Plumbers
(NOC 7251)
in All Trades and TransportationPlumbers plan, install and repair piping and other equipment used to move, store or dispose of water, gas and sewage. They work for maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar businesses, for plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Outlook for Plumbers: average, which suggests the chances of a qualified individual finding work is similar to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: large, with regular job opportunities.
Job openings: employment is expected to grow significantly, providing additional openings. Several hospital projects are expected to create employment growth in the near-term. Retirements will create some opportunities.
Work hours: full-time, normally. Both permanent and temporary positions are common.
Self-employment: a good portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
Strong growth in the construction industry, especially in the Halifax region, has resulted in high demand for many skilled trades. Demand is highest for full-trained journeymen. Fewer opportunities are available for apprentices or those with less experience. Those who are willing to work non-traditional hours (i.e. evenings and weekends) may be able to access more job opportunities. Self-employment is also an option for many persons in this occupation.
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$28.00
Median$39.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,925
Minimum$44,190
Median$80,400
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Plumbers plan, install and repair piping and other equipment used to move, store or dispose of water, gas and sewage. They work for maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar businesses, for 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 holes in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.
- Select the type and size of pipe required.
- Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines.
- Assemble and install valves and fittings.
- Join pipe sections and secure them in position.
- Test pipe systems for leaks.
- Complete finishing work like installing sinks, tubs and toilets.
- 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
- Strength, stamina, coordination and agility.
- Mechanical aptitude.
- Math and planning skills.
- Patience and the ability to follow instructions.
- Be safety aware and show attention to detail.
- The ability to work alone or with others.
- The ability to work in cramped and awkward conditions.
- The ability to work with little supervision.
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent.
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for plumbers is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for plumbers.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Setting: Varies by job. Little protection from weather when roughing in, but more protection when finishing. Sometimes at heights or in confined spaces.
- May stand all day or work in cramped, awkward positions. May need to lift heavy items. Plumbers can work on their own or in a team.
- There is risk of injury when working with rough metals, power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
- Materials: Plumbers work with copper, steel, plastic, glass, cast iron, cement, fibreglass, and specialty materials.
- Equipment: Plumbers use welding, soldering, and hoisting and lifting equipment.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Experienced plumbers may advance to positions like foreman or estimator, transfer their skills to other pipe trades, or start their own contracting business.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
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
$49,764 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$37,366 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$45,822 median annual incomeSouthern
$41,260 median annual incomeCape Breton
$42,968 median annual incomeCompared 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
Trade Certification
$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
Trade Certification
$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
Apprenticeship - Plumber
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system. A plumber apprenticeship prepares apprentices to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, assemble, install and repair piping and other equipment used to move, store or dispose of water, gas and sewage.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
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.
Plumber - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
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
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.