The cost of living is a hot topic at the moment, and you might be wondering if your hard work is paying off. For Australian tradies, how much you can earn or charge depends on the state you live and work in. So, whether you’re asking for a pay rise or choosing a trade career, knowing how each trade’s average hourly rate stacks up across Australia’s states is important.
Are you charging enough for your services? Use our charge-out rate calculator to check.
Low on time? Skip ahead!
2. Average hourly rates between states
So, which trade is raking in the most cash in Australia? To figure out which trade earns the most, we’ve pulled the latest numbers for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and construction workers.
Note: these annual salary ranges are based on full-time salaries advertised on SEEK. The state hourly figures below are Indeed employee base pay estimates, not business charge-out rates.
Electricians shine bright up the top, with an average income range of $100,000 to $120,000. The high demand is due to the growth in the construction industry, particularly infrastructure and renewable energy projects, alongside established demand from mining and associated industries.
Learn what it takes to become a good electrician.
HVAC technicians earn an average ranging from $100,000 to $115,000. A key driver behind the increasing demand for HVAC professionals in Australia is the government's commitment to reducing gas emissions and the rise of smart technologies and AI-driven systems.
Learn what it takes to become a good HVAC technician.
Plumbers make a decent salary in Australia, with an average range of $85,000 to $105,000 AUD. Major construction projects and the need to replace ageing plumbing infrastructure can create work for skilled plumbers.
Considering a career as an electrician or plumber? Here’s how the two trades compare.
Construction labourers hold their ground, with construction labourer salaries ranging from $70,000 to $80,000. Keep in mind, though, that working up the ladder in roles like construction management can lead to much higher salaries, with construction project managers sitting within a $120,000 - $140,000 range.
Read about what’s involved with starting your own construction business.
More than just numbers, these hourly rates are a snapshot of the economic landscape and demand for your skills in each state. Whether you’re staying put or contemplating a move, understanding what drives these rates will help you navigate the diverse terrain of the trades.
Are you paying your staff correctly? Here are 6 common payroll mistakes you want to avoid.
Generally, construction labourers can expect a similar average hourly rate, regardless of which state you’re working in. HVAC technician averages range from $49.10 to $58.53 per hour across the states and territories shown below. For plumbers and electricians, the average hourly rate fluctuates significantly from state to state.
Construction labourer hourly figures use the “Hour” option on the linked Indeed pages where available.
Territory-wide figures could not be confirmed at the time of writing. As a separate city reference, Indeed reports:
If you’re feeling the toolbelt pinch, take time to reflect on whether you’re earning or charging the correct amount for your skills and services. Use our charge-out rate guide to ensure you consider all the contributing factors so your prices remain competitive, but also help to increase your profit margin. Keep hustling, stay informed, and may your hard work always be reflected in your paycheck.
Keep a close eye on your finances. Sign up for a 14-day free trial with Tradify. No credit card required. No commitment. Or visit one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.