There is good money to be made in the trades – but some jobs bring bigger rewards than others.
Seek says there’s a growing demand for skilled tradespeople, and as a career path it offers “a relatively high salary and good job security” – without the need for a university degree.
The job-finding website crunched the numbers to find what roles paid the most.
10. Carpenter – $65,000 to $85,000
Carpenters are in demand as construction grows and a shortage of skills and experience has emerged in the industry.
3 of 11Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
9. Welder – $75,000 to $85,000
“To do this job you’ll need attention to detail, physical strength, good hand-eye coordination, and the relevant technical knowledge,” Seek said.
Demand for welders is also on the rise.
4 of 11Attribution: Getty
8. Plumber – $75,000 – $95,000
Commercial plumbers and sewer and drain technicians tend to earn higher salaries, Seek says.
5 of 11Attribution: Getty
7. Jeweller – $75,000 to $100,000
There are a number of ways to become a certified jeweller, some of which don’t involve apprenticeships.
Seek said the highest-paid jewellers worked for themselves.
6 of 11Attribution: Getty
6. Electrician – $90,000 to $110,000
Increasing investment in renewables, and the growth of the construction industry, are key factors driving rising demand for electricians.
7 of 11Attribution: Getty
5. Rigger – $95,000 to $115,000
Riggers are in charge of moving heavy equipment and machinery, often involved in tasks like assembling construction scaffolding and moving prefabricated pieces.
4. Boilermaker – $115,000 to $135,000
Boilermakers build metal structures for anything from boilers, blast furnaces, ships, trains, and bridges.
“Unlike a welder, which is a similar position, a boilermaker is often responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance of these structures,” Seek said.
Their unique skill set means boilermakers are generally in high demand.
9 of 11Attribution: Getty
3. Miner – $120,000 to $140,000
Australia’s mining industry is one of the national economy’s largest sectors.
10 of 11Attribution: Getty
2. Site manager – $130,000 to $150,000
The booming construction industry is again the main driving force behind a need for site managers.
These workers are employed by construction companies to supervise worksites.
11 of 11Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
1. Construction manager – $190,000 to $210,000
Construction managers, however, are employed by a development company to oversee entire projects from start to finish.
