driver, tow truck

As per the Government of Canada, the median wage for plumbers is CAD 32.50 per hour as of January 2026, with provincial minimums starting at CAD 17.20 in Nova Scotia and reaching CAD 25.00 in British Columbia for certified roles. Apprentices receive CAD 15.00 per hour during the first year of training, with overtime at 1.5 times after 44 hours weekly in Ontario.

The Government of Canada requires completion of a 4-5 year apprenticeship program plus 9000 hours of on-the-job training for Red Seal endorsement, which is mandatory in all provinces for journeyperson status as of 2026. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass the Red Seal exam with a minimum 70% score.

Government of Canada standards set standard hours at 40 per week for plumbers, with statutory holiday pay at 4% of earnings and vacation entitlement of 2 weeks after one year increasing to 3 weeks after five years. Full-time roles include 10 paid sick days annually under federal rules effective 2026.

The Government of Canada requires plumbers to pay federal income tax at 15% on the first CAD 55,867 earned in 2026 plus provincial taxes averaging 10-15%, with mandatory CPP contributions of 5.95% up to CAD 68,500 and EI premiums of 1.63% up to CAD 63,200. Tool and uniform expenses up to CAD 1,000 can be claimed as deductions.