What are the 10 Highest Paying Trades in Australia?

Deciding on a career pathway is a major and critical decision in anyone’s life. People look for highly paid career pathways. Choosing a career is a major element in determining your financial stability throughout your life. Australia is famous for offering millions of jobs every year to immigrants in different sectors. A major section of these jobs consists of Trades with high earning potential.

 

In this blog, I will list Australia’s top 10 highest-paying trades. Additionally, you will learn the difference between a trade and a traditional job. Moreover, I’ll introduce a few tips to help you start a successful trade. Let’s start our blog by learning about trade courses.

 

What are Trade Courses?

 

Trade courses are programs designed for students to focus on hands-on training in fields like carpentry, plumbing, and automotive technology and equip themselves with industry-relevant skills. Trade courses are popular among international students, particularly among those who want to gain practical skills and career opportunities in high-demand industries.

 

Moreover, there are several trade courses that will lead you towards PR in Australia.

 

10 Highest Paying Trades in Australia

 

Following are the ten highest-paying trades in Australia:

 

• Boilermaker 
• Electrician
• Welder
• Rigger
• Plumber
• Carpenter 
• Construction Manager
• Miners
• Site Manager  
• Jeweller 

 

Let’s unveil the details of each trade so you can decide which trade suits you.

 

1. Boilermaker  

 

A boilermaker is often responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance of metal structures such as boilers, blast furnaces, ships, trains, and bridges. They read blueprints, cast and bend metal, and weld or bolt pieces together. 

 

To become a boilermaker, you must meet the following requirements:

 

• Must complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship
• Must have skills like blueprint reading
• The ability to comply with safety rules and regulations
• Metal fabrication
• Critical thinking 
• Problem-solving

 

In Australia, the demand for boilermakers is strong due to their unique skill set and the growth of the construction industry. The average salary range for a boilermaker is $105,000 to $125,000 per year.

 

2. Electrician 

 

The earning potential of an Electrician is among some of the highest-paying trades in Australia. An electrician’s responsibilities include installing switchboards, cables, and wiring and diagnosing and repairing electrical malfunctions. 

 

To become an electrician, you must meet the following requirements:

 

• Must have technical knowledge related to the trade, which I learned through TAFE and apprenticeships.
• Customer service
• Maths/numeracy
• Problem-solving 
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail is also important to ensure safety. 

 

Electricians are in high demand in Australia due to increased investment in renewable energies and the growth of the construction industry. The average salary range of an electrician is $90,000 to $110,000 per year.

 

3. Welder 

 

As a welder, you are responsible for choosing materials, arranging them correctly, and joining metal parts together using various welding techniques. Welders also fix structural repairs and maintain specialized equipment. 

 

To become a welder, you must meet the following requirements: 

 

• You’ll need attention to detail
• Physical strength
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Relevant technical knowledge

 

The welding industry in Australia is experiencing growth, which means that the demand for skilled welders is rising. The average salary of the welder is $75,000 to $85,000 per year.

 

4. Rigger 

 

A rigger assembles scaffolding and moves/erects prefabricated glass steel or concrete panels on construction sites. Riggers mainly work in construction, shipbuilding, and mining. 

 

To become a rigger, you must meet the following requirements: 

 

• Good hand-eye coordination
• Physical strength
• Knowledge of safety procedures
• Critical-thinking skills
• Ability to communicate clearly
• Interpersonal skills for working with different teams

 

Qualified riggers are in high demand throughout Australia, particularly in the mining and construction industries. The average salary of a rigger is $95,000 to $115,000 per year.

 

5. Plumber 

 

The role of a plumber includes installing and repairing fixtures and pipes that carry water, gas, sewerage, and other fluids. They also maintain plumbing fixtures like baths, toilets, dishwashers, and heating systems. 

 

To become a plumber, you must know about: 

 

• Customer service
• Have problem-solving skills
• You’ll also need technical skills  

 

Average salary range: $75,000 to $95,000 per year.

