The Nitty Gritty
- Discover how top trades offer lucrative salaries.
- Learn how the trade industry has rebounded after challenges like COVID-19.
- Find out how obtaining the right training and certification ensures high-quality, safe work.
- See how using tools like Simpro optimises job scheduling and resource management for better efficiency.
- Learn how investing in skilled tradies in high-paying fields attracts top talent and boosts business success.
Let's talk dollars and cents. Whether you're running a trade business or thinking about joining the trade game, knowing what you or your crew can rake in is pretty important. So, we're diving into the numbers – looking back at how the industry has performed over the last decade and which trades are paying top dollar in 2024.
The Trades Industry Performance in the Last 10 Years
Even the best trades in Australia have seen some serious changes over the past decade. From steady growth to the whack COVID-19 gave us, the landscape has been a bit of a rollercoaster. But, like always, tradies bounced back stronger than ever.
Industry Growth
Over the last ten years, the trade industry has been booming. With more houses, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects popping up, there’s been a steady flow of work. Cities are expanding, and projects keep rolling in, ensuring we have plenty to do and good money coming in.
Impact of COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, it threw a spanner in the works. Projects were put on hold, and many of us faced tough times. But by 2021, things started picking up again. Construction activities resumed, and new projects kicked off to help get the economy back on track. Check out the full report here; it’s a solid reminder of just how important we are to the economy and how resilient the trade sector is.
highest-paying Trades in Australia in 2024
So, how much do tradies get paid in Australia? Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paying trades in Australia for 2024. We’ll look at average salaries, what each job involves, and what you need to get started.
| Trade | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Electrician | $89,000 |
| Plumber | $78,000 |
| HVAC Technicians | $83,000 |
| Construction Site Manager | $134,000 |
| Boilermakers | $87,000 |
| Security System Technicians | $90,000 |
| Carpenters | $77,000 |
| Mechanics | $70,000 |
| Bricklayers | $60,000 |
| Landscapers | $65,000 |
| Fire Protection Technicians | $95,000 |
Electrician - $89,000
Sparky work is solid gold. Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. It’s a job that needs a good eye for detail and safety. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Get licensed and registered in your state or territory
Top tip: get ahead of competitors with our electrical contractor software to streamline your business processes and get more out of your employees!
Plumber - $78,000
Plumbing is one of the highest paid trades in Australia - they keep the water flowing and gas running. They install and fix water, gas, and drainage systems. It’s a hands-on job that’s always in demand. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Get licensed and registered
Top tip: Get your hands on plumbing software that’ll turn your business into a top spot for the best plumbers around.
HVAC Technicians - $83,000
HVAC techs are the go-to for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They make sure homes and businesses stay comfortable all year round. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Get licensed and registered
Top tip: HVAC software for trade businesses can actually help streamline your admin, giving you more time and resources to dedicate to nurturing your team.
Construction Site Manager - $134,000
Construction site managers are the big bosses on site, making sure projects are finished on time, within budget, and up to quality standards. It’s a job with a lot of responsibility. Requirements:
- Heaps of experience in construction
- Diploma or degree in construction management or something similar
- Strong leadership and project management skills
-
Boilermakers - $87,000
Boilermakers are pros at building and repairing large metal structures and equipment. Their skills are crucial in manufacturing, shipbuilding, and construction. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- Good welding and metalworking skills
-
Security System Technicians - $90,000
These techs install and maintain security systems like alarms and CCTV. Their work is key to keeping properties safe and secure, which is why they are one of the highest-paying trades in Australia. Requirements:
- Complete a training program in security systems
- Get licensed and registered
- Strong technical and troubleshooting skills
-
Carpenters - $77,000
Chippies work with wood to build, install, and repair structures and fixtures. This trade is a cornerstone of the construction industry. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Good manual dexterity and attention to detail
-
Mechanics - $70,000
Mechanics keep vehicles running smoothly and safely. This trade is essential for the automotive industry. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Strong diagnostic and repair skills
-
Bricklayers - $60,000
Bricklayers use bricks and masonry to build walls, floors, and other structures. This trade is vital for residential and commercial building projects. Requirements:
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
- Good physical stamina and precision
-
Landscapers - $65,000
Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces like gardens, parks, and commercial properties. Their work makes spaces look good and function well. Requirements:
- Complete a training program in landscaping
- Strong creativity and knowledge of plants
- Physical stamina
-
Fire Protection Technicians - $95,000
These techs install and maintain fire safety systems, such as sprinklers and alarms. Their work is critical for keeping buildings and their occupants safe. Requirements:
- Complete a training program in fire protection
- Get licensed and registered
- Strong attention to detail and knowledge of safety regulations
Tips to Increase Your Business’ Efficiency with Your Trade Hires
Getting the right crew on board is just the start. To really get the most out of your team, here are some top tips:
Leverage Technology and Education
Invest in the latest tools and tech to make the job easier and quicker. Simpro software can help manage projects, track time, and keep an eye on performance. Plus, keep your team up-to-date with the latest training and industry standards.
Optimise Job Scheduling and Resource Allocation
Good scheduling keeps your crew busy but not overloaded. Simpro helps you plan resources better and cut down on downtime, so jobs get done on time without burning anyone out.
Enhance Communication and Collaboration
Clear communication is crucial. Simpro makes it easy for your team, clients, and suppliers to stay in touch, keep up to date with automated communication, and work together. This helps solve issues fast and keeps things running smoothly.
Implement Inventory Management Systems
Keeping track of materials is key to avoiding delays. Simpro's inventory system ensures you've got what you need when you need it, cutting down on downtime and keeping jobs on track.
Invest in Training and Upskilling
Regular training keeps your team sharp and confident. Simpro supports ongoing education, which boosts productivity and the quality of work. Investing in your team pays off in the long run.
Invest in the highest-paying Trades In Australia: A Strategic Move for Tradie Businesses
For business owners, focusing on the highest-paying trades in Australia can be a smart move. Skilled tradies in these fields can pull in higher wages, but they also bring in quality work and expertise. This means bigger projects and a stronger reputation for your business.
As demand for skilled tradies keeps growing, offering competitive salaries and benefits helps attract and keep top talent. This is crucial for the long-term success of your business.
The trade industry in Australia has shown some serious grit and growth over the past decade. Even as time rolls on, the earning potential for tradies is looking stronger and stronger, especially in high-paying fields like construction site management, fire protection, and security systems.
For business owners, knowing these trends and investing in skilled tradies can give your operations a big boost. Using technology, optimizing resources, and focusing on continuous education are key to staying competitive and efficient.
By implementing these strategies, you can build a thriving business that meets and beats market demands, setting you and your team up for a bright future.
Note: The information provided in this blog article is based on secondary research and industry averages. It is intended to offer a general overview and should not be considered as definitive guidance.
