What are the highest paying trades in Australia?

The latest Federal Government’s Skills Priority List shows there are currently shortages for almost all trades, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical and fitting and turning, which means the demand for tradies is not slowing down.

If you’re thinking of becoming an apprentice and learning a trade, one thing to consider is what the trade pays. According to Matthew Hick, CEO of MEGT, Australia’s largest Apprenticeship Network Provider, what influences tradie pay rates isn’t the type of trade as much as supply and demand. “The simple rule of supply and demand means employers will be in the market looking for lots of qualified tradespeople. That’s likely to impact wages,” he says. “The building industry alone needs 480,000 new tradies between now and the end of 2026 to meet demand.” 

The Federal Government’s National Housing Accord has also made a commitment to build more than a million new homes in the next five years. State governments are investing billions of dollars into major infrastructure projects over the coming years, too, including road and rail. “The opportunities for qualified tradespeople are almost limitless,” Matthew says.

While salaries vary according to qualifications and experience, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia from May 2023* provides a look at the average salary for some of the highest paying trades in Australia once you become qualified, to help you make the right choice. It's important to note, the salaries listed sit at the higher end of the average salary.

The trade: Fitter and turner

Average salary: $114,041.20

What is it: There are three main fitter specialisations: fitter and turner, mechanical fitter and a fitter machinist. While all three roles are similar and involve working with mechanical systems and machinery, they differ based on the range of machining tasks. All three demand highly skilled precision work.  

What you need to become a fitter and turner: 

• A certificate III in engineering (mechanical trade)
• A four-year apprenticeship
• Relevant state licences 
• Maths skills are essential, while good vision and hand-eye coordination help for the detailed work 

The trade: Electrician

Average salary: $100,864.40

What is it: A career as an electrician can take you anywhere from residential work through to emerging technologies like renewable energies (think wind turbine technician), avionics electricians (working on aircraft) and electrical designers (creating blueprints for electrical systems).

What you need to become an electrician: 

• A certificate III in electrotechnology (electrician or systems electrician)
• A four-year apprenticeship 
• Relevant state licences
• Maths is a must, as is being a critical thinker – problem-solving is a big part of the job

The trade: Plumber

Average salary: $98,430.80

What is it: Plumbing jobs can be anything from residential and commercial to industrial, and on your first day you can be doing anything from digging a trench to installing a water system.

What you need to become a plumber:

• A certificate III in plumbing
• A four-year apprenticeship
• Relevant state licences
• Problem-solving skills and an interest in mechanics and engineering will help 

The trade: Airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics

Average salary: $77,552.80

What is it: Airconditioning technicians are part of the heating, ventilation and airconditioning industry (HVAC), which is why you’ll see these jobs advertised as HVAC technicians. The work includes installation, maintenance and repair.

What you need to become an air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic:

• A certificate III or IV in refrigeration and airconditioning
• A three- or four-year apprenticeship
• Relevant state licences
• An interest in physics and the inner workings of mechanical equipment are a must, as is a good grasp of maths

The trade: Landscape gardener

Average salary: $74,947.69

What is it: This trade is for outdoor lovers. You’ll work on softscapes (plants) and hardscapes (pergolas, ponds, barbecue areas), so you’ll also get to experience bits of other trades, such as carpentry, bricklaying and tiling. Like most trades, it’s physically demanding work.

What you need to become a landscaper:

• Formal qualifications aren’t necessary for this trade, but you can improve your career prospects with a certificate III or IV in landscaping or horticulture 
• Experience in tiling, bricklaying, carpentry and general labouring are helpful

Other trades to consider

• Plasterer and renderer: $76,070.80

• Carpenter: $70,220.80

• Painter: $65,899.60

• Floor and wall tiler: $58,801.60

• Roof tiler: $54,444 

Disclaimer:  Salaries quoted here are estimates only, taken from average weekly total cash earnings as reported in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2023. True salaries will vary according to experience and other factors including demand; salary brackets may sit above or below these figures.

References

*Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2023 

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