned professional, London presents a balanced mix of earnings potential, benefits, and job stability.