Plumber Salary Australia:

What Plumbers Really Earn in 2025

 

 

Plumbing is one of Australia’s most essential and well-compensated trades, with skilled plumbers earning impressive salaries that reflect the critical nature of their work. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly what plumbers earn across Australia in 2025, from apprentices to master plumbers and business owners.

 

Average Plumber Salary in Australia

The average plumber in Australia earns between $85,000 and $105,000 per year, with an hourly rate of approximately $46 to $48. This places plumbers comfortably above the national average salary, making plumbing one of the highest-paying trades in the country.

However, these figures tell only part of the story. Experienced licensed plumbers, those working in specialized areas, or those running their own plumbing businesses regularly earn $120,000 to $180,000+ annually, with top earners exceeding $200,000 per year.

 

Plumber Salary Breakdown by Experience and Qualification

Your earning potential as a plumber increases significantly as you progress through different qualification levels and gain experience:

 

Apprentice Plumber Salaries

Plumbing apprentices earn while they learn, with wages increasing each year:

• First-year apprentice: $500 – $650 per week ($26,000 – $34,000 annually)
• Second-year apprentice: $600 – $750 per week ($31,000 – $39,000 annually)
• Third-year apprentice: $700 – $850 per week ($36,000 – $44,000 annually)
• Fourth-year apprentice: $800 – $950 per week ($42,000 – $50,000 annually)

These rates are based on the Plumbing Award and vary by state and employer. Many employers pay above award rates, particularly in metropolitan areas and for high-demand specializations like gas fitting.

 

Registered Plumber (Certificate III)

Upon completing your apprenticeship and obtaining your Certificate III in Plumbing, you become a registered plumber:

• Annual salary: $65,000 – $85,000
• Hourly rate: $33 – $43 per hour
• Experience level: 0-2 years post-apprenticeship

Registered plumbers can work in the main classes of plumbing but cannot sign off on compliance certificates or work independently in all specialized areas.

 

Licensed Plumber (Certificate IV)

After completing your Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services and obtaining your license, your earning potential increases substantially:

• Annual salary: $85,000 – $110,000
• Hourly rate: $43 – $55 per hour
• Experience level: 2-5 years post-apprenticeship

Licensed plumbers can work in all plumbing classes, supervise other plumbers, and sign compliance certificates—all of which increase their value and earning potential.

 

Experienced Licensed Plumber (5+ Years)

With significant experience and a strong reputation, licensed plumbers command premium rates:

• Annual salary: $100,000 – $140,000
• Hourly rate: $50 – $70 per hour
• Specialization bonus: Additional 15-30% for specialized skills

Experienced plumbers often develop expertise in high-demand areas like commercial plumbing, medical gas systems, or backflow prevention.

 

Master Plumber (10+ Years)

Master plumbers with extensive experience and advanced skills represent the top tier of employed plumbers:

• Annual salary: $120,000 – $160,000+
• Hourly rate: $60 – $80+ per hour
• Leadership roles: Often supervise teams and manage major projects

Master plumbers typically work on complex commercial and industrial projects, mentor apprentices, and may hold supervisory or management positions.

 

Self-Employed Plumber / Business Owner

Plumbers who run their own businesses have the highest earning potential:

• Charge-out rate to customers: $80 – $200+ per hour
• Call-out fees: $60 – $250 per visit
• Annual business revenue: $200,000 – $800,000+ (depending on business size)
• Owner’s income: $120,000 – $300,000+ after expenses

Successful plumbing business owners can build teams, scale their operations, and generate substantial wealth over time.

 

Plumber Salaries by State and Territory

Geographic location significantly impacts plumber salaries across Australia:

New South Wales (Sydney)

• Average salary: $90,000 – $115,000
• Hourly rate: $45 – $58 per hour
• Sydney metro premium: 15-20% above state average
• Customer rates: $120 – $250 per hour

Sydney’s high cost of living is balanced by premium wages, particularly for commercial and emergency plumbing work.

