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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
On a typical construction job, plumbers plan and install the water systems for a new building after the frame and roof are in place. They:
Plumbers return to the site after plasterers or drywallers, tilesetters and floor covering installers have left to do finishing work such as installing sinks, tubs and toilets.
Some plumbers may specialize in:
In smaller communities, plumbers generally do a wider variety of plumbing and plumbing-related jobs such as installing private sewage disposal systems and potable water distribution systems.
Working conditions vary from one job to another. There is little protection from the weather when plumbers are roughing in, but more protection while finishing. They can find themselves in comfortable conditions when doing maintenance and repair. Plumbers may stand all day, work in cramped, awkward positions, or be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
There is risk of injury when working with rough metals, power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using machines and hand and power tools
Interest in compiling information to repair plumbing fixtures and systems, and to test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
Interest in speaking - signalling to locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Plumbers need:
They should enjoy a variety of working conditions, and working with little supervision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 221 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 13, 2023 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Measure, cut, thread and bend pipes to required shape and size | 171 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment | 164 |
| Tasks: Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors | 153 |
| Tasks: Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings | 150 |
| Tasks: Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges | 147 |
| Tasks: Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems | 144 |
| Tasks: Determine piping system requirements and pipe sizing | 129 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Plumber Trade Certification | 97 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 94 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 90 |
To work in Alberta, a plumber must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Completing courses in physics and chemistry is a definite asset.
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward their apprenticeship and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Alberta’s plumber apprenticeship program now includes gasfitter – class B certification. This means plumber apprentices who complete the plumber program will receive 2 Alberta Journeyperson Certificates: plumber and gasfitter – class B. However, gasfitters – class A or B who are certified in Alberta and want to be certified as plumbers as well must apprentice in the plumber trade.
Plumber apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada). Apprentices have to write both the plumber and gasfitter – class B interprovincial exams to earn both Red Seal endorsements.
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Plumbers plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls. Piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases or hot liquids. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to fabricate, install, alter, maintain or repair plumbing in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Plumber.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Plumbers are employed by construction contractors, plumbing repair shops and large organizations. Some are self-employed. Their employment prospects vary considerably with changing economic conditions, and work can be seasonal.
Experienced plumbers may move into supervisory positions such as foreman or estimator, or start their own contracting businesses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Plumbers
2016 NOC: 7251
85.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson plumbers wage rates vary but generally range from $28 to $37 an hour plus benefits (2019 figures). Apprentices earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, 70% in the third and 80% in the fourth.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $28.00 | $39.39 | $33.91 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $30.00 | $42.61 | $36.28 | $36.07 |
| Top | $34.00 | $47.00 | $40.37 | $40.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $74,282 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $74,886 |
| Educational Services | $71,186 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $81,053 |
| Public Administration | $76,994 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
