Hire Licensed Plumbers Across Eastern Ontario
Plumbing labour is one of the steadiest constraints on multi-residential and commercial construction in Ottawa. From 306A licensed journeymen running rough-in crews to apprentices on residential subdivisions, Weld Talent recruits plumbers for mechanical contractors and general contractors across Eastern Ontario — with ticket verification and safety compliance built in.
What construction plumbers do
Construction plumbers install, alter, repair, and maintain piping systems for water supply, drainage, venting, natural gas, and medical gas on residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. In the Ottawa market that means everything from PEX rough-in on multi-residential, to copper and ProPress on commercial fit-outs, to grooved mechanical and stainless on hospital and lab work. Ontario's 306A Plumber licence is the baseline for journeyman-level work, and many roles also require G2 gas, backflow prevention, and medical gas certifications on top.
Salary ranges in Eastern Ontario
Plumbing apprentices (Levels 1–2) earn $20–$26/hr, scaling to $28–$36/hr by Levels 3–4 with strong production. 306A licensed plumbers in Ottawa run $36–$48/hr, with dual-ticketed (306A + G2) candidates closer to the top of band. Service plumbers with strong diagnostic skills can clear $50/hr on after-hours work. Foremen on larger commercial mechanical projects regularly earn $55–$68/hr. UA Local 71 signatory contractors typically pay at or above these ranges with full benefits and pension.
Current demand and market conditions
Mechanical contractors across the region are running thin on licensed plumbers, with most shops carrying open requisitions year-round. Multi-residential starts in Ottawa, Kanata, and Orleans, plus ongoing commercial fit-out work, mean ticketed candidates rarely sit on the market more than a week. Apprentices are slightly easier to source, but contractors building long-term crews compete hard for Level 3–4 candidates who are close to their ticket.
Common hiring challenges
Most contractors we work with describe the same pattern: a lot of resumes, very few licensed candidates, and the licensed ones often want a counter-offer from their current employer before they'll move. Verifying 306A status, G2 currency, and recent project scope eats hours that field PMs don't have. Weld Talent runs that verification up front, presents only candidates who match your scope, and manages the offer-and-resignation conversation so good hires don't get pulled back at the last minute.
How Weld Talent hires plumbers
Intake covers role scope, ticket requirements, work type (rough-in vs. service vs. industrial), shift pattern, and union or merit. We source from our active plumber network across Ottawa, Kingston, and Cornwall. Every shortlisted candidate has been verified for 306A status, current safety tickets, and references — typically with a 3–5 person shortlist in 72 hours. We coordinate interviews, support the offer, and back every placement with a 30-day replacement guarantee. Contingency-based pricing.
Common questions from employers
Yes. Every shortlisted plumber has had their Skilled Trades Ontario licence and any G2 / medical gas / backflow tickets verified before presentation.
Yes. We regularly build crews of 3–8 plumbers for project ramps and run parallel shortlists to keep timelines tight.
Yes. We work with UA Local 71 signatories and merit mechanical contractors, and we screen candidates for the right cultural fit on either side.
Most close to a shortlist inside 72 hours. Dual-ticketed (306A + G2) service plumbers sometimes take a week or more in the current market.
Contingency only. You pay a percentage of first-year compensation when the candidate starts. 30-day replacement guarantee.
Need a licensed plumber on site?
Send us the scope. We'll verify tickets and have qualified plumbers ready to interview inside three business days.