Plumbing is a highly respected trade with stable demand across Canada, and Windsor, Ontario offers competitive wages and a reasonable cost of living compared to larger urban centres. In 2026, plumber salaries in Windsor reflect regional labour market conditions, industry requirements, and the growing need for skilled tradespeople in residential and commercial construction.
This detailed guide explores the average plumber salary in Windsor, ON, how pay varies with experience, key factors influencing earnings, job market trends, training and certifications that impact pay, benefits, and comparisons with other cities.
💼 Average Plumber Salary in Windsor, ON (2026)
Plumber compensation in Windsor tends to align with broader Ontario wage trends but can vary significantly depending on role, certifications, and sector (residential vs. commercial).
🧰 Typical Wage Range
| Position / Experience | Hourly Wage (CAD) | Approx. Annual Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | $20 – $25 | $42,000 – $52,000 |
| Entry-Level / Journeyperson | $28 – $35 | $58,000 – $73,000 |
| Mid-Career Plumber | $35 – $45 | $73,000 – $94,000 |
| Experienced / Licensed | $45 – $55+ | $94,000 – $114,000+ |
*Annual figures estimated based on full-time hours – actual income may vary with overtime, bonuses, or self-employment.
📊 Median Salary Snapshot
Median plumber wage: approx. $32.50/hour in Windsor-Sarnia region (Statistics Canada data).
Licensed plumbers range: from approx. $45,760 to $118,560 annually (~$37.23/hr average).
Salary.com data for Plumber II: median around C$91,194/year, with most plumbers earning between ~C$80,714 and C$102,525.
These figures show that plumbers in Windsor with higher skill levels and certifications earn well above entry-level wages.
🪛 Salary by Experience Level
Experience strongly influences earnings:
🧑🔧 Apprentice Plumbers
Typically in training (registered apprenticeships)
Work under supervision
Focus on basic plumbing tasks and skill development
Wages: ~$20 – $25/hour.
🛠 Journeyperson Plumbers (Certified)
Once certified, plumbers can work independently and take on a full range of tasks.
Wages: ~$28 – $35/hour (~$58,000 – $73,000/year).
🚿 Mid-Career Professionals
With several years of experience, plumbers may handle complex installations, lead crews, or specialize in sectors (e.g., commercial or industrial).
Wages: ~$35 – $45/hour (~$73,000 – $94,000/year).
🔧 Experienced / Licensed Plumbers
Highly experienced plumbers with licences, advanced certifications, or running their own businesses can earn at the top of the scale.
Wages: ~$45 – $55+/hour (~$94,000 – $114,000+).
🔍 Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Several elements shape how much plumbers earn in Windsor:
📌 Certification and Licensing
Ontario Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) is required to work independently.
Red Seal Endorsement enhances mobility and pay across Canada.
Licensed plumbers generally earn significantly more than apprentices.
🏗️ Type of Work
Residential plumbing: common and steady, but often lower pay.
Commercial / industrial plumbing: typically higher wages due to complexity and scale.
Emergency services or specialized systems (e.g., gas lines, backflow devices) command premium pay.
📍 Union vs. Non-Union
Unionized plumbers often have higher base wages and better benefits than non-union counterparts. Industry trends indicate that union jobs can significantly raise total compensation.
🧠 Business Ownership / Self-Employment
Self-employed plumbers can set higher rates but also incur business costs (insurance, tools, vehicle, marketing).
🎓 Education, Training & Certification Impact
Becoming a successful plumber in Windsor typically involves:
✔️ High School Diploma or Equivalent
Strong foundation for technical training.
🧠 Apprenticeship Program
4–5 years including classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training.
Leads to journeyperson status.
📜 Certificate of Qualification (C of Q)
Essential for independent work and higher pay.
🔴 Red Seal Endorsement
Allows plumbers to work in multiple provinces without additional examinations, often leading to higher pay.
📈 Job Market Trends in Windsor (2026)
The plumbing job market remains robust in Windsor:
🔹 Continued Residential & Commercial Construction
Growing housing demand and industrial activity mean steady plumbing work.
🔹 Aging Infrastructure Needs
Older plumbing infrastructure in many buildings requires upgrades and repairs.
🔹 Skilled Trades Shortages
Plumbing remains in demand across Ontario with many employers struggling to fill positions, particularly for licensed tradespeople.
🩺 Benefits of Working as a Plumber
Plumbing offers more than wages:
💼 Benefits Typically Include:
Employer-sponsored pension plans
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation and statutory leave
Overtime and holiday pay
Opportunities for apprenticeships and mentorship
Regional statistics show many plumbers in Ontario have access to employer benefits.
📊 Plumber Salary Comparison: Windsor vs Other Cities
| City / Region | Average Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windsor-Sarnia Area | ~$32.50/hr median | Regional standard. |
| Greater Toronto Area (GTA) | ~$37+/hr | Higher cost of living and demand. |
| Ottawa | ~$39.50/hr | Often higher beyond Windsor. |
| Hamilton | ~$36.56/hr | Comparable to GTA. |
| National Average (Canada) | ~$33/hr | Across provinces. |
Compared to major Ontario hubs like Toronto and Ottawa, Windsor’s plumber salaries are slightly lower, but lower living costs can offset the pay difference.
📈 Job Outlook for Plumbers in Windsor
The outlook for plumbers remains strong through 2030:
👍 Stable Demand
Plumbing work is essential in almost every building type and sector.
👍 Low Automation Risk
Physical skills and problem-solving make plumbing resilient to automation.
👍 Opportunities for Growth
With experience, plumbers can progress to supervisory roles or start their own businesses.
📌 Final Thoughts
In 2026, Windsor, ON offers competitive plumber wages with solid opportunities for career growth and stability. While pay may be somewhat lower than Ontario’s largest cities, the combination of reasonable cost of living, steady demand, and access to certifications makes plumbing a rewarding career path.
Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or aiming to become a fully licensed plumber, Windsor’s labour market provides promising opportunities and a clear path to higher earnings.