In recent years, Australia’s growing economy and infrastructure boom have resulted in increased demand for skilled tradespeople in a variety of industries. These trades provide hard and gratifying hands-on work, and many come with competitive pay packages.
If you’re considering a career in trades and want to discover which jobs pay the most in Australia, you’ve come to the perfect spot. In this comprehensive overview, we will look at the top 10 highest-paying skilled trade jobs in Australia, including eligibilities, principal duties, and the reasons for their high demand.
Top 10 high demand skilled trade jobs in Australia for foreigners
1. Construction or Site Manager
Construction or site manager, is one of Australia’s most lucrative and highest-paying trades. These specialists play an important role in overseeing construction projects and ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget. Construction managers can earn an average annual salary of $134,000 and are in great demand as the construction industry continues to thrive, propelled by commercial real estate development and infrastructure spending.
Requirements: To become a construction or site manager, you normally require a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a similar discipline, as well as relevant work experience in the construction business.
Facilities managers work on building sites to oversee teams and ensure that projects run well. They might have access to office premises on-site for planning and administrative tasks.
2. HVAC Technician
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians are critical in ensuring that buildings’ heating and cooling systems are comfortable and effective. HVAC technicians are in great demand due to the increased emphasis on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC systems. They earn an average annual salary of $127,390.
Requirements: To become an HVAC technician, one typically must complete an apprenticeship or vocational training program in HVAC technology or a related field. The licensing or certification criteria may differ by state.
HVAC professionals operate both indoors and outdoors, depending on the system being serviced. They may visit residential or commercial sites to do repairs and installations.
3. Painter
Painters apply different finishes and coatings to structures, both inside and outside. With an average annual pay of $97,471, they contribute to the beauty and protection of structures.
Apprenticeships or trade schools can help aspiring painters learn painting styles, safety measures, and how to handle various painting tools and materials. Painters must pay close attention to detail and have a keen sense of color and aesthetics.
Facilities: Painters work in a variety of environments, including residential and commercial construction sites, painting firms, and maintenance departments. They work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the project’s needs.
4. Landscaper
Landscapers plan, build, and maintain outdoor environments such as parks and gardens. They play an important role in constructing attractive and effective outdoor spaces, earning an average annual pay of $96,783.
Landscapers normally need to have completed a qualifying vocational course or apprenticeship in landscaping or horticulture. A love of nature, creativity in design, and practical skills in gardening and landscaping are required.
Facilities: Landscapers can operate in a variety of contexts, including landscaping corporations, local governments, golf courses, and private estates. They frequently work outside, enjoying the natural surroundings while carrying out their innovative concepts.
5. Electrician
Electricians inspect, install, and service electrical systems and appliances in buildings. They are essential for powering homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Electricians continue to be in high demand, with an average annual wage of $89,000, due to increased reliance on technology and the expansion of public transportation networks.
Requirements: Becoming an electrician usually entails finishing an apprenticeship program and earning a license. Some electricians may seek further certificates to specialize in specific fields, such as industrial or residential electrical work.
Electricians work in a variety of environments, including private residences, commercial buildings, construction sites, and industrial plants.
6. Boilermaker
Boilermakers are among Australia’s highest-paid trades, specializing in the fabrication and assembly of metal structures, equipment, and machinery. Their annual pay averages $87,000, and their abilities are in high demand in a variety of industries such as mining, building, and manufacturing.
Requirements: Boilermakers typically finish an apprenticeship or vocational training program in metalworking or welding. They may also need to get qualifications for certain welding techniques.
Boilermakers work at manufacturing facilities, building sites, and occasionally in repair and maintenance shops.
7. Riggers
Riggers are responsible for setting up and securing heavy equipment and machinery at construction sites. They earn an average annual income of $86,000 and are critical to the construction industry’s safety and efficiency.
Requirements: Becoming a rigger frequently entails completing a rigging training program and receiving applicable certifications for various rigging activities.
Facilities: Riggers work on building sites, in factories, and anywhere heavy equipment and machinery has to be moved or lifted.
8. Carpenter
Carpenters are one of the highest-paid crafts in Australia, and they are in charge of building various buildings out of materials such as wood, plastic, and steel. Their average annual pay is $85,283, and they are in high demand due to the current boom in residential construction projects.
Individuals who want to become carpenters often complete a Certificate III in Carpentry or an apprenticeship program. To ensure accurate measurements and exact work, they must have strong physical abilities, attention to detail, and high math skills.
Facilities: Carpenters might work for construction businesses or as independent contractors. They may also be employed in woodworking businesses, furniture production, or restoration projects. Carpenters can work on a variety of tasks, including the construction of buildings, residences, and other wooden constructions.
9. Handyman
Handymen and handywomen undertake routine maintenance on a wide range of appliances and equipment, making them important in both household and commercial settings. They specialize in a variety of repair and maintenance duties and earn an average annual pay of $85,232.
