The most in-demand tradie jobs in Australia right now (and exactly how much they are paid)
Australia has about 1.9 million tradies, according to the most recent employment data in August 2024.
But there's still a huge shortage of skilled tradespeople across the country.
That means it's never been a better time to learn a vocation in the trade industry.
BizCover has shared the most in-demand tradie jobs in Australia right now, from electricians to roofers and painters, and exactly how much cash you can make in these jobs.
The statistics were pulled from thousands of annual Google searches for different trade work.
The report also discovered Nowra on the NSW South Coast featured the most in searches – and paid the best wages for carpenters and landscapers.
Read on to see them all.
15. Insulator
Coming at number 15, an insulator is among the most searched-for trades in Australia.
Insulators install and replace material that saves energy and helps reduce noise in residential and commercial buildings and around vats, vessels, boilers, steam pipes, and water pipes.
They also ensure buildings are safe by installing fire-stopping materials during construction.
Insulators can earn around $40.09 per hour, according to BizCover.
14. Demolitionist
Demolitionists are up next, with an annual search of around 8,680 for demolition work in Australia.
They safely dismantle structures at the end of construction work, such as scaffolding or removing power.
They can earn a cool $49.53 per hour.
13. Scaffolder
Scaffolders are pretty in-demand in Australia with 8,740 searches for this trade annually.
They provide and set up the all-important scaffolding during construction for buildings and homes.
12. Plumber
Everyone has desperately needed a plumber at some point in their life.
According to BizCover, about 8,970 people need one and search for it on Google each year.
Plumbers can earn $45.85 per hour.
11. Surveyor
Surveyors are up next in 11th place.
They are also quite important in construction work as they are responsible for assessing the quality of buildings and advise on options for repair, maintenance or restoration.
BizCover said 13,260 people search for a surveyor annually.
People in this trade can potentially earn $37.38 per hour.
10. Cleaner
In 10th place are cleaners, who attract around 25,000 in annual searches.
Cleaners can generally earn about $31.44 per hour on average.
9. Painter
Painters are also hugely in-demand in the construction industry.
This skilled trade is searched for by 65,290 people annually in Australia.
Painters earn an average of $25.69 per hour.
8. Plasterer
Plasterers, who earn significantly more at $51.28 on average per hour, are the 8th most in-demand trade in Australia.
About 67,000 people search for a plasterer annually.
7. Tiler
Tilers are the bread and butter of construction if you want a bathroom - and they're paid well for it too.
They get paid about $50.43 per hour and 80,840 people look for a tiler's business every year.
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