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Australian trade jobs can pay up to four times more than the average salary. The typical Aussie earns $72,327 per year, but construction managers rake in between $190,000 and $210,000 annually.
Australia's construction industry is thriving right now. It has 1.32 million people on the job and expects 5.8% growth through 2026. On top of that, one in ten tradies earn over $200,000 yearly, particularly those who run their own businesses.
Looking to switch careers or move to Australia? This piece walks you through the 15 best-paying trade jobs to think about in 2025. You'll discover each role's salary range, required qualifications, and growth opportunities that will help shape your career decisions.
Australian construction managers rank among the highest-paid trade professionals. They earn between $190,000 to $210,000 yearly, and some regions pay even better. Places like Port Hedland and Karratha top the list with average salaries hitting $309,618.
Construction managers take charge of building projects from start to finish. Their main duties include:
Success in this field needs a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or similar fields. Most jobs need four years of education and 5-10 years of hands-on experience. Getting certifications like the Diploma of Building and Construction Management (CPC50320) helps you move up in your career.
Construction management offers great opportunities to grow, especially when you have engineering and mining projects where salaries can reach $310,409 and $283,558 respectively. Many professionals start with managing single projects and work their way up to executive roles where they lead multiple teams and sectors. Experienced managers in Sydney and Melbourne can earn $244,638 or more each year.
Construction site managers in Australia earn between $140,000 to $160,000 per year. Top performers on the Gold Coast can make up to $273,424.
Site managers oversee construction projects from start to finish. Their daily tasks include:
A White Card certification is needed to start working on construction sites. The role typically requires one of these qualifications:
Site managers have several paths to advance their careers. Many experienced professionals move into contract manager or project consultant roles. Entry-level positions start at $191,123. Professionals in mining and energy sectors can earn up to $234,547.
Sydney-based site managers can earn $253,252, showing strong prospects in metropolitan areas. Many professionals choose to specialize in estimating, health and safety, or building inspection roles.
Mining specialists combine technical expertise with project management skills to oversee complex mining operations. These professionals earn between $125,000 to $145,000 annually, with salaries reaching $275,218 in specialized roles.
Mining specialists lead technical assessments and evaluate mineral, coal, and petroleum operations. Their key duties involve:
Mining specialists need extensive qualifications to excel in their roles. The position demands:
FIFO specialists receive excellent perks and benefits. The lifestyle offers:
Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and modern amenities make up the accommodation package. Companies support their teams through:
FIFO workers earn above-average salaries along with travel allowances and extended leave. Companies focus on work-life balance by offering flexible rosters that usually follow two weeks on, one week off patterns.
Australian boilermakers in the industrial sector earn impressive salaries. Their annual income ranges from $105,000 to $125,000, while FIFO positions pay up to $114.67 per hour. Boilermakers based in Perth currently earn between $76.45 to $84.09 per hour.
Successful boilermakers blend technical expertise with physical capabilities. Their skill set includes:
Becoming a qualified boilermaker requires a Certificate III or IV in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) with a three to four-year apprenticeship. Candidates must be 18 years old with a high school certificate. The final step involves getting a general construction induction card and high-risk work license.
The Australian Government expects about 47,000 job openings in the next five years. Western Australia's mining sector stands out with FIFO positions that offer great benefits like accommodation, meals, and transportation. Metal fabrication plays a vital role in infrastructure and defense sectors. Boilermakers work in shipbuilding, power generation, petrochemical processing, and construction industries.
Australian fire protection technicians earn between $95,000 to $115,000 yearly. Sydney's experienced professionals can make up to $168,188.
We focused on installing and maintaining life-saving systems. These professionals' key responsibilities include:
Many specialists work with detection systems, automatic sprinklers, or passive fire protection elements. The first-line active defense systems need regular checks to stay operational.
The certification rules changed a lot in 2021, adding new skill requirements. Fire protection specialists need these specific licenses:
The fire protection services sector keeps growing steadily with 2,721 registered businesses in 2024. The market shows strong growth potential because of:
The industry boasts a 90% apprenticeship completion rate. Qualified professionals can count on steady maintenance and repair work that leads to stable career opportunities.
Australian riggers play a vital role in construction and mining sectors. These professionals earn between $95,000 to $115,000 yearly, and experienced riggers in Henderson can make up to $93.30 per hour.
Riggers need top-notch technical expertise to handle complex lifting operations. The key skills needed are:
Riggers work in a variety of environments from construction sites to mining operations. They move heavy materials with specialized equipment like pulleys, winches, and cables.
Rigging is high-risk work that needs detailed certifications. The path to certification has these steps:
A Certificate III in Rigging (CPC30720) gives you the core skills in rigging techniques, safety protocols, and equipment operation. Riggers need several licenses, starting with the Construction Induction Card (White Card). Key certifications include Working at Heights, Confined Spaces Entry, and High-Risk Work licenses.