Requirements: Formal education is not usually required to work as a handyman, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Many handymen learn their talents through on-the-job training or vocational programs. To handle a variety of maintenance chores, they must be skilled in multiple trades and have problem-solving skills.
Facilities: Handymen might operate as independent contractors or for property management businesses, real estate agents, or maintenance service suppliers. They love the flexibility of their work schedules and the ability to work on a variety of projects, acquiring expertise in several trades.
10. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists specialize in preventive dentistry and tooth cleaning. They earn an average annual salary of $84,469 and play an important role in promoting dental hygiene and wellness.
Requirements: To become a dental hygienist, most people complete a diploma or degree program in dental hygiene and then get licensed. They require good communication skills and attention to detail to provide effective patient care.
Facilities: Dental hygienists work at dental offices, clinics, and hospitals. They collaborate closely with dentists to promote dental health and have options for professional development and specialization in fields such as periodontics and pediatric dentistry.
High demand jobs in Australia for foreigners
1. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are an essential component of Australia’s healthcare system, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Registered nurses provide health care, counsel, and emotional support to patients in a variety of settings, including emergency, mental health, elderly care, pediatric care, and general practice.
According to Indeed, the national average compensation for registered nurses in Australia is more than $80,000 per year, making this a popular employment for persons eligible for Australian skilled migration as registered nurses.
2. Software & Applications Programmer
Software & Applications Programmers are also in high demand in Australia, which provides excellent opportunities for both students and experienced coders. There are numerous career prospects for software and app developers around the country, including in states and territories such as Victoria (Vic), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), and New South Wales (NSW), the largest and most diverse regional economy. Skilled migration to Australia as a software and applications programmer is a very promising option for skilled individuals, as opportunities in this profession are expected to expand even further as the country continues to reach new heights in digitalization.
According to Indeed, the average annual income for software and applications programmers in Australia is roughly $90,000. Senior and experienced programmers can earn more than $110,000 per year, representing an excellent return for skilled professionals in this industry.
3. University Lecturer
A university lecturer is a highly respected position in Australia. Lecturers teach students about subjects in their fields of expertise and encourage them toward academic success.
Indeed has been reported that the national average wage for university lecturers in Australia is more than $108,000 per year, making it another attractive vocation for educated migrants to Australia.
4. ICT Business and Systems Analyst.
The ICT Business and Systems Analyst position is ideal for data enthusiasts. As an ICT Business and Systems Analyst in Australia, you will be expected to apply and analyze data to solve problems in businesses that are increasingly reliant on information and technology.
Having a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Business Analytics or completing a Bachelor of Data Science discipline will often provide applicants with the cutting-edge digital abilities required to succeed in this sector.
According to Seek, the national average compensation for ICT Business and Systems Analysts in Australia is approximately $110,000 per year.
5. Civil Engineering Professional.
Civil engineers in Australia are responsible for managing the building of public projects and improving existing infrastructure. These specialists also play an active role in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and trains. This employment is ideal for people who appreciate math and science as well as project management. Civil engineers in Australia might set up their own practices or work for government agencies or private enterprises.
A Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) degree is a suitable starting point for pursuing a career in this profession.
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for civil engineers in Australia is more than $103,000.
6. Construction Manager
Construction managers are in high demand throughout Australia’s residential, commercial, and industrial projects. This employment is ideal for those who enjoy building and construction-related activities and possess leadership abilities. Construction managers in Australia are responsible for planning, directing, and managing all areas of building processes to ensure client project success while also guaranteeing worker productivity and safety.
A diploma or bachelor’s degree in construction management is a common qualification for working as a Construction Manager in Australia.
According to Indeed, the national average income for construction managers in Australia is approximately $170,000 per year.
7. Aged and Disabled Care Worker.
Australia’s healthcare business is constantly recruiting for Aged and Disabled Care professionals. These folks must be sensitive and excellent communicators, which can lead to a very rewarding job. Aged and Disabled Care professionals can find work in residential, healthcare, and community settings around Australia, and they can make a significant impact on people’s lives by supporting their well-being.
According to Seek, the national average salary of Aged and Disabled Care Workers in Australia is around $60,000 per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 high demand skilled trade jobs in Australia provide profitable and fulfilling employment options for skilled workers. Electricians, plumbers, construction managers, welders, and carpenters are among the top trades with competitive pay. These trades are in high demand, indicating the country’s continuous growth and development in a variety of industries.
Aspiring individuals looking for financial security and career satisfaction will find promising prospects in these trades, which contribute greatly to the country’s infrastructure and economic prosperity.
With high earning potential, stable employment markets, and possibilities for professional progression, Australia’s highest-paying trades remain an attractive option for individuals wishing to succeed in their chosen careers.
Remember, you must be good at any of these skilled trade jobs if you must work in any of these industries. You can apply on job sites like Indeed, Craigslist, Seek, and LinkedIn to see more opportunities.
