The average qualified tradie in Australia earns between $89,000 and $91,000 per year as an employee. Self-employed tradies turn over significantly more ($120,000 to $175,000 gross) but keep between 20% and 38% as net profit after expenses.

For context, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a national full-time average income of $99,221 and a construction industry average of $93,704. Tradies sit just below the national average but well above many white-collar roles when overtime and penalty rates are factored in.

Your actual earnings depend on three things: your specific trade, whether you work as an employee or run your own business, and where you work in Australia.

At a Glance

• The average employed tradie earns $89,000 to $91,000 per year across Australia.
• Self-employed tradies turn over $120,000 to $175,000 gross but net profit margins range from 18% to 38% depending on the trade.
• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians consistently top the earnings table.
• Western Australia pays the most ($98,000 to $100,000 average). Tasmania pays the least ($79,000 to $81,000).
• Apprentice wages start at $15.80 to $18.20 per hour in the first year and rise to $27.20 to $29.80 per hour in the fourth year.

Average Tradie Salary by Trade

This table compares 16 trades across three measures: what you earn as an employee, what you turn over as a self-employed operator, and what you actually keep after expenses.

Ranges based on ABS labour force data, published Australian salary platforms (SEEK, Indeed), and aggregated industry broker data, 2023-2026. Employee figures represent base salary. Self-employed turnover is gross revenue before expenses, tax, fuel, tools, and insurance. Net margins are industry estimates.

Which Trades Earn the Most?

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians consistently sit at the top across every data source. Three factors drive this:
• Licensing barriers. These trades require a formal apprenticeship (3-4 years) and a state-issued licence to operate. The barrier to entry limits supply and supports higher rates.
• Demand. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC roles remain on the national skills shortage list. Every state reports unfilled positions in these trades.
• Specialisation premium. Electricians who move into industrial, solar, or automation work can push well above the average. Plumbers who specialise in commercial gasfitting or medical facility plumbing command higher rates due to limited competition.

Career progression: the six-figure ceiling

If you want to move past the standard trade salary, advanced roles offer significantly higher income:

How Much Do Tradies Earn by State?

Where you work matters. Western Australia and the Northern Territory pay the most, driven by mining, infrastructure, and remoteness loading. Tasmania pays the least, reflecting a smaller market and lower cost of living.

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How Much Do Apprentice Tradies Earn?

Apprentice wages are lower than qualified rates but are rising due to a ten-year high in national demand. Unlike university, you earn while you learn and avoid study debt.

• 1st year: $15.80 to $18.20/hr
• 2nd year: $18.10 to $22.40/hr
• 3rd year: $23.50 to $26.70/hr
• 4th year: $27.20 to $29.80/hr

Ranges consistent with Fair Work national apprentice pay rates. Actual rates vary by trade, state, and employer.

What Do Self-Employed Tradies Actually Keep?

This is where the numbers get misunderstood. Self-employed tradies often quote their gross turnover, not their profit. Turning over $170,000 as a plumber does not mean you take home $170,000.

After deducting materials, fuel, tools, vehicle costs, insurance, subcontractor payments, and tax, net profit margins typically range from 18% to 38% depending on the trade.

A plumber turning over $175,000 at a 30% margin takes home approximately $52,500 in net profit. An electrician turning over $168,000 at 35% keeps approximately $58,800.

That may look lower than employee salaries, but the comparison is not straightforward. Self-employed tradies use legal business write-offs (vehicle leasing, fuel, tools, phone, home office expenses) through their ABN or company structure. These deductions reduce taxable income on paper while lowering day-to-day personal living costs. The reported net profit understates their actual financial position compared to an employee earning a similar gross figure.

What eats into the turnover

• Materials and supplies. Timber, copper, plaster, and roofing materials have all risen significantly in recent years.
• Fuel. Up approximately 7% in the past year.
• Tool replacement and theft. Tool theft claims have increased by approximately 17% year on year across the trades insurance sector.
• Insurance premiums. Public liability premiums have risen 4 to 9% on average across most trades.
• Vehicle costs. Ute repayments, servicing, registration, fuel.
• Licensing and compliance fees. Annual fees for state trade licences, White Cards, and safety certifications.

Business insurance premiums are 100% tax deductible under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

For a full breakdown of insurance costs, see upcover's guide on how much does business insurance cost.

The FIFO and Mining Premium

The highest-earning tradies in Australia are in the mining and resources sector. Specialist heavy diesel fitters, instrumentation electricians, and coded welders in FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) roles report earnings of $160,000 to $220,000 or more per year.

These incomes come with trade-offs: demanding rosters (typically 3 weeks on, 1 week off), remote living, and consistent 12-hour shifts. They are not representative of typical metro or suburban tradie earnings.

How upcover Arranges Insurance for Tradies

As your trade business grows, protecting your income and tools from on-site risks is part of maintaining long-term profitability. upcover is a digital-first insurance broker helping Australian tradies arrange public liability, business pack, and commercial motor insurance without the paperwork or phone queues.

• 70,000+ businesses covered across Australia.
• 4.9/5 customer rating.
• Instant Certificate of Currency on policy confirmation.
• No long forms.

upcover Pty Ltd ABN 17 628 197 437 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 41 657 596 506, AFSL 539078.

Get a quote through upcover's trades and construction page.

FAQ

How much do tradies earn in Australia?

The average qualified tradie earns between $89,000 and $91,000 per year as an employee. Self-employed tradies turn over $120,000 to $175,000 gross but keep between 20% and 38% as net profit after expenses. The ABS reports a construction industry average of $93,704.

What is the highest paying trade in Australia?

Electricians ($95,000-$97,000 employed), plumbers ($94,000-$96,000), and HVAC technicians ($90,000-$95,000) consistently top the earnings table. For career progression, construction managers earn $160,000 to $180,000 and industrial electricians earn $150,000 to $170,000.

How much do self-employed tradies make?

Self-employed tradies turn over $120,000 to $175,000 per year on average, but this is gross revenue. After deducting materials, fuel, tools, insurance, and other business costs, net profit margins range from 18% to 38%. A plumber turning over $175,000 at a 30% margin keeps approximately $52,500.

How much do apprentice tradies earn?

Apprentice wages start at $15.80 to $18.20 per hour in the first year and rise to $27.20 to $29.80 per hour in the fourth year. Demand for apprentices is at a ten-year high across most core trades.

Do tradies earn more than university graduates?

It depends on the trade and the degree. The average qualified tradie earns $89,000 to $91,000, which is comparable to or above many graduate starting salaries. Self-employed tradies who manage their costs well can significantly exceed graduate income levels.

Are tradie insurance premiums tax deductible?

Yes. Every business insurance premium (public liability, tools, commercial motor, personal accident) is 100% tax deductible as a business operating expense under section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Arranging or renewing before 30 June allows you to claim the deduction in the current financial year.

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_{The information in this article is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, tax, or insurance advice. Salary ranges are indicative, derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics data (Average Weekly Earnings), published salary platforms (SEEK, Indeed), and aggregated industry broker data from 2023-2026. Self-employed turnover and net margin figures are industry estimates and not a guarantee of future earnings. Actual income depends on your trade, location, experience, business structure, and market conditions. Always confirm with a registered tax agent or financial adviser. All insurance products arranged through upcover are subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions contained in the relevant policy wording and Product Disclosure Statement. Before deciding whether a particular insurance product is right for you, please read the relevant PDS and consider your personal circumstances. upcover Pty Ltd ABN 17 628 197 437 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 41 657 596 506, AFSL 539078. upcover arranges insurance products with selected insurers and underwriters and does not compare all general insurers or insurance products available in the market.}