Trade Salaries Australia:
Complete 2025 Salary Guide for Tradies
The Australian trades industry continues to offer some of the most lucrative career opportunities in the country, with skilled tradespersons earning significantly above the national average. Whether you’re considering a career in the trades or looking to understand your earning potential, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what Australian tradies earn in 2025.
Australian Trade Salary Overview
The average Australian worker earns approximately $72,327 per year, but tradespersons consistently outperform this benchmark. According to the latest industry data, the average tradesperson in Australia earns between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, with many skilled professionals earning well into six figures.
Perhaps most impressively, one in ten tradies earn over $200,000 per year, particularly those who run their own businesses or work in specialized sectors like mining and construction management.
Factors That Influence Trade Salaries
Understanding what drives trade salaries in Australia is essential for maximizing your earning potential. Several key factors determine how much you can earn:
Experience and Qualifications
Entry-level tradespersons typically start at $50,000-$65,000 annually, while experienced professionals with advanced certifications can command $100,000-$150,000 or more. Specialized qualifications, such as advanced diplomas or industry-specific certifications, can significantly boost your earning capacity.
Location and Work Arrangement
Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining trade salaries. Metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne generally offer higher base salaries. At the same time, remote and FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) positions in mining regions can provide exceptional compensation packages that include accommodation, meals, and travel allowances.
Industry Sector
The industry you work in dramatically affects your salary potential. Mining, oil and gas, and large-scale construction projects typically pay premium rates, while residential and small commercial work tends to offer more modest compensation.
Business Ownership
Self-employed tradies and business owners have the highest earning potential. While they face additional responsibilities and overhead costs, successful trade business owners can charge premium rates and scale their operations to generate substantial income.
Top 15 Highest Paying Trades in Australia (2025)
Let’s examine the specific salary ranges for Australia’s highest-paying trade positions:
- Construction Manager
Salary Range: $190,000 – $210,000 per year
Construction managers represent the pinnacle of trade career progression. These professionals oversee entire building projects from conception to completion, managing budgets, timelines, workers, and compliance with building codes.
Top Earners: In resource-rich regions like Port Hedland and Karratha, construction managers can earn up to $309,618 annually. Sydney and Melbourne-based managers typically earn $244,638 or more.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering, plus 5-10 years of hands-on experience.
- Site Manager
Salary Range: $140,000 – $160,000 per year
Site managers supervise day-to-day construction operations, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget while maintaining safety standards.
Top Earners: Gold Coast site managers can earn up to $273,424, while Sydney professionals average $253,252.
Requirements: Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management) or Diploma of Building and Construction, plus relevant experience.
- Mining Specialist
Salary Range: $125,000 – $145,000 per year
Mining specialists combine technical expertise with project management to oversee complex mining operations, including resource estimation and feasibility studies.
Top Earners: Specialized roles can reach $275,218 annually, particularly in FIFO positions.
Requirements: Tertiary degree in mining engineering, professional certification as a Chartered Engineer, and at least 5 years of mining operations experience.
- Boilermaker
Salary Range: $105,000 – $125,000 per year
Boilermakers fabricate, assemble, and repair large metal structures and pressure vessels used in power generation, mining, and manufacturing.
Top Earners: FIFO boilermakers can earn up to $114.67 per hour ($238,000+ annually), while Perth-based professionals earn $76.45-$84.09 per hour.
Requirements: Certificate III or IV in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) with a 3-4 year apprenticeship.
- Fire Protection Technician
Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 per year
These specialists install, maintain, and service fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems in commercial and industrial buildings.
Top Earners: Experienced Sydney professionals can earn up to $168,188 annually.
Requirements: Specialized certifications in water-based fire systems, passive fire protection, and electrical fire alarm systems.
- Rigger
Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 per year
Riggers specialize in moving heavy materials and equipment using specialized rigging equipment, cranes, and lifting systems.
Top Earners: Henderson-based riggers can earn up to $93.30 per hour, while Sydney riggers average $72.20 per hour.
Requirements: Certificate III in Rigging (CPC30720), White Card, Working at Heights certification, and High-Risk Work licenses.
- Electrical Contractor
Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 per year
Licensed electrical contractors run their own businesses, overseeing electrical installation projects and employing other electricians.
Top Earners: Business owners with established client bases can significantly exceed the average range.
Requirements: Electrical license, business insurance, and compliance with state-specific contractor requirements.
- Electrician
Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 per year
Qualified electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Hourly Rates: $36-$51 per hour for employees, with self-employed electricians charging customers significantly more.
Requirements: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, 12 months supervised experience, and a state electrical license.
