The highest paying trades in Australia
If you enjoy hands-on, technical work that doesn’t require a university degree, a career in a trade could be right for you. Not only can you can save time and money on education, you can enjoy a relatively high salary and good job security.
With growing demand for skilled tradespeople, learning a trade is a career path that offers competitive incomes, stability and plenty of opportunities for career growth. In this article, we cover the highest-paying trades in Australia, what the roles are like, and which skills you’ll need to get started.
Why choose a trade?
Pursuing a trade career comes with a number of benefits, one being high earning potential compared to the outlay for education. Research from SEEK shows that some of the best-paying jobs in Australia in the trades, with salaries over $100,000 per year, are riggers, electricians and boilermakers.
Here are some of the main reasons people choose a trade.
No university education needed: trade apprenticeships mean you’re able to enter the workforce much quicker than if you followed a university pathway. Apprenticeships provide a combination of classroom instruction to learn theory and on-the-job paid practical experience, where you learn directly from a qualified trade professional.
A sense of accomplishment: working with your hands to create tangible results can offer a sense of job satisfaction and pride, making a trade job personally fulfilling.
Job security: trades are one of the most in-demand job sectors in Australia, offering plenty of options across the country. An increased need for infrastructure, a continued focus on mining, and ongoing development in urban centres is fuelling this demand.
Working in a trade vs. a ‘traditional’ job in Australia
If you’re weighing up a trade career versus a traditional office job, here are some of the biggest differences.
Academic focus: trades focus on practical skills; they’re jobs that require you to work with your hands, making or repairing things. Traditional office jobs often (but not always) require a university degree and more of an academic focus when you’re starting out.
Career options: both trades and traditional office roles offer diverse career options, but trades allow a quicker entry into the workforce, where you’ll be earning money while you learn. The range of career options depends on the field or industry.
Career mobility: trades provide clear pathways of progression, working from an apprentice up to a site manager or small business owner. Traditional corporate jobs may also have clear paths for progression, but it depends on the individual company. Opportunities to progress in a corporate environment might require more study and may not be as clear cut.
Salary range: many trades can offer competitive salaries that rival those of traditional office jobs, though a corporate career or a profession, like law or medicine, has the capacity to earn a higher income than a trade. You can start earning much earlier in your career in trades, but your salary will typically plateau sooner.
Working environment: trades involve physical work, often in outdoor environments, and sometimes in remote settings. Traditional jobs are usually office-based, and may be flexible enough to work from home. The predictability of office work can be both a pro and a con.
Investment of time: trade apprenticeships typically take three to four years, while university degrees take about the same time, but with higher upfront costs.
Pros and cons of a trade job
When deciding what career path is right for you, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons of each option. Here are some things to consider:
Trade job pros
Quicker entry into the workforce
Emphasis on practical skills
High demand across a range of roles
Hands-on and provides physical activity
Ability to be a contractor and work on a variety of different jobs in different places
Lower costs to become certified than professions requiring a uni degree
May be more fulfilling than working in an office job
Protected by unions
Trade job cons
Physical work increases the potential for injury
May involve outdoor work in challenging conditions
Salary plateaus sooner than in corporate careers
Can be repetitive work, if employed in a permanent position with an employer
'Macho' culture of construction, and lack of workplace wellbeing
Potentially long hours
Not as much career mobility as working in a corporate environment
What is the highest paying job in Australia for tradies?
If you’re wondering what’s the highest paying trade Australia has to offer, here is a general overview of top-earning trades.
Electrician
An electrician instals, maintains and repairs electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. Some of their responsibilities include installing switchboards, cables and wiring, and diagnosing and repairing electrical malfunctions.
Key skills you’ll need include technical knowledge related to the trade (learned through TAFE and apprenticeships), customer service, maths/numeracy, problem solving and critical thinking. Attention to detail is also important to ensure safety.
Electricians are in high demand in Australia due to increased investment in renewable energies and the growth of the construction industry.
Electrician national average salary range: $90,000 to $110,000 per year.
Boilermaker
A boilermaker uses welding and cutting equipment to build metal structures like boilers, blast furnaces, ships, trains and bridges. Unlike a welder, which is a similar position, a boilermaker is often responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance of these structures. They read blueprints, cast and bend metal, and weld or bolt pieces together.
To become a boilermaker, you usually need to complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship, and need skills like blueprint reading, the ability to comply with safety rules and regulations, metal fabrication, critical thinking and problem solving.
In Australia, the demand for boilermakers is strong due to their unique skill set and the growth of the construction industry.
