Plumbing remains a solid and in-demand trade across Canada, and Gatineau, Quebec is no exception. As of 2026, plumbers in Gatineau earn competitive wages that reflect the cost of living in the Outaouais region and the ongoing need for skilled tradespeople. This detailed guide covers salary ranges, experience influences, market trends, certifications, and job outlook — offering valuable insights for both current tradespeople and those considering a plumbing career.
Average Plumber Salary in Gatineau, QC (2026)
Plumber wages can vary quite a bit in Gatineau depending on experience, certification, and employer.
Typical Salary Snapshot
| Role / Category | Hourly Rate | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | ~$27–$29/hr | ~$55,000–$60,000* |
| Journeyperson Plumber | ~$36–$41/hr | ~$74,000–$85,000* |
| Licensed / Certified Plumber | ~$41/hr avg | ~$85,000–$96,000* |
| Top Earners / Highly Experienced | ~$45–$47+/hr | ~$95,000+* |
*Estimates based on reported ranges and typical full-time hours.
Across available data:
Average hourly wage: ~CA$38 per hour in Gatineau.
Journeyperson average: ~CA$74,000 annually.
Licensed plumber range: ~CA$54,000 to CA$96,000.
Most plumbers work full time and may supplement income with overtime, on-call shifts, and bonuses.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several key elements affect how much a plumber earns in Gatineau:
🛠 Experience & Skill Level
Apprentices earn less as they train and log hours.
Journeypersons and certified plumbers earn significantly more.
Specialized skills (e.g., commercial systems, medical gas) often command premium pay.
📜 Licensing & Certifications
Certification through the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) or recognized trade authorities increases hiring prospects and wages.
Additional qualifications (e.g., gas fitting, backflow prevention) can boost pay.
🏢 Employer Type
Large construction firms or unionized positions often pay better and include benefits.
Smaller companies may offer flexibility but varied compensation.
🏙 Location & Demand
Gatineau’s proximity to Ottawa and the Ontario market increases competition and wage negotiation power.
Urban construction, renovations, and infrastructure maintenance help sustain demand.
⏱ Overtime & After-hours Work
Emergency calls and weekend work can significantly increase take-home pay.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience is one of the strongest determinants of income in plumbing.
📌 Entry Level / Apprentices (0–2 Years)
On-the-job training and mentorship.
Focus on basic installations and support tasks.
Lower hourly rates, but strong foundation building.
Typical wage: CA$27–$30 /hr.
📌 Intermediate (Journeyperson, 3–7 Years)
Independently handle installations, repairs, diagnostics.
Growing trust and efficiency on diverse job sites.
Typical wage: CA$36–$41 /hr; ~$74K–$85K/yr.
📌 Experienced / Licensed (8+ Years)
Lead projects, supervise apprentices, manage complex jobs.
Often handle commercial and specialized systems.
Typical wage: CA$41+/hr; ~$85K–$96K+.
Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
Becoming a certified plumber in Quebec involves formal training and licensing. While a high school diploma is the minimum, most plumbers complete:
📚 Education & Training
Trade school / vocational diploma in plumbing.
Apprenticeship program (usually 4–5 years).
📜 Certifications
Journeyperson Plumber License – critical for higher pay.
Additional certifications in safety, gas fitting, or specialized systems further enhance employability and earnings.
Certified plumbers typically earn significantly more than uncertified workers due to their verified skills and ability to work independently.
Job Market Trends & Outlook (2026)
The job outlook for plumbers in Quebec, including Gatineau, shows a moderate but steady demand through 2026.
🔍 Market Snapshot
Projected employment growth is limited due to the balance of new positions and availability of experienced workers.
Construction remains the largest sector employing plumbers.
High full-time work prevalence (~94%) suggests stable employment.
📈 Demand Drivers
Aging infrastructure requiring repair and maintenance.
Residential renovations and retrofits.
New builds and commercial development.
Despite moderate forecast growth, plumbers remain essential, stable tradespeople.
Benefits of Being a Plumber in Gatineau
Plumbing offers not only fair wages but also a range of career benefits:
💼 Job Security
Plumbing skills are always needed in residential and commercial sectors.
🧰 Diverse Work Opportunities
Work on homes, businesses, industrial systems, and municipal infrastructure.
🪪 Career Growth Path
Apprenticeship → Journeyperson → Business owner or specialist.
📈 Earnings Potential
With experience and certification, plumbers in Gatineau can earn well above regional averages.
🛡 Benefits Packages
Many employers offer:
Health and dental insurance
Retirement / pension contributions
Paid vacation and sick leave
(Reported in specific job postings.)
Plumber Salary Comparison: Gatineau vs Nearby Cities
| City / Region | Approx. Average Hourly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gatineau, QC | ~$38/hr | Moderate to strong pay, good demand. |
| Quebec City, QC | ~$40–41/hr | Slightly higher typical wage. |
| Ottawa, ON | ~$38–39/hr | Similar range; cross-border opportunities. |
| Montreal, QC | ~$34–35/hr | Slightly lower average rate. |
| Greater Toronto Area, ON | ~$40/hr+ | Higher cost, higher pay. |
Gatineau’s wages are competitive compared with other Quebec cities and benefit from proximity to the Ottawa market.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, plumbing remains a well-paid, stable trade in Gatineau, QC. With competitive average wages (around CA$38/hr), a clear path for advancement, and ongoing demand, the field offers solid long-term prospects. Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or advancing toward master status, Gatineau provides abundant opportunities to grow, earn, and build a fulfilling trade career.
If you’re considering plumbing as a profession or planning your next career move, Gatineau’s balance of wages, job stability, and lifestyle makes it a compelling choice.