If you enjoy rolling up your sleeves and diving into hands-on work, then undertaking a trade could be a fantastic opportunity. With trade jobs in high demand across Australia, there can be lucrative wages on offer, job security and high levels of job satisfaction. Jobs as a construction manager, electrician, or plumber can lead to high salaries, with numerous certificates available through TAFE (Technical and Further Education) to develop the necessary skills. Read on to find the highest-paid trades in Australia, with the skills and qualifications they require.

Tradie stacking bricks

What is a trade job?

A trade job is a skilled worker who specialises in a particular type of hands-on work. Instead of completing a traditional four-year university degree, trade workers typically gain their qualifications through trade schools, TAFE institutions, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. Unlike university jobs, which typically prioritise intellectual and desk-based work, trades work emphasises practical and physical labour.

Trade jobs are often found within industries such as construction, electrical, plumbing, and automotive services. Within these industries, tradesworkers, also known as tradies, play an important role by utilising their hands-on skills to build, repair, or maintain various systems.

You can begin learning a trade through a pre-apprenticeship in high school at age 16, before transitioning to a full apprenticeship once you hit 18 and leave school. There’s no upper age limit for learning a trade, as people regularly begin their training as mature-aged students.

Benefits of a trade job

Choosing a trade job comes with the following benefits that make it a great career choice:

  • Faster entry to the workforce - Because trade education emphasises immediate, practical skills for employment, you will typically have a faster entry into the workforce than university. Apprenticeships will usually take 3-4 years to complete, compared to many university degrees, which can take 4 years or longer.
  • Earn money while learning - As part of your trade education, you will learn by becoming an apprentice. A unique benefit of this approach is that you can be paid while you develop. This is unlike the majority of university internships, which are often unpaid or offer only a minor stipend. First-year apprentices can expect to earn around $500 to $700 per week, which can increase to $26 per hour or $52,000 annually for fourth-year apprentices.
  • Specialisation and advancement - The experience of becoming specialised in a specific field can be an exciting prospect. By choosing a trade job, you can unlock opportunities for career advancement as you become an expert in your chosen industry.
  • Highly sought after industries - Skilled trade workers are constantly in high demand across Australia. This demand has been largely driven by population growth, growing infrastructure projects and a need to replace retiring workers.
  • High earning potential - Because of the demand for skilled workers in various industries, tradies often earn competitive salaries. Many trade jobs offer an average wage that is equal to, or even higher than university graduates. As you develop skills and experience, you should expect to earn a comfortable salary with financial stability.
  • Job satisfaction - Because you work in a hands-on industry, skilled workers can see tangible results for their work every day. Whether it’s constructing a building, fixing an appliance or solving an electrical issue. These careers are often rated highly for job satisfaction. Young Australians who recently completed an apprenticeship have reported higher job satisfaction than those with postgraduate degrees.
  • Work-life balance - Unlike a traditional white-collar job, where your hours are typically restricted to between 9 am and 5 pm, trade jobs usually start earlier and finish earlier. This schedule can give you a greater work-life balance, leaving you the opportunity to pick up the kids from school, go to the gym, or undertake further learning.
  • Starting your own business - Once you have enough qualifications and experience, working in a trade allows you to develop your business. As your business grows, you may hire your employees and even take on an apprentice of your own. Furthermore, this also allows you to organise your time around your client's needs and your schedule.
  • Job security - Skilled workers in trade jobs are often essential services, and remain in demand even through periods of economic downturn. Their work allows our society to continue functioning, with greater job security going forward than white-collar jobs.

Electrician fixing circuit box

The 10 highest-paying trades in Australia

There are a number of high-paying trades in Australia that are sought after and in demand. Below we have constructed our list of the highest-paid trades, with a description of their work, average wage and the training pathway:

1. Construction manager - $160,000 - $180,000

A construction manager oversees and coordinates the building and construction of a project. Their job is to ensure it is completed within budget and on time. They are responsible for every aspect of the project, from planning, initiation, and all the way to completion. Their daily duties can include managing workers, delegating tasks, ensuring safety is maintained and coordinating subcontractors. Skills needed to be a construction manager include leadership capabilities, strong communication skills, technical construction knowledge and problem-solving.

Becoming a construction manager requires prior experience and training in the construction industry. You may choose to pursue these courses:

  • Certificate III in Carpentry (Apprenticeship) - This three-year apprenticeship provides you with the qualifications to become a carpenter, as a pathway for becoming a builder in the construction industry, with further study.
  • Certificate IV In Building And Construction (Building) - This certificate is designed for aspiring builders, supervisors, construction managers or foremen, and is designed to provide you with the essential skills of project planning and on-site supervision. This is a great opportunity for workers who have completed their Certificate III in Carpentry and are looking for formal managerial training.

2. Electrician - $150,000 - $170,000

An electrician is responsible for the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments. They are a vital part of ensuring both electrical safety and functionality. Electricians must develop a technical understanding of electrics, with skills in problem solving, troubleshooting and health and safety.

Becoming a fully-qualified plumber requires the completion of an apprenticeship at TAFE to ensure you have the necessary skills and experience.

3. Auto Electrician - $125,000 - $145,000

Auto-electricians deal with all of the electrical aspects in cars, trucks and other vehicles. They are trained specifically to install, diagnose and repair the electronic wiring and components that power our vehicles.

Becoming an auto electrician requires the completion of a TAFE automotive electrical apprenticeship.

  • Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (Apprenticeship) - A four-year apprenticeship for people passionate about working with electrical systems in the automotive industry, this certificate will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide range of automotive electrical systems and components.

