Average Plumber Salary in Ontario
Canada's Job Bank reports plumber wages in Ontario ranging from $20.00 to $50.38 per hour, based on data updated November 2025. Indeed, drawing from over 1,200 reported salaries updated February 2026, places the Ontario average at $36.21 per hour.
Glassdoor data for Toronto-area plumbers shows a median of $72,197 per year, with a typical range of $63,882 to $81,593. Licensed plumbers province-wide average $64,080 annually according to ZipRecruiter data from early 2026, with top earners at the 90th percentile reaching $87,500.
A fully licensed journeyman plumber working full-time in Ontario can realistically expect between $65,000 and $85,000 per year. Commercial and industrial work consistently pays above that baseline.
Salary by Experience Level
Apprentice Plumbers
Ontario plumbing apprenticeships run five years. Entry wages typically start at $20 to $25 per hour for first and second year, scaling progressively as competencies are certified. By years four and five, apprentice rates approach $30 to $38 per hour.
Journeyman Plumbers (306A Licence)
Licensed journeyman plumbers in Ontario earn a typical range of $30 to $45 per hour. Union plumbers in Local UA affiliates sit at the higher end of that band. PayScale data for Toronto-area journeymen shows an average of $33.98 per hour, with top earners reaching $50.58.
Master Plumbers
Master plumbers with their own businesses or in supervisory roles at large contractors earn the most. ZipRecruiter data places licensed plumber averages in Ontario at approximately $64,080 per year, but that figure understates what working masters take home when business income is included.
What Drives Plumber Pay in Ontario
Commercial and Industrial vs. Residential
Commercial and industrial plumbing — covering large HVAC-plumbing integration, process piping, and institutional work — pays more than residential service and repair. The complexity, code requirements, and scale of commercial projects justify the premium.
Union Membership
UA (United Association) plumbers in Ontario work under negotiated rate schedules that provide minimum wages, benefit contributions, and pension plans. Union rates in Toronto and major urban centres routinely exceed $40 per hour before benefits.
Region
Toronto, the GTA, and Ottawa pay the most. Northern Ontario infrastructure projects may offer site premiums and travel allowances. Smaller communities in the province pay less but also carry lower cost-of-living.
Ontario Plumber Job Market Outlook
Plumbing apprenticeship data confirmed in your strategy research shows 260 monthly searches for "plumbing apprenticeship Ontario" — a consistent pipeline signal. Aging infrastructure, transit expansion, and the continued residential and commercial construction boom in the GTA sustain strong demand. The BLS projects 4% growth for plumbers nationally through 2034, with Ontario tracking higher given construction volumes.
How to Increase Your Plumber Salary in Ontario
Complete your Red Seal endorsement to maximize mobility and credibility with large commercial contractors.
Pursue gas fitting certification — plumbers with G2 or G1 gas fitting qualifications command higher wages and are more employable.
Target large commercial general contractors or transit infrastructure projects in the GTA for consistent high-rate work.
Consider moving into project management or estimating with plumbing experience — roles that regularly exceed $90,000.
Browse current plumber job postings across Ontario including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and the GTA on our trades job board. Apprentice and licensed positions from verified employers are posted daily.