If you’re considering a career as a plumber in Burnaby, BC or simply curious about earning potential, this 2026 salary guide breaks down everything you need to know—average salary ranges, factors influencing pay, wages by experience, job market trends, benefits, education and certification, and how Burnaby compares to nearby cities.
📊 Average Plumber Salary in Burnaby (2026)
Plumbing pay in Burnaby is generally competitive for British Columbia and is influenced by overall cost of living, construction activity, and trade demand.
💼 Typical Salary Range
| Job Level | Annual Pay (CAD) | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | ~$31,000 – $54,000 | ~$15 – $26/hr |
| Plumber (average) | ~$63,000 – $79,000 | ~$30 – $38/hr |
| Journeyperson Plumber | ~$88,000 (approx) | ~N/A |
| Licensed Plumber Range | ~$45,000 – $106,000 | ~$22 – $51/hr |
📌 Typical “most likely” range for a plumber in Burnaby is about CAD 63,000 – 79,000 per year based on employer-reported data.
🔍 Salary by Experience Level
Experience is one of the strongest predictors of income in the plumbing field. Here’s how it generally breaks down:
🛠 Apprentice Plumbers
Entry-level role during training
Lower pay as skills and hours are accumulating
Often includes classroom and on-the-job training
Approx salary: CAD 31,000 – $54,000/year
🧰 Early-Career Plumbers
A few years of experience
Can perform basic repairs and installations
Begin working more independently
Approx salary: CAD $63,000 – $70,000/year
🏗 Journeyperson Plumbers
Fully licensed tradesperson
Handles complex residential/commercial jobs
Often higher hourly wages and overtime opportunities
Approx salary: CAD $88,000/year average
👨🔧 Licensed & Specialist Plumbers
Fully licensed, possible business owners
May specialize in gas, backflow prevention, medical piping, etc.
Can command the highest pay within the trade
Salary range: CAD $45,000 – $106,000/year depending on certification/contracting arrangements
🧠 Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Understanding what drives pay can help you maximize your earning potential:
📌 Key Influencers
Certification Level: Apprentices earn less than journeypersons and masters.
Red Seal & Interprovincial Certification: National recognition boosts mobility and can increase pay.
Union Membership: Union plumbers often earn higher wages with benefits.
Specialized Skills: Gas fitting, backflow prevention, and advanced system design are highly valued.
Experience: More experience typically leads to higher pay.
Employment Type: Self-employed and contract plumbers may set higher rates but face greater income variance.
📈 Job Market Trends in Burnaby & British Columbia
🔎 Current Employment Outlook
According to Canadian labor projections, the demand for plumbers in British Columbia is expected to be moderate with limited new positions over the next few years.
Despite moderate growth, plumbing remains a stable and in-demand trade, especially for experienced journeypersons and specialists.
🏙 Urban vs Regional Demand
Urban centres like Burnaby and Vancouver often offer higher wages and more job openings than rural areas because of greater construction and renovation activity.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
While plumbing typically does not require a university degree, other educational credentials and certificates significantly affect earnings.
📘 Important Credentials
Apprenticeship Completion Certificate: Required to become a licensed plumber.
Red Seal Endorsement: Nationally recognized certification that improves mobility and pay.
Gas Fitter Certificate: Allows work on gas systems, boosting value.
Backflow Prevention Certification: Specialized skill often in demand.
OSHA/WorkSafeBC Safety Certifications: Enhance employability and jobsite safety awareness.
📌 Completing school at institutions like BCIT or attending specialized trade schools can accelerate your path to higher pay.
💼 Benefits of Plumbing Careers in Burnaby
Being a plumber offers more than salary—many roles come with robust benefits and long-term career potential.
❤️ Typical Benefits
Health and pension plans (especially through unions)
Vacation, overtime pay, and statutory holiday pay
Hands-on work and problem-solving day-to-day
Strong job stability in construction and maintenance sectors
Union and public-sector positions (like municipal plumbing roles) often provide comprehensive benefits packages including extended health and pension plans.
📍 Salary Comparison with Nearby Cities (2026)
Here’s how Burnaby stacks up against nearby cities in British Columbia:
| City | Avg Hourly / Yearly (approx) |
|---|---|
| Burnaby, BC | ~$34/hr or ~$63K–$79K/yr |
| Metro Vancouver Region | ~$48/hr |
| Vancouver, BC | ~$38/hr |
| Victoria, BC | ~$41/hr |
| Coquitlam, BC | ~$48/hr |
📌 Burnaby plumbers earn competitively within the Metro Vancouver area, though some adjacent cities report slightly higher average hourly rates.
🔮 Job Outlook & Career Growth (2026 and Beyond)
📊 Key Job Market Insights
Plumbing remains a resilient trade with solid wage potential.
Urban growth and renovation projects sustain demand.
Many plumbers transition into self-employment or contract work to increase income.
Universities and trade schools support a continuous influx of well-trained plumbers.
While employment growth in British Columbia is described as limited due to modest job openings, the need for experienced tradespeople remains steady due to retirements and ongoing infrastructure needs.
🧩 Final Thoughts
In 2026, a career as a plumber in Burnaby, BC offers reliable earning potential, steady job prospects, and meaningful upward mobility. Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or pursuing advanced certifications like Red Seal or specialized trade tickets, the plumbing profession provides a solid career path with competitive salaries, benefits, and long-term workplace stability in one of Canada’s growing urban markets.