A mate of mine left a retail job in Brisbane, trained as a sparky through RPL, and now earns nearly double — all within 18 months. No uni debt, no years off work. Just recognition for the skills he already had and a bit of paperwork. It’s stories like these that show how powerful getting qualified can be.
Why Skilled Trades Are in High Demand in Australia
From road upgrades to solar farms, there’s a huge pipeline of work rolling out across Australia — and not enough qualified people to do it. With a skills shortage across construction, infrastructure, and energy, tradies are calling the shots in 2025.
This means employers are offering higher wages, more perks, and greater flexibility to attract skilled workers. Plus, licensed tradies can cherry-pick projects and build long-term, high-paying careers.
Top 10 Highest Paying Trades in Australia
Let’s talk numbers — because if you’re thinking about your future, you want to know what’s possible.
Rank | Trade | Average Salary |
1️ | Construction Managers | $190,000 |
2️ | Electricians | $114,000 |
3️ | Metal Fitters & Machinists | $116,000 |
4️ | Architectural, Building & Surveying Technicians | $110,000 |
5️ | Plumbers | $104,000 |
6️ | Earthmoving Plant Operators | $101,000 |
7️ | Concretorsarpenters & Joiners | $96,500 |
8️ | Carpenters & Joiners | $93,000 |
9️ | Building and Plumbing Labourers | $85,000 |
10 | Painters | $73,000 |
Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/
That’s just salaried work — many subcontractors and small trade businesses are earning between $150K and $250K annually. How’s that for a pay rise?
What Factors Influence Trade Salaries?
Wondering what impacts your take-home pay as a tradie? Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Experience – More years, more money.
- Location – Remote and regional areas often pay more.
- Industry – Mining, energy, and large-scale construction tend to pay higher rates.
- Licence status – Being licensed means you can legally quote bigger jobs and charge more.
How to Get Qualified for a High-Paying Trade
If you’re already working in a trade — or have hands-on experience — don’t start from scratch. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you get qualified faster, based on the skills you’ve already gained on the job.
No classes. No exams. Just smart recognition of what you know.
For a step-by-step on how fast RPL works for electricians, check out our guide: Essential Guide for Industrial Electrician vs Commercial Electrician.
How Getting a Trade Licence Can Boost Your Income and Job Security
Let’s be real — being licensed isn’t just about rules. It’s about earning more, working smarter, and having peace of mind.
With a licence, you can:
- Legally take on larger or government jobs
- Work as a subcontractor or business owner
- Build a brand that clients trust
- Access insurance protections if something goes wrong
If you want to future-proof your career, a licence is key.
How Skills Certified Helps Tradies Get Formal Recognition for Their Skills
At Skills Certified, we help tradies get qualified without leaving site. Here’s how we make RPL easy:
- We assess your skills and goals.
- We help you put together your evidence portfolio.
- We match you with a trusted RTO for assessment.
If you’re deemed competent, you’ll receive a nationally recognised qualification — all while keeping your boots on the ground.
