Licensed Plumber or 4th or 5th year Plumber Apprentice

According to Government of Canada's Job Bank, plumbers (NOC 72300) have a national median hourly wage of $36.00 as of 2026. Wages range from $27.00 per hour at the low end to $48.00 at the high end. In high-demand provinces like Alberta, the median reaches $39.50 per hour.

Foreign plumbers with at least 2 years of experience and CLB 5 in English or French qualify for Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program. Alternatively, apply via Provincial Nominee Programs which target NOC 72300 trades. The work permit application fee is CAD 155, with processing times averaging 12 weeks for LMIA-exempt cases.

A high school diploma is required, followed by a 4-year apprenticeship with 9,000 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction per year. At least 1,500 hours of work experience is needed for Red Seal endorsement. Entry-level positions accept registered apprentices after Grade 12.

Submit a high school diploma or equivalent, resume listing any related experience, government-issued ID, and proof of residency. Safety certifications like WHMIS 2015 and fall protection are often required upfront. Applications are processed through provincial apprenticeship authorities with no fee for registration as of 2026.