Plumber in Australia
Gas, Drainage & Roofing
The complete guide to becoming a licensed Plumber. Explore apprenticeships, state licensing requirements, gasfitting, and FIFO opportunities.
Overview
Plumbing is one of the most secure and highly regulated trades in Australia. From maintaining water systems to installing complex gas networks, qualified plumbers are essential for public health and infrastructure.
Highly Regulated
Strict licensing means high barriers to entry and protected wages.
Specializations
Branch out into high-paying niches like Gasfitting and Mechanical Services.
Business Potential
Excellent pathway to starting your own contracting business.
What Does a Plumber Do?
It's not just fixing leaks. Plumbing is split into several key technical areas:
General & Sanitary
Water supply, drainage, sewage systems, and bathroom installations.
Gasfitting
Installing gas appliances, pipework, and testing for leaks. High risk, high skill.
Roof Plumbing
Guttering, downpipes, flashing, and metal roofing installation.
Mechanical Services
Heating, cooling, and ventilation pipework in large commercial buildings.
Work Environments
Plumber Salary (2025)
Licensed plumbers command high rates due to the critical nature of their work.
| Experience Level | Salary / Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (1st–4th year) | $16 – $28 / hr |
| Newly Qualified Plumber | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Experienced Plumber | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Gasfitter / Specialist | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| Business Owner | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
Emergency Rates
Plumbers doing 24/7 maintenance often earn significantly higher due to after-hours callout fees.
Apprenticeship Pathway
The industry standard qualification is CPC32420 – Certificate III in Plumbing. It generally takes 4 years.
Find Employer
Secure an apprenticeship with a licensed plumber or plumbing company.
Study (CPC32420)
Attend TAFE to learn water supply, sanitary drainage, gasfitting, and roofing.
Competency
Complete all required modules to be eligible for licensing registration.
Get Licensed
Apply to your state regulator (e.g., VBA, Fair Trading) for your license.
Looking for a Plumbing Apprenticeship?
Use our free tool to search for apprenticeship positions by state.
Launch Apprenticeship Finder ToolState Licensing Authorities
Plumbing is strictly regulated. You must be registered with the correct authority in your state to work.
VIC VBA
Victorian Building Authority
NSW Fair Trading
Plumbing, Drainage & Gasfitting
QLD QBCC
Qld Building & Construction Commission
WA Building & Energy
Plumbers Licensing Board
SA CBS
Consumer & Business Services
TAS Dept of Justice
CBOS - Practitioner License
Other Requirements
Where are the jobs?
New Builds
Constant demand for rough-ins and fit-offs in housing estates.
Maintenance
Blocked drains and leaking taps provide recession-proof income.
Gasfitting
High-skill work installing gas lines and heaters.
Commercial
Large scale mechanical plumbing for office towers.
FIFO Plumber?
Camp Maintenance & Construction.
Mines need plumbers to maintain the "Village" (accommodation camps). This involves maintaining water treatment plants, sewage systems, and fixing issues in donga rooms.
FIFO Roles for Plumbers:
- Camp Maintenance (NPI - Non-Process Infrastructure)
- Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Construction of new mining camps
FIFO Salary
Is it worth it?
The Good
- Highly paid & secure trade
- Strict licensing protects your wages
- Clear path to owning a business
- Can specialize in Gas or Roofing
The Challenges
- Dealing with sewage/waste is reality
- Emergency callouts & weekend work
- Physically demanding (digging/crawling)
- Strict and complex regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plumbing a good career?
Yes. It offers excellent job security because pipes will always leak and toilets will always block. It is recession-proof.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. Plumbing is one of the most strictly regulated trades. You cannot work independently without a license from your state authority.
Can Plumbers work FIFO?
Yes, mainly in camp maintenance roles or large infrastructure construction projects. While not as common as Diesel Fitters, the roles are well paid.
How long is the apprenticeship?
Typically 4 years to complete the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing and gain the necessary experience for licensing.