The highest paying jobs in the construction industry
The construction industry accounts for almost nine per cent of the total workforce in Australia.
With some skills in demand in the job market, there are opportunities to earn high salaries.
New data from Hays has revealed which roles attract the most money in the sector.
The data was compiled based on average salary ranges from 2023 to 2024.
Continue through the gallery to find the highest paying roles.
Construction Manager (up to $320,000)
The construction industry is made up of many high-paying roles, but building construction managers remain the highest paid in the industry.
According to the data, this role has an average of $250,000 to $320,000.
Project manager (up to $255,000)
Engineers are in short supply and high demand, which drives high salaries.
Experienced project managers can earn between $140,000 to $255,000 in some locations.
Construction design manager (up to $240,000)
Design managers are also in short supply.
These workers responsible for coordinating the design of projects.
Design managers in building construction can earn $210,000 but salaries can climb as high as $240,000 in Sydney.
In civil construction, design managers can earn a salary of $150,000 on average or as high as $190,000 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Construction senior estimator (up to $200,000)
A senior estimator plays a key role in the construction process.
This role is responsible for evaluating the cost, resources, labour and time required for construction projects.
According to Hays, senior estimators can take home a salary of $150,000.
However roles in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and regional NSW and Victoria can reach $200,000.
The data also revealed the average salary for a junior to intermediate estimator sits at around $120,000.
Systems assurance specialists (up to $300,000)
Systems assurance specialists play a crucial role in rail engineering, ensuring compliance with safety standards and managing risk.
Those based in Sydney can earn up to $300,000 a year.
Elsewhere typical salaries for the role range for $153,000 and $220,000 depending on location.
Engineering principal/director of design (up to $250,000)
Principals and directors in engineering are among the highest earners in engineering in Australia, according to Hays.
These professionals oversee and manage the full design process from research and development to design.
They are also responsible for the guidance and consulting of other engineers involved.
The average salary can reach up to $250,000 in Sydney and Melbourne.
BIM/CAD manager ($150,000)
A BIM manager oversees an organisation's building information modelling process, while CAD managers are responsible for overseeing the computer-aided design team.
These professionals earn an average salary of $120,000.
Senior planner (up to $150,000)
Planners contribute and coordinate planning reports, strategic projects, planning proposals and development applications.
Senior planners with more than five years of experience can earn a salary as high as $150,000 in Sydney.
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