Taxes for Plumbers in Canada (2026)
Plumbers — whether employed or self-employed contractors — earn solid wages across Canada. Knowing which CRA deductions apply to your trade can meaningfully increase your take-home pay.
Quick Tax Snapshot
Based on a typical plumbers salary of $78,000 in Ontario (2026).
Gross Salary $78,000
Federal Income Tax -$9,883
Ontario Tax & Health Premium -$5,022
CPP Contributions -$4,366
EI Premiums -$1,123
Estimated Take-Home (Annual) $57,606
Effective tax rate: 26.1% • Marginal federal rate: 20.5% • Marginal Ontario tax & levy rate: 9.2%
Gross Salary
$78,000
Typical median (CAD)
Take-Home Pay
$57,606
After all deductions (ON)
Effective Rate
26.1%
Combined tax rate
Monthly Take-Home
$4,801
Approximate monthly
Key Tax Deductions for Plumbers
- ✓ Tool costs (tradesperson tools deduction)
- ✓ Union dues (UA or provincial plumbing unions)
- ✓ Journeyman or master plumber licence renewal fees
- ✓ Apprenticeship training costs
- ✓ Safety footwear and PPE
- ✓ Vehicle expenses for self-employed contractors
Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber deduct pipe cutters and other tools?
Yes. The tradesperson tools deduction allows you to deduct new tool costs above a $1,471 threshold (2025), up to $1,000, with a T2200 from your employer. Self-employed plumbers can deduct all necessary tools as business expenses on T2125.
Do self-employed plumbers pay more tax?
Self-employed plumbers pay both the employee and employer CPP contributions (doubling the rate), but they can deduct all legitimate business expenses, which employees generally cannot. Net self-employment income is taxed at the same marginal rates as employment income.
Should a plumbing contractor incorporate?
If annual net business income is consistently above $75,000–$100,000, incorporation can provide tax deferral benefits via the small business deduction. Speak with a CPA to weigh the costs of incorporation against the tax savings.
Are union dues deductible for plumbers?
Yes. Dues paid to UA Local unions or other provincial plumbing trade unions are deductible on line 21200 of your T1 return.
Calculate Your Actual Tax
The snapshot above uses a typical salary. Use our Income Tax Calculator to enter your exact income, province, and tax year for a personalized breakdown.
Open Income Tax Calculator