The highest-paid tradie jobs in Australia
Tradie jobs are almost always in high demand in Australia thanks to our booming property market.
Australia has about 1.9 million tradies, according to employment data from August 2024, and the average weekly salary in the construction industry is $1786.
Some trades pay better than others and Sleek has rounded out the top eight highest-paying trades in the country with the most earning potential.
Read on to see the list.
8. Tiler
Wall and floor tilers are paid a modest average salary of $65,000 per year, Sleek reports.
This makes it the eighth highest-paid trade on the list.
While it seems low, Sleek notes there is strong earning potential for those in this trade.
7. Carpenter
Carpentry is a popular choice for young tradesmen entering the industry.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, around 143,900 carpenters are employed in the country.
The average annual salary for a carpenter is $77,000, with strong earning potential throughout a career in this trade.
6. Plumber
There's 101,200 employed plumbers in Australia and this trade can command an average salary of $78,000.
5. Air conditioning technician
Hot summers in Australia means air conditioner technicians are in high demand.
There's 26,100 air conditioner and refrigeration technicians employed in Australia and they earn around $83,000.
4. Riggers
Construction riggers have a tough job and according to the government data, there's only 7400 of them in Australia.
This job is paid around $86,000 per year.
3. Boilermaker
Boilermakers are the third highest-paid tradies in the country, earning around $87,000 per year.
2. Electrician
The 185,200 employed electricians in Australia are enjoying the fruits of the second highest-paid trade in the country.
According to Sleek, electricians can earn an average salary of $89,000, with moderate earning potential throughout their careers.
1. Construction manager or site manager
Construction and site managers earn the most of any tradie by a country mile.
This profession can command an average salary of $134,000 per year.
It's also quite a popular choice, with over 130,000 employed construction/site managers in the country.
This trade has strong earning potential beyond the average six-figure salary too, Sleek reports.
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