Highest Paying Trades in Australia:
Top 15 Trade Jobs for 2025
Australia’s trade industry offers some of the most lucrative career opportunities in the country, with skilled tradespeople earning significantly more than the national average. In fact, one in ten trades earn over $200,000 per year, and construction managers can command salaries exceeding $300,000 in resource-rich regions.
This comprehensive guide reveals the 15 highest-paying trade jobs in Australia for 2025, complete with salary ranges, the required qualifications, and career progression pathways.
Why Australian Trades Pay So Well
Before diving into specific trades, it’s essential to understand why Australian trade salaries are among the highest in the world:
- Skills shortages: Ongoing demand for qualified tradespeople exceeds supply
- Strong economy: Robust construction, mining, and infrastructure sectors
- Geographic challenges: Remote work and FIFO positions command premium rates
- High living costs: Wages reflect Australia’s cost of living
- Business ownership: Many trades run their own businesses, significantly increasing earning potential
The average Australian earns $72,327 per year, while the average tradesperson earns $75,000 – $95,000. However, as you’ll see, the highest-paying trades far exceed these averages.
The Top 15 Highest Paying Trades in Australia (2025)
- Construction Manager
Salary Range: $190,000 – $210,000 per year
Construction managers represent the pinnacle of trade career progression, overseeing entire building projects from conception to completion.
Top Regional Salaries:
- Port Hedland/Karratha: up to $309,618
- Sydney/Melbourne: $244,638+
- Engineering projects: $310,409
- Mining projects: $283,558
Key Responsibilities:
- Reading and interpreting architectural drawings
- Managing workers, budgets, and timelines
- Coordinating with architects and engineers
- Ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering
- 5-10 years of hands-on experience
- Diploma of Building and Construction Management (CPC50320) beneficial
Career Path: Start as a tradesperson → Site supervisor → Project manager → Construction manager
- Site Manager
Salary Range: $140,000 – $160,000 per year
Site managers oversee day-to-day construction operations, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
Top Regional Salaries:
- Gold Coast: up to $273,424
- Sydney: $253,252
- Mining/energy sectors: $234,547
- Entry-level: $191,123
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervising construction workers and subcontractors
- Managing project budgets and tracking expenses
- Implementing quality control measures
- Ensuring safety protocol compliance
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management)
- Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
- White Card certification
- 3-5 years of trade experience
Career Path: Qualified tradesperson → Leading hand → Foreman → Site manager
- Mining Specialist
Salary Range: $125,000 – $145,000 per year
Mining specialists combine technical expertise with project management to oversee complex mining operations.
Top Specialized Roles: up to $275,218
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading technical assessments of mining operations
- Managing feasibility studies
- Resource estimation and planning
- Coordinating with internal teams and external consultants
Qualifications Required:
- Tertiary degree in mining engineering or related discipline
- Professional certification as a Chartered Engineer
- Expert knowledge of mining software (XERAS, Deswik, Whittle)
- Minimum 5 years of mining operations experience
FIFO Benefits:
- Private accommodation with modern amenities
- All meals provided
- Gym and recreational facilities
- Family-friendly rosters (typically 2:1)
- Professional counseling and support services
- Boilermaker
Salary Range: $105,000 – $125,000 per year
Boilermakers fabricate, assemble, and repair large metal structures and pressure vessels.
FIFO Positions: up to $114.67 per hour ($238,000+ annually) Perth Rates: $76.45 – $84.09 per hour
Key Responsibilities:
- Reading blueprints and technical drawings
- Metal cutting, bending, and shaping
- Advanced welding techniques
- Assembling and erecting large metal structures
- Performing maintenance and repairs
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III or IV in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaker)
- 3-4 year apprenticeship
- High-risk work license
- Construction induction card (White Card)
Industry Demand: 47,000 job openings expected in the next five years, particularly in Western Australia’s mining sector.
- Fire Protection Technician
Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 per year
Fire protection technicians install and maintain life-saving fire detection and suppression systems.
Sydney Experienced: up to $168,188
Key Responsibilities:
- Installing fire detection and alarm systems
- Testing and servicing fire suppression equipment
- Advising building owners on safety standards
- Maintaining firefighting equipment and hydrants
Qualifications Required:
- Water-based fire system certification
- Passive fire protection installation license
- Special hazard fire system maintenance certification
- Electrical fire alarm system design qualification
Industry Growth: 2,721 registered businesses in 2024, with 90% apprenticeship completion rate and steady growth driven by strict regulations and urbanization.
