Updated December 2023
No doubt, you've heard that demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise in Canada. If you're thinking about a career change, or looking for a path to follow after high school, trades training makes a lot of sense.
But which trade?
There is a long list of occupations to choose from—everything from carpenter, welder, and auto mechanic, to steamfitter, powerline technician, brick and stone mason...and, of course, plumber!
Here's our list of very good reasons why plumber training is a smart career move and an excellent investment in your future.
The latest data from the Government of Canada Job Bank shows that plumbers are expected to remain in steady demand across Ontario for the next few years. Population growth is driving the need for plumbers in construction and repair, and demand will also come from the continued push for retrofits and upgrades to existing plumbing systems.
The Job Bank says that 94 per cent of Ontario plumbers have full-time work—compared to an average of just 79 per cent for all other occupations.
And the wages are good, too. Plumbers in Ontario earn a median wage of $30 an hour (which is about $62,000 per year). At the highest end of the pay scale, plumbers in Ontario are making as much as $50 an hour (or about $104,000 per year).
Looking for a trade with healthy employment prospects and excellent earning potential? Becoming a plumber is definitely a smart bet.
Many Canadians are concerned about the number of companies outsourcing local jobs to foreign countries to cut down on salary costs.
In addition to hiring foreign workers, a number of organizations are actually setting up branches overseas to take advantage of cheaper labour. Telecommunications and IT jobs have been very hard hit by this trend.
However, skilled trades like plumbing are far more difficult to outsource or automate. Rest assured, we'll be continuing to rely on local (non-robot) talent in essential trades like plumbing for many years to come.
Becoming a plumber doesn't mean you'll just be fixing toilets and unclogging drains day after day.
There are quite a few ways to specialize in this trade, including designing systems for new buildings, developing new plumbing technologies, and working to improve city water systems.
You could choose between residential, commercial, and industrial projects, work in plumbing sales, or specialize in fire suppression sprinkler systems.
Of course, you could also start your own plumbing business and become your own boss. Plumbing training opens up a range of employment options—another reason this path makes good career sense.
Clean running water is vital to human health. As respect for the skilled trades grows, we're seeing greater recognition for people who provide essential services, like plumbers and electricians. Gone are the days when society considered trades less important or prestigious than white-collar jobs.
It definitely helps that plumbers are some of the best-paid tradespeople out there. But there's also an awareness of just how much we rely on their expertise to function as a society. We could barely survive a single day without access to safe drinking water and the many, many conveniences of indoor plumbing.
When a city water main breaks or something as basic as a shower won't work, everything grinds to a halt.
The world needs plumbers to run smoothly—and that's a major source of pride and satisfaction for the professionals who work in this trade.
And last, but certainly not least: after you've officially become a plumber, you'll NEVER have to pay for plumbing services again! And given how much it can cost for a simple home service call, this means serious savings for any homeowner. Just be ready to help out close friends and family, too...because they'll definitely come calling!
Your next step is to speak with a Herzing College admissions advisor. They can walk you through the plumbing program, costs, financial aid, and how to apply.
Chat live with an advisor right now. Or click below to explore the Plumber Pre-apprenticeship program in more detail. We're here to help!