Plumber CCQ wage 2026: hourly rate by sector
In 2026, a journeyman plumber earns $50.79/h in the institutional-commercial (IC) sector and $47.85/h in light residential (rates in effect since April 26, 2026).
The plumber (called a "tuyauteur", or pipe fitter, in the CCQ classification) installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and heating systems. Like the electrician, the plumber completes 4 apprenticeship periods, and the hourly rates are identical to the electrician's in all 5 sectors ($47.85 in light residential, $50.79 in IC). What changes is the insurance paid by the employer: $2.93/h in residential, versus $3.692/h in IC. The industrial sector pays exactly the same rate as IC.
Journeyman hourly rate by sector (2026)
| Sector | Hourly rate | Employer insurance | Employer pension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light residential | $47.85 | $2.93 | $5.21 |
| Heavy residential | $50.20 | $2.93 | $5.21 |
| Institutional-commercial (IC) | $50.79 | $3.692 | $5.21 |
| Industrial | $50.79 | $3.692 | $5.21 |
| Civil engineering and roadwork | $50.87 | $3.693 | $5.21 |
Regular hourly rate, excluding the 13% for vacation and holidays and benefits. Rates are provincial: they do not vary by region, except for isolated job sites, the James Bay region and north of the 55th parallel, which have separate schedules ($53.20/h in IC).
Apprentice plumber wages
The plumber apprenticeship has 4 periods of 2,000 hours. In each period, the apprentice earns a percentage of the journeyman rate.
| Period | % of rate | Light residential | Heavy residential | IC | Industrial | Civil engineering and roadwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st period (0 to 2,000 h) | 50% | $23.93 | $25.11 | $25.40 | $25.40 | $25.44 |
| 2nd period (2,000 to 4,000 h) | 60% | $28.72 | $30.12 | $30.47 | $30.47 | $30.52 |
| 3rd period (4,000 to 6,000 h) | 70% | $33.50 | $35.14 | $35.55 | $35.55 | $35.61 |
| 4th period (6,000 to 8,000 h) | 85% | $40.68 | $42.67 | $43.17 | $43.17 | $43.24 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $47.85 | $50.20 | $50.79 | $50.79 | $50.87 |
Apprentice rates calculated by SubmitX: CCQ scale percentage × journeyman rate, rounded to the cent. The employer pension contribution is lower for apprentices.
Employer cost of a plumber in IC
- Hourly rate (IC)
- $50.79
- Vacation and holidays (13% × $50.79)
- $6.60
- Pension plan (employer share)
- $5.21
- Insurance (employer share)
- $3.692
- 9% tax on insurance
- $0.33
- Hourly cost
- $66.62
$50.79 + $6.60 + $5.21 + $3.692 + $0.33 (9% tax) = $66.62 (rounded, same method as the calculator). Statutory contributions are extra: QPP (Quebec Pension Plan), employment insurance (EI), QPIP (Quebec Parental Insurance Plan), CNESST (workplace health and safety board) and HSF (Health Services Fund), plus the other CCQ contributions (training, compensation, levy). The 13% (6% vacation, 5.5% statutory holidays, 1.5% sick leave) is remitted to the CCQ, which pays it to the worker twice a year.
Example: annual estimate over 1,800 hours
- Wages (1,800 h × $50.79)
- $91,422
- Vacation and holidays (13%)
- $11,885
- Employer cost (1,800 h × $66.62)
- $119,916
Example only, in IC, without overtime, premiums or travel expenses. The number of hours actually worked varies by job site and season.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CCQ plumber earn in 2026?
Since April 26, 2026, a journeyman plumber earns $50.79/h in the institutional-commercial sector and $47.85/h in light residential. This rate does not include the 13% for vacation and holidays or benefits.
How much does an apprentice plumber earn?
The plumber apprenticeship has 4 periods of 2,000 hours. In IC, a 1st-period apprentice earns 50% of the journeyman rate, about $25.40/h, and a last-period apprentice 85%, about $43.17/h (calculated from the CCQ scale).
Does the CCQ rate for a plumber change by region?
No. CCQ rates are the same everywhere in Quebec for a given sector. Only isolated job sites, the James Bay region and projects north of the 55th parallel have separate schedules: in IC, $53.20/h for a plumber.
How much does a plumber cost the employer per hour?
In IC, expect about $66.62/h: $50.79 in wages, $6.60 in vacation and holidays (13%), $5.21 in pension plan and $3.692 in insurance. Statutory contributions (QPP, EI, QPIP, CNESST, HSF) are extra.
Other trades
- Electrician CCQ wage$50.79/h in IC
- Sheet metal worker CCQ wage$50.79/h in IC
- Tile setter CCQ wage$50.12/h in IC
- All trades2026 CCQ rate table
Source: official CCQ wage rate tool (ccq.org), consulted on October 1, 2026. The text of the collective agreements prevails.