Lucrative Australian Trades: Who Earns The Most?

what trade makes the most money in australia

Trades in Australia offer competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for career growth without the need for a university degree. The trade industry has been booming over the last decade, with more houses, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects on the rise. The construction sector is expected to grow by 6.4%, reaching $172 million in 2023, and is projected to continue growing in the medium and long term. Trades such as plumbing, HVAC technicians, construction site managers, and builders are among the highest-paid in Australia. Let's delve into the specifics of these lucrative trade options.

Characteristics Values
Job Security Trades are one of the most in-demand job sectors in Australia, offering plenty of options across the country.
Academic Focus Trades focus on practical skills and require working with hands, making or repairing things.
Career Options Trades offer diverse career options and quicker entry into the workforce compared to traditional office jobs.
Salary Trades offer competitive salaries, with some jobs paying over $100,000 per year. The average weekly salary in the construction industry is $1786, and almost 10% of tradies make more than $200,000 per year, mostly those running their own businesses.
Examples of High-Paying Trades HVAC technician, plumbing, construction site management, jewellery making, inspection, and building.

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HVAC technicians

Trades are one of the most in-demand job sectors in Australia, offering plenty of options across the country. Vocational education and training courses provide the technical skills and knowledge required for most trades, and they can help you gain the qualifications needed to start working in your chosen trade.

One of the highest-paying trades in Australia is that of an HVAC technician. HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They can work with both larger industrial units and smaller residential units. An early career HVAC technician with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU$25.13, while a mid-career technician with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU$34.50. The average hourly pay for an HVAC technician in Australia is AU$32.12, and the national average salary is $80,391 per year.

Other high-paying trades in Australia include jewellers, who design and make jewellery from materials like gold, silver, and platinum, with national average salaries ranging from $75,000 to $90,000 per year; inspectors, who inspect buildings to ensure safety and familiarity with various systems and construction methods, with a national average salary of $86,951 per year; and builders, who help construct a variety of structures, with a national average salary of $76,093 per year. Other trades with salaries over $100,000 per year are also available. Additionally, removalists have a national average salary of $58,644 per year, and refrigeration mechanics have a national average salary of $69,061 per year.

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Builders

Trades are one of the most in-demand job sectors in Australia, with an increased need for infrastructure, a continued focus on mining, and ongoing development in urban centres fuelling this demand. One of the highest-paying trades in this in-demand sector is that of a builder.

There are many benefits to a career in trade as a builder. Firstly, it offers competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for career growth without the need for a university degree. Trade apprenticeships allow individuals to earn money while learning and provide a quick entry into the workforce. Secondly, the growing demand for skilled tradespeople means that learning a trade is a career path that offers stability and the potential for high earnings.

If you are considering a career as a builder in Australia, it is important to research the different types of building trades, such as boat building or ground support equipment, and the qualifications needed to start working in your chosen trade. Vocational education and training courses can provide the technical skills and knowledge required, as well as offer opportunities to network with other apprentices and meet potential employers.

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Inspectors

The role of an inspector is highly important as they certify that buildings meet safety standards. They require knowledge of various trades and keen attention to detail. Inspectors need to be hands-on and comfortable with climbing and crawling into tight spaces to ensure that everything is where it should be.

In Australia, the demand for certain trades can impact salaries, and essential trades such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are consistently in high demand. The market shifts over time, so the highest-paid trade one year may not be the highest-paid the next. Additionally, location can also affect an inspector's salary, with pay varying across different towns or suburbs.

While building inspectors are typically in demand, a survey by Canstar found that they reported earning less than the average wage. However, it is important to note that the same survey also predicted an increase in demand for construction trades workers, including bricklayers, carpenters, painters, tilers, and plumbers, in the years leading up to 2024.

Overall, inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of buildings, and their salaries can be influenced by factors such as demand, location, and the ever-changing market landscape.

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Jewellers

In Australia, the average salary for a jeweller is around $77,000 per year or $39.49 per hour. Entry-level positions start at approximately $63,973 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $97,270 annually. The salary range for bench jeweller positions is typically between $75,000 and $90,000 per year. Jewellers who work for themselves and create custom pieces for private clients tend to earn the highest incomes in this trade.

While some certifications in jewellery making require an apprenticeship, others do not. Vocational education and training courses can provide the technical skills and knowledge needed for a career in jewellery making. These courses also offer networking opportunities with other apprentices and potential employers.

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Removalists

In Australia, a removalist, also known as a removals worker or mover, is responsible for helping people move their furniture and belongings from one building to another. This includes assisting customers in packing their items to minimise potential damage during the move, such as by dismantling furniture or wrapping fragile objects in packing materials. Removalists also undertake the physical tasks of loading and unloading these items into their vehicles and the designated building, keeping track of the customer's belongings, and removing doors or door frames to facilitate the move.

The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) is the primary regulatory body for the removalist industry, which generates approximately $1 billion annually through around one million moves. To become an AFRA member, removalists must post a $2000 bond and undergo a series of audits, including an initial audit, a subsequent audit a year later, and then regular audits every four years. AFRA membership signifies that a removalist company has public liability insurance and can provide transit insurance for all goods being moved. This insurance can be extended to cover stored goods during the storage period for a separate premium.

When choosing a removalist company, it is essential to compare quotes from multiple providers and select one that fits your budget and requirements. While AFRA accreditation is desirable, it is not mandatory, and smaller removalist companies may not be part of AFRA. Checking online reviews and awards can also help assess a company's quality of service and customer satisfaction.

In terms of salary, removalists in Australia earn an average of $58,644 per year. This trade does not require a university degree, allowing individuals to save on education costs while still earning a relatively high salary and enjoying good job security. The demand for skilled tradespeople in Australia is high, and a career as a removalist offers competitive incomes, stability, and opportunities for career growth.

Frequently asked questions

Some of the highest-paying trade jobs in Australia include:

- HVAC technician

- Jeweller

- Builder

- Inspector

- Plumber

The national average salary for a trade job in Australia varies depending on the specific trade. For example, the average salary for an HVAC technician is $69,061 per year, while the average salary for a jeweller ranges from $75,000 to $90,000 per year. According to the ABS, the average weekly salary in the construction industry is $1786, and nearly 10% of tradies earn more than $200,000 per year, mostly those running their own businesses.

Trade careers in Australia offer several benefits, including competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for career growth without the need for a university degree. Trade apprenticeships allow individuals to enter the workforce quickly and start earning money while learning their trade.

The high demand for trade jobs in Australia is driven by the country's growing need for infrastructure, continued focus on mining, and ongoing development in urban centres. The construction sector, in particular, is expected to grow, with increasing commercial real estate development and government investments in infrastructure and green initiatives.

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