Rigging careers offer great opportunities to move up. New riggers start with simple rigging work and progress through intermediate to advanced levels. Experienced professionals can focus on specialized areas like dockside rigging, scaffolding, or steel fixing.
Your salary grows with your expertise, and metropolitan areas pay well. Sydney riggers earn about $72.20 per hour, while Perth professionals make $74.61 per hour. FIFO positions in remote locations come with extra perks like accommodation and meal allowances.
Licensed electrical contractors in Australia earn between $90,000 to $110,000 each year. They can boost their income by owning a business or specializing in specific areas.
Electrical contractors must ensure their work meets safety standards and regulations. Their key duties include giving customers certificates of testing and safety, keeping detailed records for 5 years, and overseeing electrical installation work. They manage projects and test all equipment to verify electrical safety and compliance with wiring rules.
You need to meet specific criteria to get an electrical contractor license:
License requirements differ by state, but all jurisdictions require complete insurance coverage. You must tell authorities within 10 business days about any changes in your business circumstances or supervision arrangements.
The electrical contracting sector provides growth paths through business structures of all types. Contractors can pick between:
Growth opportunities exist in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors without doubt. Contractors can focus on specific areas like renewable energy installations or smart home systems. This field lets you choose between working independently or building a larger enterprise.
HVAC specialists in Australia can earn between $85,000 to $105,000 annually. Top performers in Darwin make up to $175.83 per hour, while specialists in Brisbane earn $119.81 per hour.
Successful HVAC specialists need to become skilled at several core competencies:
HVAC specialists must complete the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. The profession requires specific licenses, including the Restricted Electrical License and Full Refrigeration Handling License. The industry's apprenticeship programs show high completion rates despite the complete training requirements.
Australia's HVAC market value stands at $3.25 billion in 2023 and will likely reach $6.05 billion by 2030. Construction trends and urbanization stimulate growth, with the sector handling projects worth over $162 billion each year. Smart systems and IoT technology integration creates exciting opportunities for specialists. Regional markets show varying growth rates, with Queensland expected to grow at 19.4% CAGR through 2032.
Security systems technicians in Australia's private security sector earn between $85,000 to $100,000 annually, with the industry employing over 180,000 people. Experienced professionals in Sydney can earn up to $156,721.
Security systems technicians excel at installing and maintaining advanced security equipment. Their main responsibilities cover:
Security work requires technical expertise, so professionals must complete the Certificate III in Technical Security. Technicians also need these essential credentials:
The Australian security systems market shows reliable expansion potential with a current value of $3.52 billion in 2023. Future projections look promising:
The industry's progress centers on integrated security solutions and smart systems that use AI and IoT technologies. This sector continues to grow steadily because of the rising need for advanced cybersecurity solutions and increased awareness of security threats in commercial sectors.
Industrial plumbers play a crucial role in Australia's manufacturing and processing sectors. These professionals earn average annual salaries of $175,515, while experienced plumbers can make up to $190,041 in Sydney.
Manufacturing facilities need industrial plumbers who work on complex systems. Their specialized areas include:
Industrial plumbers need extensive training and licensing. The certification path demands completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship with two years of industry experience. Unlike residential plumbing, these specialists need extra certifications for specialized tasks, especially in backflow prevention and gas appliance servicing.
Working without proper licensing can lead to fines of $33,637 if you have violations. Industrial specialists must maintain public liability insurance and submit regular compliance certificates, unlike those with simple plumbing licenses.
The plumbing sector expects 50,000 job openings within five years. Metropolitan areas offer higher wages to industrial plumbers. Melbourne pays $136,691 while Brisbane offers $160,543 annually. Construction industry has 1,057 openings, and government and defense sectors provide 313 positions.
Specialized areas like hydraulic services design and gasfitting offer advancement opportunities. The profession boasts a 92.5% full-time employment rate, and professionals work 40.9 hours weekly on average.
Commercial carpentry is the life-blood of Australia's construction industry. Professionals in this field earn between $75,000 to $90,000 annually, while experienced carpenters in Queensland can make up to $173,139. The commercial and industrial building construction sector maintains a reliable 14.9% compound annual growth rate.
Commercial carpenters need specialized expertise that goes beyond residential construction. Their key skills include:
Commercial carpenters must complete Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220). This qualification blends hands-on training with theoretical knowledge. Professionals also need to get the Construction Induction Card and keep their safety certifications current.
The commercial construction sector shows strong growth potential. Revenue should reach AUD 97.40 billion through 2024-25. The boom in online retail has stimulated warehouse construction, creating a higher need for skilled carpenters. The industry faces major labor shortages, with 20% of commercial construction workers feeling overwhelmed by their workloads.