- Rigger
Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000 per year
Riggers specialize in moving heavy materials and equipment using specialized rigging equipment and cranes.
Regional Rates:
- Henderson: up to $93.30 per hour
- Sydney: $72.20 per hour
- Perth: $74.61 per hour
Key Responsibilities:
- Operating rigging equipment (pulleys, winches, cables)
- Calculating load weights and capacities
- Coordinating with crane operators
- Structural steel assembly
- Ensuring safety compliance
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Rigging (CPC30720)
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)
- Working at Heights certification
- Confined Spaces Entry license
- High-Risk Work licenses
Career Development: Progress from basic rigging to specialized areas like dockside rigging, scaffolding, or steel fixing.
- HVAC Technician
Salary Range: $118,032 per year
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians install and service climate control systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Installing HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings
- Diagnosing and repairing system faults
- Performing regular maintenance and servicing
- Advising clients on energy-efficient solutions
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration
- Refrigerant handling license (ARCtick)
- Electrical work license (for some roles)
Growth Drivers: Climate change and increasing temperatures drive strong demand for HVAC services across Australia.
- Electrical Contractor
Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 per year
Licensed electrical contractors run their own businesses, overseeing electrical installation projects.
Business Owners: Can significantly exceed average range with established client bases.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing electrical installation projects
- Ensuring work meets safety standards and regulations
- Providing certificates of testing and safety
- Supervising other electricians
- Business management and client relations
Qualifications Required:
- Electrical contractor license
- Nominating a qualified technical person for work supervision
- Public liability insurance ($7.64 million minimum)
- Consumer protection insurance ($76,449 minimum)
- Electrician
Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 per year
Qualified electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems across all sectors.
FIFO Mining Electricians: $130,000 – $220,000+ Self-Employed: Can charge $100 – $180+ per hour to customers
Key Responsibilities:
- Installing and maintaining electrical systems
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults
- Reading and interpreting electrical plans
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- 12 months supervised experience
- State electrical license (A Grade)
- Capstone Assessment completion
Specialization Opportunities: Solar installation, industrial automation, high-voltage systems, instrumentation.
- Plumber
Salary Range: $85,000 – $105,000 per year
Licensed plumbers install and maintain water, gas, and drainage systems.
Experienced/Licensed: $100,000 – $140,000 Self-Employed: Charge customers $80 – $200 per hour
Key Responsibilities:
- Installing plumbing systems in buildings
- Repairing and maintaining existing systems
- Gas fitting and hot water systems
- Drainage and sewer work
- Compliance certification
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (for licensing)
- State plumbing license
- Gas fitting endorsement (for gas work)
Specialization Opportunities: Medical gas systems, backflow prevention, roofing plumbing, fire protection.
- Diesel Mechanic / Heavy Diesel Fitter
Salary Range: $95,000 – $125,000 per year
Diesel mechanics specialize in heavy vehicles and equipment.
Mining FIFO: $120,000 – $160,000+
Key Responsibilities:
- Servicing and repairing diesel engines
- Maintaining heavy vehicles and equipment
- Diagnosing complex mechanical and electrical faults
- Performing preventative maintenance
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- 3-4 year apprenticeship
- Specialized training in diesel systems
High Demand: Mining, transport, and construction sectors offer exceptional opportunities.
- Carpenter
Salary Range: $92,924 per year average
Carpenters work with wood to create structures, furniture, and fittings.
Business Owners: $120,000 – $180,000+
Key Responsibilities:
- Reading and interpreting building plans
- Measuring, cutting, and shaping wood
- Assembling and installing wooden structures
- Using hand and power tools
Qualifications Required:
- CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
- 4-year apprenticeship
- No licensing required (unlicensed trade)
Career Progression: Certificate IV in Building and Construction → Licensed builder → Business owner.
- Welder
Salary Range: $85,000 – $110,000 per year
Welders join metal components using various welding techniques.
FIFO/Specialized: $110,000 – $150,000+
Key Responsibilities:
- Performing various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, arc)
- Reading blueprints and technical drawings
- Inspecting welds for quality and compliance
- Working with different metals and alloys
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- 2-3 year apprenticeship
- Welder certification from Weld Australia (optional but beneficial)
Specialization Opportunities: Underwater welding, pipeline welding, pressure vessel welding.
