Australia is facing a skills shortage, and tradespeople are in high demand. The Australian government has identified 67 technician and trade worker occupations that are experiencing a shortage of workers. That translates to 33% of all skills shortages in the country—by far the highest sector.
If you are looking for challenging and rewarding hands-on work, a trade career may be a great choice for you. Read on to learn more about exciting and well-paid trade jobs that you may consider.
1. Carpenters
A carpenter uses wood to create structures integral to a building, like the foundations, or builds smaller components such as cabinets and window frames. Other responsibilities of a carpenter can include helping supervisors with structural plans, or evaluating the quality of woodwork or other building materials.
As of 2023, carpenters and joiners earn an average of $1,787 per week in Australia.
2. Electricians
An electrician inspects, repairs, instals, evaluates, and maintains electrical systems and appliances. Skilled electricians are essential for powering homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure such as public transport systems.
Electricians in Australia earn an average of $2,204 per week as of 2023.
3. Handymen and handy women
Handymen and handywomen perform maintenance tasks on a variety of appliances and equipment. They may evaluate and repair plumbing or heating systems, machinery, appliances like dishwashers or laundry machines, and other systems or equipment. A handyperson might specialise, or be a jack of all trades. Full-time Aussie handymen make $1,160 per week on average.
4. Landscapers
Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces such as backyards, parks or gardens. A landscaper’s duties may include planting flowers, trimming bushes, or mowing lawns and maintaining gardens and flowerbeds.
A full-time landscaper makes $1,002.06 a week on average in Australia.
5. Cabinet makers
Many years of training and fine-tuned precision go into becoming a professional cabinet maker which involves creating custom cabinets and ensuring that they fit exactly into place. For cabinet makers, a well-trained eye for the nitty gritty details is essential.
Australian cabinetmakers make an average of $1,216 per week as of 2023.
6. Painters
Painters apply paints, stains, enamels, varnishes and lacquers to buildings. A painter might paint the interiors or exteriors of walls, facades, fixtures, and trimmings on both residential and commercial buildings. A painter’s duties can also include preparing surfaces to be painted, such as by sanding, mixing paints or stains, and setting up ventilation systems to prevent harmful fumes being inhaled.
Painting trade workers in Australia earn $1,400 per week on average based on 2023 data.
7. Plasterers
A plasterer puts layers of plaster, stucco, mortar, or cement on walls, floors and ceilings. These materials help strengthen building surfaces and prepare them for decorations. Plasterers determine the correct materials to use on a particular building, mix their own plaster (or other types of materials) and then apply them to the interiors or exteriors.
Plasterers in Australia make an average of $1,163.94 per week.
8. Plumbers
Plumbers install and repair water and gas supply lines. They also install appliances that connect to water supply lines, including bathtubs, sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. Plumbers may also clear obstructions from sinks or drains, test water pressure, and estimate plumbing repair costs.
In Australia, plumbers made an average of $2,000 a week in 2023.
Qualified, skilled, and passionate trade professionals are crucial for Australian society. Regardless of which specific trade you practise, as a tradesperson there are numerous work opportunities, including the chance to launch and run your own small business.
Are you ready to start your career in one of the above trade professions? BizCover makes it quick, paperless, and easy for tradies to compare quotes from leading insurers online and save on business insurance immediately.
Consider the types of business insurance that can help reduce the risks for your business. If you would like to discuss your trade insurance with BizCover, give us a call on 1300 920 874 and speak with our friendly team.