 

Victoria (Melbourne)

• Average salary: $85,000 – $105,000
• Hourly rate: $43 – $53 per hour
• Melbourne metro: Strong commercial sector drives competitive rates
• Customer rates: $180 – $200 for first 30 minutes (2025)

Victoria’s robust construction industry provides steady demand for plumbers across residential and commercial sectors.

 

Queensland (Brisbane and Regional)

• Brisbane average: $82,000 – $100,000
• Regional Queensland: $75,000 – $95,000
• Hourly rate: $41 – $50 per hour
• Customer rates: $100 – $180 per hour

Queensland offers good earning potential with a lower cost of living compared to southern states.

 

Western Australia (Perth)

• Average salary: $88,000 – $110,000
• Mining regions: $110,000 – $150,000+ (FIFO)
• Hourly rate: $44 – $55 per hour (Perth)
• Customer rates: $110 – $200 per hour

Western Australia’s mining and resources sector creates additional opportunities for plumbers willing to work FIFO.

 

South Australia (Adelaide)

• Average salary: $80,000 – $98,000
• Hourly rate: $40 – $49 per hour
• Journeyperson: $86,953 per year
• Senior plumber: $98,480 per year

South Australia offers competitive wages with affordable living costs, making it attractive for plumbers seeking work-life balance.

 

Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT

• Tasmania: $75,000 – $90,000 annually
• Northern Territory: $90,000 – $115,000 (premium for remote work)
• ACT (Canberra): $88,000 – $108,000

Smaller markets with varying demand, but opportunities exist particularly in government infrastructure and new housing developments.

 

Plumber Salaries by Specialization

Specializing in specific areas of plumbing can significantly boost your earning potential:

 

Gas Fitter

• Salary premium: +15-25% above standard plumber rates
• Annual earnings: $95,000 – $130,000
• Specialization: Natural gas and LPG systems installation and maintenance

Gas fitting requires additional licensing and carries higher responsibility, reflected in premium pay.

 

Drainage Specialist

• Salary premium: +10-20% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $90,000 – $120,000
• Specialization: Sewer systems, stormwater, CCTV inspections

Drainage work is often less desirable but essential, commanding good rates particularly for emergency work.

 

Roofing Plumber

• Salary premium: +15-25% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $95,000 – $125,000
• Specialization: Roof plumbing, guttering, downpipes, flashings

Roofing plumbers require working at heights certification and specialized skills in weatherproofing.

 

Medical Gas Plumber

• Salary premium: +30-50% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $110,000 – $150,000
• Specialization: Hospital and medical facility gas systems

Medical gas work requires specialized certification and carries critical safety responsibilities, commanding premium rates.

 

Backflow Prevention Specialist

• Salary premium: +20-35% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $100,000 – $135,000
• Specialization: Testing and certifying backflow prevention devices

Backflow specialists work with commercial and industrial clients, providing recurring testing and certification services.

 

What Plumbers Charge Customers (Self-Employed Rates)

Understanding what self-employed plumbers charge customers provides insight into the earning potential of business ownership:

 

Hourly Rates by Location (2025)

• Sydney: $120 – $250 per hour
• Melbourne: $100 – $220 per hour
• Brisbane: $100 – $180 per hour
• Perth: $110 – $200 per hour
• Adelaide: $90 – $170 per hour

 

Call-Out Fees

• Standard call-out: $60 – $150
• After-hours call-out: $150 – $350
• Emergency call-out: $200 – $500

 

Pricing Models

Many plumbers use tiered pricing:

• First 30 minutes: $180 – $200 (includes call-out)
• Additional time: $100 – $150 per hour
• Fixed pricing: For common jobs (tap replacement, toilet repairs, etc.)

