Plumbers
(NOC 7251)
in All Trades and TransportationPlumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. However, jobseekers may face some competition for those positions. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Plumbers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 56% 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
$14.00
Minimum$26.00
Median$36.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,925
Minimum$44,190
Median$80,400
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
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 waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Plumbers perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of 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
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Public Administration
Educational Services
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
Utilities
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
55-64
45-54
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$52,176 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$51,915 median annual incomeHigh school
$37,230 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$84,637 median annual incomeLess than high school
$30,205 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Pipefitting/pipefitter and sprinkler fitter
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to design, install, and test industrial and commercial piping systems and automatic fire and exposure protection systems. These programs 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
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 760, 1575 Lake Road
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
(902) 875-8640
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
40 Neptune Crescent
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4R8
(902) 442-0120
Plumbing technology/plumber
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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. These programs 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
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 760, 1575 Lake Road
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
(902) 875-8640
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.