- Plumber
Salary Range: $85,000 – $105,000 per year
Licensed plumbers install and maintain water, gas, and drainage systems in buildings and infrastructure projects.
Hourly Rates: $46-$48 per hour for employees. Self-employed plumbers charge customers $80-$200 per hour plus call-out fees.
Requirements: Certificate III in Plumbing, Certificate IV for licensing, and a state plumbing license.
- HVAC Technician
Salary Range: $118,032 per year
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians install and service climate control systems.
Requirements: Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration, refrigerant handling license.
FIFO Trade Salaries: The Premium Option
Fly-In, Fly-Out positions represent some of the highest-paying opportunities for Australian tradies. FIFO workers typically earn $118,539 per year on average, but skilled tradespeople in mining and resources can earn significantly more.
FIFO Salary Ranges by Role
- Entry-level FIFO positions: $80,000 – $90,000
- Skilled FIFO tradies: $120,000 – $180,000
- Specialized FIFO roles: $180,000 – $250,000+
FIFO Benefits Beyond Base Salary
FIFO positions include valuable additional benefits:
- Accommodation: Private rooms with modern amenities
- Meals: All meals provided on-site
- Travel: Flights to and from the work site
- Allowances: Site allowance, shift loading, Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA)
- Time off: Extended periods at home (typically 1 week off for every 2 weeks worked)
Apprentice and Entry-Level Trade Salaries
For those starting their trade careers, apprentice wages provide a foundation while you learn:
Apprentice Salary Ranges (2025)
- First-year apprentices: $500-$700 per week ($26,000-$36,000 annually)
- Second-year apprentices: $18-$21 per hour
- Third-year apprentices: Progressive increases
- Fourth-year apprentices: $26 per hour ($52,000 annually)
Entry-Level Qualified Tradesperson Salaries
- Electricians: $45-$55 per hour ($90,000-$110,000 annually)
- Plumbers: $50,000-$65,000 annually
- Carpenters: $60,000-$75,000 annually
- Mechanics: $55,000-$70,000 annually
Regional Salary Variations
Trade salaries vary significantly across Australian states and territories:
Highest Paying Regions
1. Western Australia (Mining Regions): Port Hedland, Karratha, Perth – Premium FIFO rates
2. Queensland (Mining Belt): Mackay, Gladstone – Strong mining and resources sector
3 .New South Wales (Sydney): Metropolitan premium rates
4 . Victoria (Melbourne): Competitive metropolitan salaries
Metropolitan vs Regional vs FIFO
- Metropolitan areas: Higher base salaries but higher living costs
- Regional areas: Moderate salaries with lower living costs
- FIFO positions: Highest total compensation with accommodation included
Maximizing Your Trade Salary
To achieve the highest possible earnings in your trade career, consider these strategies:
- Pursue Advanced Qualifications
Investing in Certificate IV qualifications, diplomas, or specialized certifications can increase your earning potential by 20-40%.
- Gain Diverse Experience
Working across different sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, mining) makes you more valuable and marketable.
- Consider FIFO Opportunities
If you’re willing to work away from home, FIFO positions offer exceptional compensation and the opportunity to save aggressively.
- Develop Business Skills
Even if you remain an employee, understanding business operations, quoting, and project management can significantly increase your value.
- Start Your Own Business
Self-employed tradies and business owners have the highest earning potential, though they also face additional responsibilities.
The Future of Trade Salaries in Australia
The outlook for trade salaries in Australia remains exceptionally strong. The construction industry employs 1.32 million workers and expects 5.8% growth through 2026. Several factors support continued salary growth:
- Skills shortages: Ongoing demand for qualified tradespersons
- Infrastructure investment: Major government infrastructure projects
- Mining boom: Continued resource sector expansion
- Aging workforce: Retirement of experienced tradies creates opportunities
- Housing demand: Sustained residential construction activity
Conclusion
Australian trade salaries in 2025 offer exceptional earning potential for skilled professionals. With average salaries ranging from $75,000 to $95,000, and top earners exceeding $200,000 annually, the trades provide a clear pathway to financial success.
Whether you’re just starting an apprenticeship or looking to maximize your earnings as an experienced tradesperson, understanding the salary landscape helps you make informed career decisions. By pursuing the right qualifications, gaining diverse experience, and considering high-paying sectors like mining and FIFO work, you can position yourself at the top of the trade salary scale.
The trades aren’t just a job—they’re a career path that can provide financial security, job satisfaction, and the opportunity to build a prosperous future.
Related Articles:
- How to Become a Plumber in Australia
- FIFO Salaries Australia: Complete Guide
- Highest Paying Trades in Australia 2025
- Electrician Salary Australia: What You Can Earn