Plumbing is a high-demand skilled trade across Canada, and Oakville, Ontario is no exception. As a rapidly growing community within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Oakville offers competitive wages and strong job prospects for plumbers at all career stages. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down average salaries in 2026, talk about what influences earnings, explain job outlook and benefits, and compare Oakville with nearby cities to help you understand where you stand financially in this trade.
📊 Average Plumber Salary in Oakville, ON (2026)
According to recent salary data collected from local professionals, plumbers in Oakville can expect a healthy earning range based on experience and qualifications.
Estimated Salary Range (2026)
| Career Stage | Annual Salary | Approx. Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | $45,000 – $55,000 | $24 – $28/hr* |
| Journeyperson Plumber | $63,000 – $82,000 | $31 – $41/hr |
| Licensed Plumber | $77,000 – $95,000 | $38 – $46/hr |
| Senior / Specialized | $95,000 – $118,000+ | $47 – $55+/hr |
Apprentice wage estimates vary depending on year of apprenticeship and employer.
On average, plumbers in Oakville earn roughly $72,000 per year, which is slightly above many parts of Ontario due to higher demand in the GTA region.
🧱 Salary Breakdown by Experience
Experience plays a major role in plumber earnings. Below is a breakdown of typical income by career level:
1. Apprentice Plumbers
Typically enrolled in a trade or union apprenticeship program
Work under supervision while completing required hours for certification
Often paid significantly less than certified plumbers
Typical range: $45,000 – $55,000 annually (hourly rates around $24-$28)
2. Journeyperson Plumbers
Fully certified after apprenticeship and required exams
Can work independently and handle most service/installation tasks
Earnings jump significantly once certified
Typical range: $63,000 – $82,000 annually
3. Licensed / Certified Plumbers
Hold provincial certification or Red Seal endorsement
Eligible for higher-paying jobs, supervisory duties, and specialized work
Typical range: $77,000 – $95,000 annually
4. Senior & Specialized Experts
Highly experienced plumbers, often with business ownership or specialized skills
May include commercial, industrial, or high-rise plumbing expertise
Typical range: $95,000 – $118,000+ annually
🧠 What Influences Plumber Earnings in Oakville
Several factors influence plumber salaries beyond simple experience:
🔑 Key Salary Drivers
Certification Level: Journeyperson and Red Seal plumbers earn more than apprentices.
Specialized Skills: Gas fitting, backflow certification, or commercial experience can boost pay.
Union vs. Non-Union: Unionized plumbers often receive better base pay and benefits.
Industry Sector: Residential repair work typically pays less than commercial or industrial.
Self-Employment: Running your own business can increase income but also comes with costs.
📈 Job Market Trends (2026)
Plumbing continues to be an essential and recession-resilient trade across Canada, including Oakville.
🔎 Current Trends
Strong Demand: Continued construction and renovation activity in the GTA keeps demand high.
Labour Shortages: Many regions are reporting fewer new plumbers entering the trade, increasing opportunities.
Urban Growth: Oakville’s population growth fuels long-term need for plumbing services.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Older buildings across Ontario need retrofitting and maintenance, furthering demand.
💼 Job Outlook in Oakville & Ontario
Plumbers have a positive outlook through 2030, with stability in both construction and home services sectors.
📌 Key Job Insights
Plumbers are consistently listed as in-demand across Ontario due to essential nature of work.
Median wages for plumbers in Ontario hover above general trade averages.
Many apprenticeships offer structured paths to stable employment upon certification.
📋 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
While no university degree is required, certifications matter greatly in plumbing career progression.
📜 Valuable Credentials
Journeyperson Certificate of Qualification (Ontario)
Red Seal Endorsement (national recognition)
Specialized certificates (e.g., gas, backflow)
Completing formal apprenticeship training and certification allows plumbers to work independently and significantly increases earning potential.
💰 Benefits of Being a Plumber in Oakville
Beyond salaries, plumbers enjoy a range of professional advantages:
✔ Benefits Often Included
Employer-sponsored health coverage (especially union positions)
Retirement/pension plans
Paid vacation and statutory holidays
Overtime and call-out premiums
Hands-on work with variety and problem-solving
Unionized plumbers or those with senior roles often receive some of the best benefits available in trades.
📍 Salary Comparison with Nearby Cities (2026)
Understanding how Oakville stacks up can help you assess relative earning power:
| City | Average Plumber Salary (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Oakville, ON | $72,000 – above average |
| Toronto, ON | $75,000 – $90,000+ |
| Mississauga, ON | $70,000 – $88,000 |
| Hamilton, ON | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Ottawa, ON | $60,000 – $78,000 |
| London, ON | $58,000 – $75,000 |
Oakville typically sits above average compared with many Ontario cities, largely due to its location in the GTA where wages tend to be higher.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Is Plumbing a Smart Career in Oakville (2026)?
Absolutely. Plumbing remains one of the most stable and rewarding trades in Oakville and across Ontario. The combination of solid average wages, ongoing demand, clear pathways to certification, and strong job security makes it a compelling option for anyone interested in a skilled trade career. Whether you’re just starting or considering advanced certification, the opportunities for upward mobility and earning potential are significant.