- Mechanic (Automotive)
Salary Range: $80,000 – $105,000 per year
Automotive mechanics service and repair cars and light vehicles.
Master Technicians: $100,000 – $130,000
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnosing vehicle faults
- Servicing and repairing engines and systems
- Using diagnostic equipment and software
- Advising customers on repairs and maintenance
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- 3-4 year apprenticeship
- Continuous upskilling for new vehicle technologies
Growth Area: Electric vehicle servicing and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
- Truck Driver (MC License)
Salary Range: $115,000 – $135,000 per year
Multi-combination truck drivers operate B-doubles and road trains.
Top Earners (maximizing hours): $140,000 – $160,000+
Key Responsibilities:
- Operating large commercial vehicles safely
- Long-haul interstate transport
- Load management and securing
- Compliance with fatigue management regulations
Qualifications Required:
- Multi-Combination (MC) truck license
- Minimum 5+ years driving experience
- Clean driving record
- Dangerous goods license (for specialized work)
High-Paying Sectors: Mining, fuel transport, livestock, interstate freight.
Factors That Determine Trade Salaries
Understanding what drives trade salaries helps you maximize your earning potential:
- Qualifications and Licensing
Higher-level qualifications directly correlate with higher salaries. Progressing from Certificate III to Certificate IV and obtaining relevant licenses can increase earnings by 20-40%.
- Experience
Experience is highly valued in the trades. Each year of experience typically adds 3-5% to your earning potential, with significant jumps at 5, 10, and 15-year milestones.
- Specialization
Specialized skills command premium rates. Developing expertise in high-demand areas can add 15-50% to your base salary.
- Location
Geographic location dramatically affects salaries:
- Metropolitan areas: Higher base salaries but higher living costs
- Regional areas: Moderate salaries with lower living costs
- Remote/FIFO: Highest total compensation with accommodation included
- Industry Sector
Mining, oil and gas, and large-scale construction pay premium rates compared to residential and small commercial work.
- Business Ownership
Self-employed trades and business owners have unlimited earning potential, with successful businesses generating $200,000 – $500,000+ in annual revenue.
How to Maximize Your Trade Salary
To position yourself for the highest-paying trade roles:
- Complete All Qualification Levels
Don’t stop at Certificate III. Progress to Certificate IV, diplomas, and specialized certifications.
- Develop In-Demand Specializations
Identify high-demand skills in your trade and invest in specialized training.
- Consider FIFO Opportunities
FIFO positions in mining and resources offer 40-100% higher compensation than metropolitan roles.
- Build Business Skills
Understanding business operations, quoting, and project management increases your value and prepares you for business ownership.
- Maintain Impeccable Safety Records
A clean safety record and professional reputation are invaluable assets that open doors to premium positions.
- Network and Build Relationships
Strong industry connections lead to better opportunities, referrals, and higher-paying roles.
The Future of Trade Salaries in Australia
The outlook for trade salaries in Australia remains exceptionally strong:
Growth Drivers
- Infrastructure investment: $120+ billion in government infrastructure projects
- Mining boom: Ongoing expansion in critical minerals and resources
- Skills shortages: Demand consistently exceeds supply
- Aging workforce: Retirement of experienced trades creating opportunities
- Renewable energy: Massive investment in solar, wind, and battery storage
- Housing demand: Sustained residential construction activity
Salary Trends
Trade salaries have grown 3-5% annually over the past five years and are expected to continue this trend, particularly for specialized roles and in high-demand sectors.
Conclusion
The highest-paying trades in Australia offer exceptional earning potential, with construction managers earning $190,000 – $310,000, and numerous trades providing six-figure incomes. Whether you’re considering a trade career or looking to maximize your current earnings, understanding the salary landscape is essential.
By choosing a high-paying trade, obtaining advanced qualifications, developing specialized skills, and considering FIFO or business ownership opportunities, you can position yourself for financial success. With ongoing skills shortages, strong demand across multiple sectors, and the essential nature of trade work, the future for Australian trades has never been brighter.
The trades aren’t just jobs—they’re careers that can provide financial security, independence, and the opportunity to build substantial wealth over time.
Related Articles:
- Trade Salaries Australia: Complete Guide
- How to Start a Trade Business in Australia
- FIFO Salaries Australia: What You Can Earn
- Apprenticeship Guide: Getting Started in the Trades