As we face skills shortages, rising infrastructure demand, and a renewable energy boom, tradies in Australia are seeing serious pay rises. According to Labour Market Insights, demand for skilled trades is forecast to grow steadily through 2025 and beyond, making this year a prime opportunity to join the industry. s.
The average annual salary for a fully qualified tradie is around $85,000, but many are earning well over $100,000, especially in specialised or remote roles. Top earners (including site and construction managers, fly-in fly-out electricians, also known as “FIFO” roles, and boilermakers) can make between $150,000 and more than $200,000.
Whether you’re already developing your skills as a tradie or looking to change careers, this guide will show you:
- Which trades top the pay ladder in 2025
- Why certain roles command higher wages
- Real salary figures and insights from current market data
- How to boost your income
The Highest-Paid Trades in Australia (With Salaries)
Specialisation Pays More
Specialisation can be your ticket into the highest-paying trades in Australia. A standard license will get you in the door, but specialised skills swing the door wide open. For example:
- FIFO electricians regularly earn over $130,000 per year
- Solar electricians average around $120,000 per year
- High-voltage electrical workers and hydraulic plumbers can charge 30%+ more than their standard-rate peers
Certifications and experience in niche areas (like industrial refrigeration, automation systems or complex hydraulic design) translate directly into earning potential. If you’re willing to learn and go where others won’t, the returns are massive.
Bonus roles worth mentioning:
- HVAC Technician – ~$100,000+: Essential across building sectors, especially for large-scale facilities and new eco-builds.
- Diesel Mechanic (Mining) – $110,000–$140,000: Keep the mining machines moving, and the pay reflects the critical role.
- Solar Installer – $90,000–$120,000: Australia’s renewables sector is booming. Knowing how to install solar is bankable.
Where the big money is:
- FIFO (“Fly-In Fly-Out”) - describes roles where workers travel to remote sites for set periods before returning home. These roles continue to offer 10%–35% more pay due to isolation, conditions, and resource demand.
- The highest paying trades in Australia are often linked to renewables (solar, wind, EV infrastructure), which are scaling fast with above-market hourly rates.
Ways to Earn More as a Tradesperson
Get Licensed & Specialise
If you’re not licensed, you’re leaving money on the table. Full trade qualifications plus additional licensing (gas, solar, refrigeration, HV, etc.) allow you to:
- Work unsupervised
- Command higher hourly rates
- Win higher-value projects
- Take on apprentices and subcontractors
Start with one in-demand skill and build toward the next step from there. Micro-credentials, short courses, and upskilling can offer quick returns without a massive time investment.
Running Your Own Trade Business
Working for someone else might provide security, but running your own business can provide greater income potential. With smart quoting and workflow systems in place, you could go grow well beyond the average $85,000 salary listed by the Building Institute NSW, potentially reaching $100K+ within just a few years.
Consider this:
- A solo plumber doing basic callouts might clear $90K
- A plumbing business has the potential to bring in between $150,000 and $250,000 in revenue, though it's important to note this figure is before taxes and operating expenses are deducted.
Pro tip: Start with part-time side jobs or subcontracting, and build systems that scale as you grow.
Looking to get started? Check out our guide to starting a trade business, or find out more about accounting tips and pricing strategies for tradies.
Maximise Earnings with Smart Job Management
Running multiple jobs efficiently, avoiding admin blowouts, and quoting accurately can mean the difference between breaking even and banking big. That’s where job management software for tradies comes in.
Effective job management should:
- Automate quoting and invoicing
- Sync job schedules between field and office
- Track job costs in real-time
- Store certificates, photos and compliance docs
- Give clients a more professional experience
With platforms like AroFlo, tradies save hours each week on admin and quoting, time they can spend earning instead.
Choose In-Demand Locations
Trade jobs advertised on Seek and Indeed for roles in Western Australia, Townsville, or FIFO gigs in mining regions like the Pilbara, often offer pay premiums of 10% –30% more than the national average.
Stay on Top of Tech
Trades like solar, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and smart home systems are booming, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Emerging technologies are reshaping how homes and commercial buildings are powered, secured, and managed. For tradies who are proactive, tech is the ticket to future-proofing your career and boosting your bottom line.
Customers today are more tech-savvy. They want smarter, more energy-efficient solutions, and they’re willing to pay for expertise. Tradies who can deliver these solutions can charge premium rates for doing so.
Use the Best Tools and Apps
Your tools aren't just on the belt. Use the best apps for tradies to save time, manage jobs, send invoices and communicate with clients faster.
Apps specifically designed for tradies help you:
- Quote faster
- Manage compliance
- Track time and materials
- Communicate easily with clients and teams
Using job management software like AroFlo is like hiring an admin assistant that never sleeps.
Build Your Brand and Reputation
Online reviews, social proof, and a strong local presence can justify higher rates. Be known for quality, reliability and communication, and price accordingly.
Here’s how to build a brand that helps you charge more:
- Create a simple website
- Collect and publish customer reviews
- Post before/after job photos on socials
- Get listed on local tradie directories
- Ask for referrals – and reward them!
Being known as “the reliable one” or “the one who always shows up” is a marketing asset. And yes, clients will pay 15%–25% more for peace of mind.
Next Step: Maximise Your Trade Career and Income
The highest paying trades in Australia share a few things in common: specialised skills, smart job management, and the willingness to follow the demand. Whether you're looking to start a career in the trades, increase your hourly rate or scale up your business, now’s the time to make your move.
Thousands of tradies use AroFlo every day to grow smarter, not harder. If you're ready to streamline quoting, scheduling and compliance, and focus on what earns you the most, book a tailored demo to discover how AroFlo can help you grow your business.