The sector's growth centers on industrial property development near transport links. Commercial carpenters can find great opportunities in office construction, retail spaces, and distribution centers. The market size grew by 3.6% in 2024, which shows steady growth in the need for skilled professionals.
Welding professionals with specialized certifications earn between $75,000 to $90,000 annually, and experienced welders can command up to $153,775. The field provides numerous opportunities in Australia's industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Specialized welders excel in advanced techniques and materials. The most popular specializations include:
Welders must complete a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade to begin their career. The Australian Welding Institute (AWI) certification scheme requires candidates to have either a Certificate III in Engineering or status as an indentured tradesperson. Candidates need to complete 40 hours of practical training and show two years of welding experience.
The welding industry continues to grow significantly, and employment figures are higher than previous estimates. Specialized welders can find excellent opportunities in infrastructure development and resource extraction. The sector expects a 10% salary increase in the next five years, while underwater and high-risk environment specialists earn premium rates. Women's participation has increased in the last four years, which demonstrates the industry's dedication to diversity. The field maintains strong ties with Australia's industrial and manufacturing sectors and creates new employment opportunities consistently.
Industrial mechanics in Australia's manufacturing sector earn between $70,000 to $85,000 annually. These skilled professionals can make up to $167,026 in Perth, while Melbourne mechanics earn around $134,080.
Industrial mechanics keep manufacturing equipment running smoothly through regular maintenance and repairs. Their main responsibilities cover:
A formal education starts your journey as an industrial mechanic. You need one of these qualifications:
Apprenticeships are a great way to get hands-on experience while working with experienced mechanics. Getting a Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM) certification can improve your career prospects.
The job market for industrial mechanics shows strong potential with 13% growth expected from 2022 to 2032. About 49,100 job openings appear each year. Mining sector jobs pay premium salaries up to $191,038. Experienced mechanics can advance to specialized roles or supervisory positions. Many find opportunities in facilities maintenance and strategic planning.
Telecommunications technicians build and maintain Australia's digital infrastructure. Their annual salaries range from $114,674 to $145,254. Darwin offers the highest pay at $231,836 per year, making it one of Australia's best-paying trade jobs.
Telecommunications technicians evaluate installation needs and implement complex systems. Here's what they do:
The field requires completion of Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology. This program combines 6 core units with 10 elective units. Technicians can specialize in:
The telecommunications sector is set to reach AUD 45 billion in revenue by 2031. 5G and 6G technology will dominate the market, with these subscribers making up 90% of all mobile users by 2030. The industry continues to grow steadily at 1.6% annually through 2031. Digital transformation and advanced connectivity solutions are revolutionizing the sector, which creates new opportunities for skilled technicians.
Australia's elevator industry shows impressive growth, with market size hitting 4.9 thousand units in 2023. Sydney's elevator technicians earn up to $168,273 per year, while their Canberra counterparts make $185,342.
Elevator technicians need several technical skills to succeed in the field:
Elevator technicians must finish specialized training and get multiple certifications. The job requires proper registration or licensing. Professionals should excel at:
The elevator market will expand to 6.7 thousand units by 2029. The sector grows stronger through:
Sustainability leads the industry's direction, backed by the government's $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund. Smart maintenance tools help technicians plan repairs ahead of time and reduce system failures.
Australian trade jobs can make you excellent money. Construction managers in Port Hedland earn up to $309,618 a year. These high-paying trade positions don't require university degrees - you just need specific certifications and real-world experience through apprenticeships.
Construction and mining sectors lead the way in job opportunities. The outlook shows substantial growth through 2026. FIFO positions for site managers, mining specialists, and boilermakers come with detailed benefits packages and competitive base salaries.
Trade professionals earn well above industry averages when they get multiple certifications in high-demand areas like fire protection, industrial plumbing, or telecommunications. On top of that, qualified professionals can start their own businesses, especially when you have electrical contracting experience where 62% work as successful sole traders.
The trade job market in Australia shows strong growth signs. Projects worth over $162 billion in construction, expanding mining operations, and infrastructure development create steady work for skilled tradies. Your trade career could connect with new technologies - HVAC systems now integrate with IoT, and security systems use AI.
Trade careers are stable and well-paying with clear paths to move up. Australia's resilient trade job market rewards skilled professionals with competitive salaries and lasting career stability, whether you're starting an apprenticeship or switching between trades.
To find the best trade jobs in Australia, consider partnering with a reputable blue-collar recruitment agency. These agencies specialize in connecting skilled tradespeople with exciting opportunities across various industries. They can provide valuable guidance on career paths, help you build your resume, and assist with the job application process.
Leveraging the expertise of a blue-collar recruitment agency, you can increase your chances of landing a high-paying trade job and building a successful career in Australia.
