Highest paying trades in Australia

Key Takeaways 

• Many of the highest paying trades in Australia offer average salaries from $80k up to $120k+, with some senior or specialised roles exceeding this range. 
• Top-earning trade jobs such as tradesperson typically earn around $100k-$120k,
  while plumbers and roof plumbers often sit around $85k–$100k. 
• Carpenters and mechanics both average between $80k and $95k, and trade assistants commonly earn $65k-$85k. 
• Trade salaries vary significantly by location. For example, the average tradesperson's pay is roughly $137.5k in Brisbane and $130k in Sydney, compared with around $83.3k in Perth. 

Trade jobs remain one industry that offers reliable and well-paid careers in Australia, especially if you have specialised skills, licences, or experience in high-demand sectors. If you’re considering a hands-on career, a common question you may have is what trade makes the most money and whether the earning potential justifies
the training and physical demands. 

This guide breaks down the highest paying trades in Australia, using up-to-date salary data from SEEK. You’ll see how different trade roles compare, what the average pay looks like, and which jobs tend to command higher salaries. Whether you’re choosing a trade, changing direction, or benchmarking your current income, here’s a clear overview of where trade careers can lead financially. 

• Highest paying trade jobs in Australia 
• How much do traders earn in Australia? 
• Highest paid trade in Australia 
• Explore more traders insight in Australia 

Highest paying trade jobs in Australia 

The table below summarises the top-paying roles within architecture and its related design fields, using SEEK’s most recent salary insights. 

 
How much do traders earn in Australia? 

Across the country, the average annual salary for tradesperson jobs in Australia typically ranges from $100k to $120k. This places trade work well above many other hands-on professions and makes it a strong long-term career option. 

When comparing the average tradie salary Australia-wide, pay is influenced by factors such as: 

• Level of certification or licensing 
• Industry demand and labour shortages 
• Shift work, overtime, and on-call availability 
• Metro versus regional job locations 

Trader salaries by location 

Pay can vary significantly depending on where you work. Here’s what the current SEEK data states: 

• Brisbane: $137.5k 
• Sydney: $130k 
• Gold Coast: $122.5k 
• Melbourne: $119.9k 
• Perth: $83.3k 

State-level data shows similar trends, with New South Wales and Queensland offering higher average salaries compared to Western Australia, where demand and project volumes differ. 

Highest paid trade in Australia 

Below are some of the top-paying trade roles and what drives their salaries. 

Carpenters salary 

Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood
and other materials across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Their work ranges from framing and fit-outs to maintenance and specialised construction tasks. 

• Average salary: AUD $80k-$95k per year 

Earnings increase for experienced carpenters working on commercial builds, maintenance contracts, or specialised construction projects where technical skill, reliability, and project scale drive higher pay. 

Mechanics salary 

Mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery, diagnosing mechanical and electronic faults to ensure safety and performance. They work across automotive workshops, fleet services, and industrial environments. 

• Average salary: AUD $80k-$95k per year 

Higher earnings are common for mechanics with advanced diagnostic expertise, experience in modern vehicle systems, or specialisation in motor or heavy vehicle repairs. 

Plumbers salary 

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water, drainage, gas, and roofing systems across
residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Their work often
involves compliance-heavy and safety-critical responsibilities. 

• Average salary: AUD $85k–$100k per year 

Pay increases for licensed plumbers handling emergency work, roof plumbing,
or complex commercial systems where demand, risk, and regulatory
requirements justify higher compensation. 

Trades assistant salary 

Trade assistants support qualified tradespeople by preparing materials, maintaining tools, and assisting with installation or repair tasks on job sites. This role is often an entry point into skilled trade careers. 

• Average salary: AUD $65k–$85k per year 

Earnings grow with experience and responsibility, particularly for assistants
who progress into apprenticeships or develop skills aligned with
higher-paying trade specialisations. 

Explore more trader salary insights in Australia 

Even if it can be a challenging role physically, trade careers offer strong income potential, practical skills, and long-term job security across Australia. You can be assured that these roles will always be in demand. However, salaries vary by role, experience, and location, making it important to stay informed and compare your options regularly. 

If you’d like to learn more, you can explore more careers to discover further insights, compare how your current role measures up, and uncover potential trade and career pathways across Australia. 

Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for
job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.