 

6. Carpenter 

 

A carpenter works across residential and commercial projects, as well as on construction sites and private properties. The major responsibilities of a carpenter include repairing structures like houses, furniture, and frameworks. 

 

To become a carpenter, you need skills in the following:

 

• Measuring
• Cutting 
• Assembling materials
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Attention to detail

 

Demand for carpenters is strong due to growth in construction and a shortage of skilled and experienced carpenters. The average carpenter’s salary ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 annually.

 

7. Construction Manager 

 

A construction manager oversees all operations on a building project, ensuring the build is completed according to the decided deadline and within budget. Their responsibilities also include arranging for permits and licenses, cost management, performance management of trade contractors, interpreting architectural designs, and conducting site visits. 

 

The following are the key skills you need to be a construction manager:

 

• Leadership
• Problem-solving 
• Time management
• Ability to read blueprints. 
• A degree in construction

 

Due to ongoing infrastructure projects, the construction manager is highly sought-after in Australia.  Average salary range: $175,000 to $195,000 per year.

 

8. Miners 

 

Mining is a highly demanding profession in Australia. A miner’s responsibilities include operating heavy machinery like drills, blasts, and digs to remove rock and earth from mineral deposits. Moreover, extracting the mineral in its raw form and loading and transporting the ore for processing are also listed in a miner’s responsibilities. The average salary of a miner ranges from $125,000 to $145,000 per year.

 

9. Site Manager  

 

The thriving construction industry in Australia has spiked the demand for construction managers. A site manager’s responsibilities include handling project planning, checking work quality, liaising with consultants, managing resources, ensuring safety, and obtaining permits and licenses. 

 

Following are the key skills you need for this role 

 

• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Time Management
• Teamwork skills

 

Average salary range: $140,000 to $160,000 per year.

 

10. Jeweller  

 

Jewellers is another demanding trade job in Australia. You can start working as a jeweler without any specific apprenticeship. You need some mandatory soft skills that include:

 

• Creativity
• Attention to detail 
• Dexterity
• Knowledge of fashion industry trends

 

The highest-paid jewelers work for themselves, making custom pieces for private clients. The average salary of a jeweller ranges from $75,000 to $90,000 per year.

 

Read more to learn about other highest-paying jobs in Australia.

 

Difference between Trade and Traditional Job in Australia

 

Here is a table to show the difference between trades and traditional jobs in Australia.

 

 

Tips to Start Your Trade Business

 

Following are some tips that will be helpful if you are about to start your own trade business.

 

• Assess your skills and interests to align with a suitable trade.
• Evaluate market demand and profitability for sustainable opportunities.
• Craft a detailed business plan outlining objectives and financial projections.
• Select an appropriate workspace. For example, a home office, leased space, and mobile setup exist.
• Consider Ware Space for secure, managed warehouse solutions.
• Explore funding options like loans, grants, and personal savings to cover startup costs.
• Utilize social media for effective marketing and customer engagement.
• Adapt to market trends to sustain growth and profitability in the trade industry.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, choosing a trade career in Australia can be lucrative and fulfilling. With various high-paying trades available, you can find a role that matches your skills and interests while ensuring financial stability.

 

Whether you become a boilermaker, electrician, or construction manager, the opportunities are vast and rewarding. If you are ready to start your journey in one of Australia’s highest-paying trades, contact The Migration today and get the guidance that will help you set up a successful trade in Australia.

 

 

FAQs

What is the quickest trade to learn?

One of the quickest trades to learn is becoming an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician. HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems.

 

What is the easiest trade in Australia?

The easiest trade to learn in Australia is often considered to be construction labouring or painting and decorating, as they require less formal training and can be learned on the job or through short courses.

 

What is the highest paying job in Australia without a degree?

One of the highest paying jobs without a degree in Australia is construction manager. It is a position that requires on the job training and practical experience rather than university qualifications.