Canada PR for Plumbers (NOC 72300) – Jobs, Salaries, Immigration Pathways

Why Plumbers Are in High Demand

Ever had a tap that suddenly won’t turn, or a toilet that backs up at the worst possible time? Yeah, that’s when you truly appreciate a plumber. Honestly, this is more than just fixing leaks — it’s about keeping homes, offices, and communities running smoothly.

Canada, with its cold winters, growing cities, and aging buildings, needs plumbers like never before. And not just any plumbers — licensed, certified, skilled ones.

You’ll find jobs like:

• Maintenance plumbers – fixing day-to-day problems
• Plumber apprentices – learning hands-on under mentors
• Plumbing mechanics – certified experts handling big projects
• Certified plumbers – licensed pros for commercial or industrial work

Let’s be real: as long as water flows, there’s work to be done.

NOC 72300 Explained

Plumbers in Canada fall under NOC 72300, TEER 2. What does that mean for you?

• It’s a skilled trade. Usually requires apprenticeship plus provincial certification.
• Red Seal certification helps. Makes your skills portable across provinces.
• Different from pipefitters/steamfitters. Plumbers focus on water, drainage, heating, and sanitation. Pipefitters handle industrial piping.
• Workplaces: Homes, commercial buildings, factories, sometimes even transport systems.

So if you’re trained and certified, Canadian employers instantly know your value.

A Day in the Life of a Plumber

Let me tell you — plumbing isn’t your typical desk job. One day you might be installing a sink in a kitchen, the next you’re rushing to fix a burst pipe in a busy office.

Daily tasks include:

• Reading blueprints and plumbing schematics
• Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes and fixtures
• Keeping drainage and sewage systems functional
• Troubleshooting leaks and blockages

Specializations:

• Maintenance plumbers: Routine fixes and repairs
• Plumber apprentices: Learning hands-on under pros
• Plumbing mechanics: Certified experts managing complex commercial or industrial systems

Story time: Last winter, a friend of mine got a 3 a.m. call — a warehouse flooded due to a broken pipe. By sunrise, he had saved hundreds of products. That’s the kind of impact plumbers have every day.

Salaries Across Canada

Money talk — who doesn’t want to know what’s worth it?

• Alberta: $32–$45/hr (~$65k–$95k/year). Energy projects + cold winters drive pay up.
• British Columbia: $30–$42/hr (~$62k–$88k/year). Housing boom + green retrofits.
• Ontario: $28–$40/hr (~$58k–$83k/year). Residential + commercial demand is steady.
• Atlantic Canada: $25–$35/hr (~$52k–$72k/year). Lower pay, but PR easier via AIP.
• Manitoba & Saskatchewan: $26–$38/hr. Rural and residential projects are always hiring.

Hot tip: Red Seal certification + expertise in maintenance or commercial plumbing makes you a highly sought-after candidate.

Future Demand for Plumbers

Let’s be honest — plumbing isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s only getting bigger:

• Housing boom: Every new home needs plumbing installed from scratch.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings need modern systems.
• Retiring workforce: Experienced plumbers are leaving, opening doors for apprentices.
• Industrial & commercial growth: Factories, offices, and hospitals all need licensed plumbers.

So if you start now as an apprentice, there’s a strong chance you’ll step into a certified, high-demand role later.

Immigration Pathways for Plumbers

Plumbers are in high demand for Canadian immigration:

• Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) if you have Canadian work experience.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
  • Ontario – Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
  • Saskatchewan & Manitoba – Skilled trades streams
  • Atlantic provinces – AIP recognition

Many employers also offer LMIA-backed work permits, which can fast-track your path to PR.

From Temporary Work to PR

Most plumbers start with temporary work. Here’s a typical path:

1. Get an LMIA-backed job offer or apprenticeship.
2. Gain Canadian work experience while completing trade certification.
3. Apply for PR through PNP or CEC.

Pro tip: Red Seal certification accelerates the process because it’s recognized nationwide.

Documents & Fees

Here’s the usual paperwork:

• Apprenticeship/trade certification (Red Seal recommended)
• Proof of work experience
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if trained abroad
• Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP, CLB 5–7)
• Police certificates, biometrics, and medical exam
• PR application fees: ~CAD $1,365

Practical Advice for Aspiring Plumbers

Here’s the deal:

• Get certified early. Red Seal + provincial licenses matter.
• Specialize smartly. Maintenance, commercial, and industrial plumbing pay more.
• Pick provinces wisely. Alberta, Ontario, BC = high pay; Atlantic provinces = smoother PR process.
• Stay updated. Express Entry draws and PNP streams for trades change frequently.

Mini story: A friend in Manitoba moved from apprentice to Red Seal-certified plumber and got PR in under a year. Smart skill choice + location = success.

Thinking about Canada PR as a plumber?

1. Check Express Entry eligibility
2. Explore provincial streams (Ontario, BC, Atlantic provinces)
3. Consider LMIA-backed work permits
4. Aim for Red Seal certification

Helpful Links:

• Government of Canada – Express Entry
• Red Seal Program
• Provincial Nominee Programs