Plumbers
(NOC 7251)
in All Trades and TransportationPlumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and wastewater disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work for maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar businesses, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Plumbers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 54% of Plumbers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $49,611. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$22.00
Median$30.22
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,925
Minimum$44,190
Median$80,400
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and wastewater disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work for maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar businesses, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Plumbers:
- Read blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems.
- Install, repair, and maintain domestic, commercial, or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems.
- Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors.
- Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.
- Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines.
- Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, or soldering, brazing and welding equipment.
- Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges.
- May prepare cost estimates.
Sample job titles
- apprentice plumber
- maintenance and repair plumber
- plumber
- plumber - pipefitting
- plumber apprentice
- plumbing installer
- plumbing mechanic
- residential construction plumber
Skills
This work requires a methodical approach, mechanical aptitude, and an ability to plan ahead. You must be agile, coordinated, and capable of working in cramped and awkward conditions. Patience and the ability to follow instructions are important. You should also be able to cooperate and work well with others on large projects.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A four- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in plumbing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified plumbers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Public administration
Educational services
Real estate and rental and leasing
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Apprenticeship
$47,412 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$45,940 median annual incomeHigh school
$34,447 median annual incomeLess than high school
$15,032 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Apprenticeship
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to design, install, and test industrial and commercial piping systems and automatic fire and exposure protection systems. They include courses in water systems, steam systems, heating and cooling systems, lubricating systems, piping materials, installation tools operation and maintenance, valve installation and repair, technical mathematics, blueprint interpretation, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Dartmouth, NS
Plumber
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, in home and business environments. They include courses in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. A valid Certification of Qualification, an apprentice ID, or a temporary work permit is required to legally do this work.