Before moving overseas, many people ask themselves the same question:

“Can you really earn that much in Australia? Can trades actually pay better than white-collar jobs?”

In this article, we look at verifiable salary ranges and real-world stories to unpack what is actually happening in Australia’s labour market.

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What do we really mean by “six-figure” or “million-level” income?

First, an important clarification.

When people talk about “million-level income” in relation to Australian trades, this usually refers to specific high-earning cases — tradespeople working in high-demand locations, with solid experience, longer working hours, and sometimes overtime or project-based bonuses. In these cases, annual income can translate to around or above RMB 1 million when converted to Chinese currency.

This does not mean that every tradesperson in Australia can easily reach this level.

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Where does the higher income for Australian trades come from?

Let’s start with the broader context.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data for 2025, the average weekly total earnings for full-time adult employees are around AUD 2,000, translating to roughly AUD 100,000 per year. When all employees are included (including part-time), the weekly average is closer to AUD 1,540.

Against this baseline, some highly skilled tradespeople are earning well above the national average.

Over recent years, sectors such as construction, maintenance, mining and infrastructure have faced ongoing skills shortages. To attract and retain workers, employers have increased hourly rates and supplemented pay with overtime, site allowances and project bonuses.

In high-demand regions, experienced electricians, plumbers and carpenters earning AUD 2,000 or more per week is not unusual. This places annual income in the AUD 100,000–130,000 range, already higher than many standard office-based roles.

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Exceptional cases exist — but they are not the norm

Industry commentary and media reports have also highlighted that in severely undersupplied markets, such as parts of Western Australia (including Perth), individual senior tradespeople or team-leading trades may earn AUD 200,000–250,000 per year, particularly when working long hours on major projects.

These figures are well above the industry median and should be viewed as top-tier cases, not typical outcomes.

Some commentators have noted that, in certain years, team-leading trades involved in large projects may approach AUD 300,000, but this is highly situational and not a replicable baseline for most workers.

Which trades consistently sit at the higher end?

Based on industry data and long-term trends, trades commonly appearing in higher income brackets include:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians
• Certain mining and regional infrastructure roles

Some industry reports also indicate that plumbing incomes have grown rapidly in certain regions, occasionally matching or exceeding electrician earnings, with rankings shifting depending on location and demand.

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A realistic breakdown of income ranges

Taken together, the data suggests:

• General tradespeople working full-time in stable cities often earn around AUD 70,000–110,000 per year.
• Experienced trades in high-demand areas, willing to work overtime, commonly fall into the AUD 100,000–130,000 range.
• Top-tier cases (team leaders, extended overtime, major projects) may reach AUD 200,000+, with reported cases near AUD 250,000.

This alone has led many younger workers to reassess skilled trades as a credible long-term career path, rather than viewing them solely as manual labour.

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A reminder on salary figures

The salary figures referenced here are drawn from 2024–2025 public news reports, industry wage surveys, and worker self-reports. They are indicative ranges only.

Actual income varies significantly depending on location, working hours, employment structure (employee vs contractor), experience level and economic conditions.

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Real stories: high income does not always mean an easy life

On social media, Australian tradespeople often share their experiences. Some stories appear highly positive; others are more sobering.

For example, a UK-born scaffolder has shared online that after three years working in Australia, his annual income reached well into six figures. At the same time, he openly described the downsides — distance from family, limited social life, demanding physical work and safety pressures.

Another widely reported case involved a concrete patcher in Brisbane, who stated his after-tax weekly income was around AUD 2,500–3,000, equating to roughly AUD 130,000–160,000 per year. Despite this, he described his situation as “working to survive”, citing long hours, physical strain, rising living costs and mortgage pressure.

These examples highlight a key reality:

high pay exists, but it comes with trade-offs.

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The other side of high income: cost of living and workload

Many people assume six-figure earnings automatically translate into an easy lifestyle. In reality, the picture is more complex.

Australia’s cost of living has risen sharply in recent years — housing, groceries, utilities and fuel have all increased. Even higher-income households often feel financial pressure.

For tradespeople, higher pay often coincides with:

• Long physical working days
• Outdoor exposure to heat, noise, dust and safety risks
• Early starts, long commutes and tight project deadlines

As one worker put it, “the money helps, but it doesn’t automatically buy an easy life.”

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Why are trades so in demand?

Australia is simultaneously pushing forward with:

• Housing construction
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Energy transition and system maintenance

At the same time, domestic training pipelines have struggled to keep pace with demand. The result is a labour market where:

• Skilled trades are heavily competed for
• Employers offer higher pay and incentives
• Licensed, experienced workers gain stronger bargaining power

Some employers have publicly stated they are willing to pay AUD 600+ per day for reliable trades in Brisbane, which can translate to AUD 150,000+ annually if work is consistent — while also noting that reliability and long-term commitment are often harder to find than skills alone.

Trades are also gaining social recognition

Community attitudes toward trades are evolving.

In Queensland, for example, a 24-year-old industrial electrician was recently recognised by a local community for outstanding work and mentoring apprentices. Stories like this reflect a growing respect for practical skills and professional competence, not just office-based careers.

In Australia’s labour market, scarcity and usefulness matter. Skills that solve real problems tend to command higher pay.

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Trades as the “new white collar”?

The traditional image of trades as purely manual labour is increasingly outdated.

Highly skilled tradespeople today are often required to:

• Complete accredited training and licensing
• Continuously upskill in areas such as solar, battery storage and energy systems
• Apply strict safety standards and use digital measurement and reporting tools

Many experienced tradespeople eventually move into:

• Team leadership and site coordination
• Running small businesses
• Training, compliance or safety management roles

In this sense, a segment of skilled trades has effectively become a “technical white-collar” pathway — combining income stability, skill value and decision-making autonomy.

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Is this path right for you?

If you are considering working in Australia as a tradesperson, on a working holiday, or as part of a longer-term plan, it is worth reflecting on a few questions:

• Does your background lend itself to a trade, or to retraining into one?
• Are you comfortable with physical work and less glamorous environments?
• If you are planning long-term, are you prepared for ongoing training, licensing and experience building?

In Australia, skills are rewarded pragmatically.

The stronger your skills, credentials and experience, the greater your flexibility and earning potential.

However, income alone should not be the only metric. Sustainability, lifestyle balance and long-term suitability matter just as much.

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If you want a clearer, personalised assessment

If you are considering:

• Transitioning into trades during a working holiday
• Enrolling in vocational or technical training
• Exploring whether a trade can align with a longer-term visa or migration pathway

It is worth clarifying:

• Which trades realistically suit your background
• The income ranges and living costs in your target city
• Whether your age, language level and experience allow for medium- to long-term planning

Our role is to help break down headline figures into real working hours, real living costs and realistic policy pathways, so you can see the full picture before making decisions.

This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, migration or career advice. No specific income or visa outcome is guaranteed.

Actual opportunities depend on current Australian law, labour market conditions and individual circumstances.

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