Boilermaker national average salary range: $105,000 to $125,000 per year.
Rigger
A rigger uses cranes, winches, and pulleys to set up and move heavy equipment and machinery. They do things like assemble scaffolding and move/erect prefabricated glass steel or concrete panels on construction sites. They work in construction, shipbuilding, mining, and other industries where heavy lifting is needed.
To be a rigger you’ll need skills like good hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and knowledge of safety procedures. You’ll also need critical-thinking skills, the ability to communicate clearly, and interpersonal skills for working with different teams.
Qualified riggers are in high demand throughout Australia, particularly in the mining and construction industries.
Rigger national average salary range: $95,000 to $115,000 per year.
Welder
Welders choose materials, arrange them correctly, then use various welding techniques to join metal parts together. They work with metals like steel, aluminium, and stainless steel. Welders also fix structural repairs and are responsible for maintaining specialised equipment. To do this job you’ll need attention to detail, physical strength, good hand-eye coordination, and the relevant technical knowledge.
The welding industry in Australia is experiencing growth, which means that the demand for skilled welders is rising.
Welder national average salary range: $75,000 to $85,000 per year.
Carpenter
A carpenter works with wood and other similar materials to build and repair structures like houses, furniture, and frameworks. They work across both residential and commercial projects, on construction sites and in private properties. To become a carpenter, you need skills in measuring, cutting and assembling materials, as well as good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
Demand for carpenters is strong due to growth in construction and a shortage of skilled and experienced carpenters. Carpenters can increase their earning potential by expanding their skill set and services into niches like kitchen remodelling and furniture making, or launching their own small business.
Carpenter national average salary range: starts from $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair fixtures and pipes that carry water, gas, sewerage and other fluids. They work in commercial and residential settings, and also maintain plumbing fixtures like baths, toilets and appliances like dishwashers and heating systems.
To be a plumber you’ll need skills in customer service, problem solving and maths. You’ll also need technical skills that ensure you install piping and fixtures correctly.
The growing population and ongoing construction projects in Australia mean that there is high demand for plumbing services. Commercial plumbers and sewer and drain technicians tend to earn higher salaries.
Plumber national average salary range: $75,000 to $95,000 per year.
Construction manager
A construction manager oversees all operations on a building project from start to finish, ensuring the build is completed on time and within budget. They work client-side, meaning they are employed by a development company, and coordinate with external construction workers, architects, and suppliers. They are also responsible for arranging licences and permits, cost management, interpreting architectural designs, performance management of trade contractors, and conducting site visits.
Key skills needed to be a construction manager include leadership, problem solving, time management, and the ability to read blueprints. Construction managers usually have a degree in construction, experience in project management in a related field, and extensive experience in the construction industry.
The construction industry in Australia is thriving due to ongoing infrastructure projects, making construction manager a highly sought-after role.
Construction manager national average salary range: $175,000 to $195,000 per year.
Site manager
Unlike a construction manager, a site manager is not employed by the client, but instead works for the jobsite contractor (e.g. a construction company). They supervise staff and activities onsite, ensuring the project meets the contract requirements. They handle project planning, manage resources, check work quality, liaise with consultants (e.g. construction manager), ensure safety, and get permits and licences.
Key skills needed for this role include leadership, problem solving, communication, and time management. They often have a team working for them, including a foreman, site engineers and planners, so strong teamwork skills are a must.
The booming construction industry in Australia means that site managers are highly sought after.
Site manager national average salary range: $140,000 to $160,000 per year.
Miners
A miner extracts resources from the ground, like coal, alumninium ore and iron ore. Operating heavy machinery, they drill, blast and dig to remove rock and earth from mineral deposits, extract the mineral in its raw form, then load and transport the ore for processing. They often work in rural and remote locations, sometimes living a fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) lifestyle.
Skills needed depend on the particular role, but often includes operating specialised machinery to strict safety protocols. Miners need strong critical thinking and communication skills, and the ability to work in a team.
The mining industry in Australia is one of the country’s largest economic sectors and continues to offer job security and high earning potential for workers.
Miner national average salary range: $125,000 to $145,000 per year.
Jeweller
Jewellers design and make rings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets and more from a variety of materials, most commonly gold, silver and platinum, set with gemstones. Jewellers use specialised tools to mould, cut, solder and file raw materials, and also repair and restyle jewellery.
There are a variety of different certifications for jewellery making, including some that don’t require an apprenticeship. Soft skills needed include creativity, attention to detail and dexterity, alongside knowledge of fashion industry trends. The highest-paid jewellers work for themselves, making custom pieces for private clients.
