NOC 72300: Plumbers

The employment outlook will be Good for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Plumbers continue to be in high demand in P.E.I., driven by housing shortages, new residential construction, and steady renovation activity. The prospect for employment in this occupation is good as there continues to be a shortage of workers and unfilled vacancies in the province due to strong gains in both residential and non-residential investment. Retirements across the construction labour force will add further replacement needs. Non-residential construction, including healthcare, education, and utility projects, is also expected to sustain demand, though activity is expected to moderate after recent peaks. Employers continue to report shortages of qualified tradespeople, making opportunities favourable for new graduates and career seekers, especially those with additional credentials such as a gas fitter’s licence. Many plumbers in P.E.I. are self-employed, with service contracts providing year-round work, and entrepreneurial opportunities remain strong. While some seasonality exists—particularly with higher demand in warmer months—plumbing offers stable employment, competitive wages, and advancement potential, with prospects strongest for those willing to travel or adapt to diverse residential and commercial projects.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 250 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations

69% of plumbers work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

26% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 62% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Good for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

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.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,700 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 89%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations

64% of plumbers work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

21% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 59% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for plumbers (NOC 72300) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The demand for skilled workers in this field depends largely upon the level of construction activity in the province. Compared to other construction-related occupations, however, this trade tends to be less sensitive to economic downturns. Maintenance, renovation, and repair of existing commercial buildings and residential systems will continue to drive employment.

Employment opportunities may be better for those who are willing to travel to various locations for work or possess credentials in other trades such as a gas fitter's licence.

Plumbers may be required to work weekends and evenings especially for emergency repairs. There is some seasonality associated with this occupation suggesting better job prospects in the warmer months of the year.

A trade certification is compulsory for plumbers in New Brunswick. Individuals with a Red Seal endorsement will have enhanced job prospects.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 88%

60% of plumbers work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

21% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 48% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 38% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Northwest Territories over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of the $1.65 billion Mackenzie Valley Highway, connecting Wrigley to Norman Wells, is expected to generate employment in this occupation when construction begins in 2027 or 2028. Ongoing work at the $4 billion Giant Mine remediation site may also lead to construction employment.

Local training for this occupation is available at Aurora College.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 79%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 10%

Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 10%

67% of plumbers work all year, while 33% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

18% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 72% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Good for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Nunavut over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of a new air terminal in Rankin Inlet by 2026 and the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit in 2027 are expected to generate employment in this occupation.

The Government of Nunavut's proposed $3.3 billion project to connect Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine, if built, would also lead to new construction jobs in the territory.

Nunavut has a shortage of skilled tradespeople to complete major public and private construction projects, leading to contractors routinely bringing in workers from southern Canada.

Local training for this occupation is available at Nunavut Arctic College.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Nunavut:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 79%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 10%

Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 10%

73% of plumbers work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 15% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 46% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Majority are in construction, mainly as building equipment contractors

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Population growth, leading to increased demand for residential housing construction and repair services

Infrastructure investments in public goods such as municipal piping systems, large scale transit projects, and educational and healthcare facilities

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

There is one compulsory skilled trade associated with this occupation, named, Plumber.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Ontario:

Approximately 22,300 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 91%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

63% of plumbers work all year, while 37% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

18% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 52% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Sustained demand for this occupation is expected, as most employment is in the construction sector.

Large infrastructure investments in healthcare, and public facilities, and improved commercial construction will support demand for this occupation.

To meet population growth, there will be a steady demand for residential projects and multiple large non-residential projects.

Home renovation projects and the need to repair and upgrade existing buildings and infrastructure.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 2,650 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 90%

65% of plumbers work all year, while 35% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

20% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 70% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Alberta:

Approximately 11,050 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 91%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 20% for all occupations

60% of plumbers work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

17% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 63% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

There is expected to be some growth in residential construction as projected housing starts are forecasted to increase to address housing shortages. While this will likely have a positive effect on prospects, opportunities generated through worker retirements are expected to be lower than for most construction-related occupations. Self-employment is an option in this occupation. In addition, certified journeypersons will have improved employment prospects compared to other less qualified candidates.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 85%

62% of plumbers work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

11% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 68% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by construction activity in institutional, commercial and residential new build, retrofit, and renovation projects. Demand also comes from the need for repair and maintenance of existing plumbing systems and aging infrastructure.

Key trends for this occupation include smart plumbing, such as touchless faucets and smart water heaters, advanced leak detection systems, eco-friendly materials, and trenchless technology for sewer repair.

Jobs are concentrated in the Winnipeg, Southeast, South Central and North Central regions.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Manitoba:

Approximately 2,950 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 85%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 19% for all occupations

64% of plumbers work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

15% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for plumbers (NOC 72300) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in British Columbia:

Approximately 10,400 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 91%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

61% of plumbers work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

21% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 57% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very limited for plumbers (NOC 72300) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about plumbers in Quebec:

Approximately 8,600 people work in this occupation.

Plumbers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 86%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

55% of plumbers work all year, while 45% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

12% of plumbers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 76% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations