Plumbing is a skilled trade in high demand throughout Canada — and Quebec City, QC is no exception. As of 2026, the plumbing profession offers competitive wages driven by construction growth, maintenance demand, and skilled labour shortages. This detailed, SEO-friendly article explains the average plumber salary in Quebec City, factors that influence earnings, pay differences by experience, job market trends, benefits, and education or certification impacts. You’ll also find useful comparisons with other cities and related insights to help decide if this trade is right for you.
Average Plumber Salary in Quebec City (2026)
Plumbers in Quebec City earn solid wages compared with both provincial and national averages. According to recent compensation data:
📊 Typical Salary Figures
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average hourly wage (skilled plumbers) | ≈ $40.76 CAD/hour |
| Average certified plumber range | $54K – $95.9K CAD/year |
| Median hourly wage region (Capitale‑Nationale) | ~$42.00/hour |
These figures show that plumbers in Quebec City typically make above regional and national average trade wages, with experienced and certified workers earning significantly more.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience dramatically affects a plumber’s earnings in Quebec City. Entry-level roles pay noticeably less than seasoned journeymen or master plumbers.
🧰 Experience vs. Earnings
Apprentice / Entry Level: Often paid lower hourly rates, usually beginning around $27 – $30/hour depending on employer and union status.
Journeyperson Plumber: Skilled workers often earn in the $40 – $45/hour range or more on big projects.
Certified & Senior Plumbers: With advanced credentials and experience, plumbers can push $50+/hour.
Experience not only increases hourly rates but also opens opportunities for leadership and contract work — such as crew lead or project supervisor roles paying premium wages.
Key Factors That Impact Plumber Salaries
Several important variables influence how much plumbers earn in Quebec City in 2026:
💡 Salary Influencers
Certification & Licensing: Certified plumbers typically earn higher wages than non-certified workers.
Union Membership: Unionized plumbers often have standardized pay scales with benefits.
Type of Work: Commercial, industrial, or specialized plumbing (e.g., gas, medical) pays more.
Project Size and Complexity: Larger infrastructure projects often pay more than basic residential jobs.
Economic Demand: Construction growth and retrofit work can increase demand for skilled plumbers.
Job Market Trends in Quebec City (2026)
The plumbing job market in Quebec City remains healthy, though influenced by broader economic shifts.
📈 Notable Trends
Continued Construction Growth: New residential and commercial builds sustain demand for plumbing trades.
Aging Infrastructure: Maintenance and upgrades add to long‑term plumbing needs.
Labour Shortages: Skilled tradespeople remain in demand across Canada, including Quebec City, spurring competitive wages.
These trends mean plumbers remain in demand with good job stability and frequent openings — particularly for those with certifications or specialized skills.
Education, Apprenticeships & Certifications
While plumbing doesn’t require a university degree, formal training and credentials greatly affect salary potential.
🧑🎓 Recommended Pathways
DEP (Diplôme d’Études Professionnelles) in Plumbing: A core credential in Quebec.
Apprenticeship Programs: Usually 4–5 years combining classroom and on‑the‑job training.
Additional Certifications: Specialized training (e.g., gas fitting, backflow prevention) can add value.
Completing recognized certifications also makes plumbers more competitive and able to command higher wages.
Benefits of Working as a Plumber in Quebec City
Beyond competitive wages, plumbing careers offer multiple advantages:
🔧 Job Perks
Strong Job Security: Plumbing is essential in residential and commercial infrastructure.
Varied Work Environments: Opportunities in service, construction, industrial, and emergency repair.
Union Benefits: Health plans, pension contributions, and structured wage increases.
Opportunity for Self‑Employment: Skilled plumbers can start their own contracting businesses.
Hands‑On, Skilled Career: Practical work with clear paths for progression.
These benefits make plumbing an attractive career choice for trade‑oriented individuals.
Plumber Salary Comparison: Quebec City vs Other Cities
For context, here’s how Quebec City compares with other Canadian urban markets:
📊 City Salary Comparison
| City | Approx. Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Quebec City, QC | ~$85,000 CAD (typical certified range) |
| Montreal, QC | ~$52,000 CAD average plumber salary |
| Quebec Province Avg. | ~$36.90/hour across trades |
| Toronto, ON | Often competitive ($40+/hour or higher) but varies widely |
| Vancouver, BC | Comparable or slightly higher rates due to cost of living concerns |
Quebec City plumbers tend to earn more than the provincial average and in many cases surpass typical Montreal plumber wages due to local demand and market conditions.
Job Outlook: What to Expect Through 2026
The employment outlook for plumbers in Quebec City remains solid:
📍 Job Prospects
Steady demand in residential and commercial plumbing sectors.
Strong infrastructure investment fueling retrofit projects.
Union and apprentice pathway opportunities sustain workforce entry.
Skilled plumbers, especially those with certification or union affiliation, will likely find consistent work and steady wage growth.
Is Plumbing a Good Career Choice in Quebec City?
Yes — particularly for people who prefer practical, hands‑on work with tangible results. Plumbing offers:
Competitive wages compared with other trades.
Job security even during economic fluctuations.
Clear apprenticeship and advancement pathways.
Potential for business ownership as independent contractor.
With demand rising and wages holding strong, plumbing remains a rewarding trade career in Quebec City for 2026 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, plumber salaries in Quebec City, QC reflect strong demand for skilled tradespeople, competitive wage scales, and opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re just entering the field or aiming to specialize further, Quebec City offers a robust job market with real earning potential and long‑term stability — making plumbing a smart career choice in the region.