Jeweller national average salary range: bench jeweller positions range from $75,000 to $90,000 per year.
How to find your perfect trade
When choosing a career path, consider your passions and natural abilities, as well as your long-term personal and professional goals. Below are some tips to help you identify the right trade for you.
Consider your interests and skills
When considering your career, think about what you enjoy doing and any interests you have. Do you want to work outdoors? Could you work remotely? You should also consider your current skills and ones you are interested in developing. Identifying what excites you and what your strengths are can guide you towards a trade you find enjoyable.
Research different trades
When weighing up your options, research the different trades you’re most interested in and what each job entails. Look into the job requirements, earning potential, and what the day-to-day tasks of each involves. Do they match with your interests and strengths? Do any of them particularly stand out to you? Narrow your selection down, then focus on the top trades you’re interested in.
Talk to people in the trade
Connect with professionals in your top selected trades to gain insights into the day-to-day work experience and their career path. Ask them questions about their experiences, what they enjoy most about their trade, and what they consider drawbacks. This will give you insight into what it’s really like to work in that role and about realistic opportunities in their industry.
Go for trade apprenticeships
Trade apprenticeships are structured programs that combine classroom learning with on-the-job training under the guidance of a qualified tradesperson. It’s a hands-on approach that allows you to get paid while you learn practical skills on the worksite. They also give you first-hand experience working in the trade, shedding insight into what a long-term career would look like.
Attend vocational education and training courses
Once you’ve chosen your path, it’s time to turn your attention to training. Vocational education and training courses provide the technical skills and knowledge required for most trades. These courses can help you gain the qualifications needed to start working in your chosen trade. They can also be a great way to network with other apprentices and meet potential mentors in the field.
A career in trades can offer a competitive salary, job security, and plenty of opportunities for promotions. Whether you’re interested in local contruction work or remote mining opportunities, the trades in Australia provide a wide range of high-paying career options to explore. Consider your interests and skills, research different trades that spark your interest, and talk to experienced tradespeople to find the right trade for you.
FAQs
Is a trade career a good alternative to a traditional university degree path in Australia?
Yes, a trade career can be a good alternative to getting a university degree. Trades offer competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for career growth without the need to do a four-year degree. With trade apprenticeships you can earn money while you learn on the job. Whether a trade career or a university degree path suits you depends on your interests and skills.
What are the biggest advantages of working in a trade compared to a traditional office job?
Some of the advantages of trade work compared to an office job are:
Working outdoors
Competitive pay
Hands-on, physical work
Can become an independent contractor
No university degree required
Can start earning quickly
Strong trade unions
Are there any downsides to consider when pursuing a trade career in Australia?
A trade career offers a range of benefits, but there are also drawbacks to consider:
Physically demanding
May involve long commutes or remote locations
Long shifts
Inconsistency of work for contractors
Potential work in extreme environments or temperatures
Higher safety risks
Salary plateau
What are some of the highest-paying trades in Australia right now?
Some of the highest paying trades in Victoria are:
Project or construction manager
Electrician
Miner
Site manager
Boilermaker
Carpenter
Plumber
What kind of learning environments do trade apprenticeships typically offer?
Trade apprenticeships offer hands-on learning that is a combination of classroom lessons and on-the-job training. Working under the guidance of a qualified trade professional you’ll gain practical skills and knowledge while you work.
How long does it usually take to complete a trade apprenticeship compared to a university degree?
Generally a bachelor’s degree and a trade apprenticeship both take around three to four years to complete. The advantage of a trade apprenticeship is that you earn an income while you’re still learning. You’ll be paid an apprenticeship wage while you learn on the job under the guidance of a trade professional.
Do trade careers offer the same level of career advancement opportunities as traditional jobs?
Yes, trade careers offer a similar amount of opportunities for career advancement as non-trade jobs. Just like office workers, tradespeople can progress to management roles, start their own business, or specialise in a particular area of their trade to increase their earning potential.
What are some of the benefits of pursuing a traditional job path after university in Australia?
The benefits of pursuing a traditional office job path after university in Australia include:
More opportunities for career advancement
More career mobility
Indoor office work that is not physically demanding
Higher earning potential
Traditional corporate jobs also often provide benefits such as professional development opportunities, office perks, and a more inclusive and supportive work culture, depending on the individual company.
Source: SEEK, based on average annual full time and annualised hourly salaries (excluding contract roles) from jobs listed on SEEK in the last three months. Last updated August 2024.