4. Boilermaker - $115,000 - $135,000

Boilermakers assemble, test and repair heavy metal structures. They specialise in operating welding equipment and hand tools to repair or create metal fabrications, and often complete work in a manufacturing facility or on construction sites. Boilermakers can be found across a range of industries, from shipyards, railway companies and chemical plants.

If you wish to become a boilermaker, you’ll need to complete an engineering and fabrication apprenticeship to give you the skills and experience required.

5. HVAC Technician - $105,000 - $125,000

These are professionals who service heating and cooling systems. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, with HVAC technicians responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining these systems. These tradespeople are in demand across both residential and commercial buildings.

Becoming an HVAC technician typically requires the completion of an apprenticeship. This will provide you with the extensive knowledge and professional qualifications needed to service HVAC systems. An apprenticeship will usually take three years to complete and include a mix of theory and practical work.

6. Plumber - $90,000 - $120,000

Plumbers are tradespeople who specialise in the installation, repair and maintenance of commercial and residential water and piping. Plumbers are trained to deal with fixtures and pipes, sanitation units, sinks, toilets and health systems. One of the most in-demand jobs, successful plumbers will utilise skills in problem-solving, communication, and technical expertise.

To become a qualified plumber, you will need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship at TAFE.

  • Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) - This two-year course prepares you for a plumbing apprenticeship. Through a range of units based around plumbing terminology, tools, equipment and work safety, you will ensure you have the skills and knowledge to start working.
  • Certificate III in Plumbing (Apprenticeship) - This is an apprenticeship that will teach you the skills for becoming a fully-qualified plumber, and to be eligible to sit the Victorian Building Authority Plumbing Registration exam. You will be taught skills in welding, draining, roofing, water supply and more.

7. Roofers - $90,000 - $110,000

Roofers are a vital part of the construction process, who are responsible for covering buildings and homes with insulation and waterproofing. They also exhibit expertise in working with a variety of roofing materials, ensuring that our structures are protected from the elements.

If you are interested in becoming a roofer, you will need to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Importantly, you will also be required to undergo safety induction training, to get a Construction Induction Card (CIC), as well as complete a Work Safely at Heights course. Both of these qualifications can be completed at TAFE Gippsland under professional guidance.

8. Rigger - $80,000 - $100,000

A rigger is adept at moving heavy materials and equipment around sites, typically by using rigging gear such as pulleys, cranes and winches. They are crucial to a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing and shipping, with their ability to assemble temporary structures or move pre-cast facades for buildings.

If you are interested in becoming a rigger, we recommend the following short course offered at TAFE Gippsland.

  • Licence to perform rigging (Intermediate level) - This is a Victorian Government subsidised, accredited course that teaches skills in using mechanical rigging equipment, to give you added value in the construction industry. On completion of this course, you will also be qualified to apply for a WorkSafe Victoria license to perform high-risk work.

9. Earthmoving plant operators - $75,000 - $95,000

These professionals are responsible for using heavy machinery to move earth, rock and other natural materials. Earthmoving plant operators are skilled at operating excavators, bulldozers and graders to move these materials in both construction and mining operations. They are also responsible for maintaining and repairing their equipment, as well as preparing sites for excavation.

To become an earthmoving plant operator, you will be required to complete a certificate in civil construction plant operations.

  • Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations - This course prepares you for all the skills to work on civil construction sites as a certified plant operator. You will develop an understanding of your work, with the ability to shift soil, rock and other materials to create infrastructure for a range of civil construction projects.

10. Fitter and Turner - $75,000 - $95,000

Fitters and turners are highly skilled in constructing, manufacturing and assembling industrial tools and machine components. They typically work with metal components, utilising their knowledge of fitting and turning to create parts for a variety of industries. As a fitter, you will use technical drawings and hand tools to assemble these industrial tools and machinery.

Becoming a fitter and turner requires the completion of an apprenticeship from a TAFE institution.

People inspecting finished build

Factors that influence whether a trade is high-paying

Although working a trade job can be high-paying, the following factors will influence the amount of money you can earn:

  • Experience - As you gain experience, you develop a greater understanding of your trade, which should lead to higher salary expectations.
  • Skills and qualifications - Having the right trade qualifications makes you more valuable to employers and opens the door to higher-paying jobs. It can also extend to skills developed through your apprenticeship and on-the-job training.
  • Location - Your work location will impact how well you are paid. For instance, if you work in construction, cities will generally have higher salaries than regional areas, due to the concentration of larger building projects. However, regional areas with labour shortages may also command higher salaries.
  • Industry - You should expect different salaries for different industries. Generally, mining, energy and large-scale construction tend to pay higher wages.
  • Demand - Instances where there is significant demand for a particular trade, with a limited number of workers, usually lead to higher salaries.
  • Risk and physical labour - Jobs with higher physical difficulty and potential for injury can command higher wages. This can include working at heights or dealing with heavy machinery, with greater pay compensating for the increased risk.
  • Business ownership - Owning your own business can potentially lead to a higher salary. Although this comes with greater risks and financial management responsibilities, if your business is successful, you can generate higher earnings than a standard employee.

If you can’t envisage yourself working in an office, choosing a trade job presents a great opportunity. These careers can lead to lucrative earnings, with high demand facilitating strong job security. They also allow you to develop your skills and experience for specialisation in your chosen field.

TAFE apprenticeships, certificates and diplomas offer the pathway to jobs that pay well. For further information about the types of TAFE courses available and career opportunities, contact the team at  TAFE Gippsland.