 

Additional Income and Benefits

Beyond base salary, employed plumbers receive various additional benefits:

 

Allowances and Penalties

• Tool allowance: $20 – $40 per week
• Travel time: Paid travel to job sites
• Meal allowance: $25 – $40 per day for extended shifts
• Overtime: Time-and-a-half (1.5x) for first 2 hours, double time (2x) thereafter
• Weekend work: Saturday (1.5x), Sunday (2x), Public holidays (2.5x)

 

Vehicle and Equipment

Many employers provide:

• Company vehicle and fuel card
• Tools and specialized equipment
• Safety gear and PPE
• Mobile phone and work tablet

 

Superannuation

• Standard rate: 11.5% of base salary (2025)
• Annual contribution: $9,775 – $12,075 for average plumber

 

Factors That Affect Plumber Salaries

Several key factors determine how much a plumber can earn:

 

Licensing Level

• Unlicensed/Apprentice: Lowest rates
• Registered Plumber (Cert III): Mid-range rates
• Licensed Plumber (Cert IV): Premium rates
• Specialized licenses: Additional premiums

 

Industry Sector

• Residential: $80,000 – $105,000
• Commercial: $95,000 – $130,000
• Industrial/Mining: $110,000 – $160,000+

 

Employment Type

• Employed by company: Base salary + benefits
• Subcontractor: Higher hourly rate, no benefits
• Business owner: Highest potential, most risk

 

Emergency and After-Hours Work

Plumbers willing to work evenings, weekends, and on-call emergency services can significantly increase their earnings through penalty rates and premium pricing.

 

Maximizing Your Plumber Salary

To achieve the highest possible earnings as a plumber, consider these strategies:

 

1. Complete All Licensing Levels

Progress from Certificate III to Certificate IV and obtain your full plumbing license. Each qualification level increases your earning potential by 15-30%.

 

2. Add Specialized Endorsements

Obtain additional certifications in:

• Gas fitting
• Backflow prevention
• Medical gas systems
• Fire protection systems
• Roofing plumbing

Each specialization opens new markets and commands premium rates.

 

3. Develop Business Skills

Even as an employee, understanding quoting, customer service, and project management increases your value and prepares you for eventual business ownership.

 

4. Build a Strong Reputation

In the plumbing industry, reputation is everything. Delivering quality work, maintaining professionalism, and building positive customer relationships leads to referrals and premium pricing power.

 

5. Start Your Own Plumbing Business

Self-employed plumbers and plumbing business owners have unlimited earning potential. While it requires significant investment and carries more risk, successful plumbing businesses can generate substantial wealth.

 

The Future Outlook for Plumber Salaries

The outlook for plumber salaries in Australia remains exceptionally strong due to several factors:

 

Growing Demand Drivers

• Population growth: Increasing demand for housing and infrastructure
• Aging infrastructure: Replacement and upgrade of existing systems
• Water conservation: Installation of water-efficient systems and rainwater harvesting
• Regulatory changes: Stricter compliance requirements increase demand for licensed plumbers
• Renovation boom: Ongoing residential renovation activity

 

Skills Shortages

Australia faces an ongoing shortage of qualified plumbers, particularly licensed plumbers with specialized skills. This skills gap supports strong wage growth and job security.

 

Career Stability

Plumbing is an essential service that remains in demand regardless of economic conditions, providing exceptional job security and career longevity.

 

Conclusion

Plumber salaries in Australia offer excellent earning potential, with average wages of $85,000 – $105,000 and top earners exceeding $180,000 annually. Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or looking to maximize your earnings as a licensed professional, plumbing provides a clear pathway to financial success.

By completing all licensing levels, developing specialized skills, and eventually starting your own business, you can position yourself at the top of the plumber salary scale. With strong ongoing demand, persistent skills shortages, and the essential nature of plumbing services, the future for plumbers in Australia has never been brighter.

The plumbing trade isn’t just a job—it’s a career that can provide financial security, independence, and the opportunity to build a prosperous business that can support you and your family for decades to come.

 

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