How Much Does A Plumber Earn a Year in Australia? (Spoiler: It’s More Than You Think)
If you’re considering a career in plumbing—or maybe you’re just curious how much these skilled tradespeople actually make—you’re not alone. In Australia, plumbers are in high demand, and their pay reflects that. But how much really does a plumber earn a year in Australia? Is it enough to buy a home? Support a family? Live comfortably in Sydney, Melbourne, or even a remote town?
The answer isn’t just “it depends”—it’s backed by real data, regional trends, and industry insights. And we’re here to break it all down for you—clearly, honestly, and without fluff.
What’s the Average Annual Salary for a Plumber in Australia?
According to the latest data from JobOutlook.gov.au (Australia’s official government job portal), the average annual salary for a qualified plumber in Australia is $85,000–$95,000. That’s before overtime, on-call shifts, or weekend work.
But here’s the kicker: experienced plumbers with 10+ years in the field can easily earn $110,000–$130,000 per year, especially if they run their own business or specialize in commercial or emergency services.
“Plumbing is one of the most financially rewarding trades in Australia,” says Mark Thompson, a licensed plumber and owner of Thompson Plumbing Solutions in Brisbane. “If you’re reliable, good with customers, and willing to work outside standard hours, your income can grow faster than many office jobs.”
How Do Salaries Vary by State and City?
Location matters—big time. Plumbers in major cities earn more… but so do living costs. Here’s how salaries stack up across key regions:
Sydney, NSW
$95,000 – $120,000
Highest demand, especially for emergency call-outs and high-end renovations
Melbourne, VIC
$90,000 – $115,000
Strong commercial sector and aging infrastructure drive pay
Brisbane, QLD
$88,000 – $110,000
Rapid population growth = more new builds = more work
Perth, WA
$92,000 – $125,000
Mining and resource sectors create high-paying industrial plumbing roles
Adelaide, SA
$80,000 – $100,000
More stable, less volatile demand
Canberra, ACT
$90,000 – $118,000
Government contracts and public infrastructure projects boost pay
Regional Areas
$75,000 – $95,000
Lower cost of living, but often fewer jobs—unless you specialize in rural plumbing systems
Pro Tip: Many plumbers in Perth and regional WA earn extra through fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) contracts for mining sites—some make $150/hour for these roles. That’s over $300,000 annually if you work full-time on site.
What Factors Actually Boost a Plumber’s Earnings?
It’s not just about being licensed. Here’s what separates the $70k plumbers from the $130k+ earners:
✅ Specialization – Gas fitting, drainage, solar hot water, or fire sprinkler systems can add 20–40% to your wage. ✅ Emergency Call-Outs – Night, weekend, or holiday calls often pay 1.5x–2x normal rates. ✅ Business Ownership – Running your own company lets you keep profits, not just hourly wages. ✅ Certifications – Holding qualifications in water efficiency, backflow prevention, or AS/NZS 3500 standards makes you more valuable. ✅ Customer Service Skills – Plumbers who communicate clearly and build trust get repeat clients and referrals—the lifeblood of long-term income.
“I used to charge $80/hour. After I got certified in solar hot water systems, I started charging $120/hour—and clients didn’t blink,” says Lisa Nguyen, a Sydney-based female plumber and owner of FlowRight Plumbing. “Specializing turned me from an employee into a business.”
Apprenticeship: How Long Does It Take to Earn a Good Salary?
Becoming a plumber in Australia isn’t instant—but it’s one of the fastest paths to financial stability.
Here’s the roadmap:
Year 1–2 (Apprentice): Earn $45,000–$60,000/year. You’re learning on the job while studying at TAFE.
Year 3–4: Salary rises to $65,000–$75,000. You’re doing more complex tasks under supervision.
Year 4 (Final): Pass your Certificate III in Plumbing and get licensed.
After Licensing: Jump straight to $70,000+ as a qualified plumber.
Total time: 4 years from zero to earning a solid middle-class income.
💡 Fun fact: Australia has one of the shortest apprenticeship timelines in the world for skilled trades. Compare that to the U.S., where electricians often take 5–6 years.
Let’s compare plumbers to other popular trades in Australia:
Plumber
$85,000 – $130,000
Electrician
$80,000 – $125,000
HVAC Technician
$75,000 – $110,000
Carpenter
$70,000 – $105,000
Builder (Licensed)
$90,000 – $140,000
Plumbers rank top 3 in earning potential among trades—and they’re less affected by economic downturns. Why? Because everyone needs clean water, working toilets, and safe gas lines. Even in recessions, plumbing repairs don’t stop.
Is Plumbing a Good Career in Australia? The Pros & Cons
✅ High demand—shortage of skilled workers
❌ Physically demanding (lifting, kneeling, working in tight spaces)
✅ Stable income—even during inflation
❌ Irregular hours (emergency calls at 2 AM)
✅ Can work for yourself or be employed
❌ Need to renew licenses and stay updated on codes
✅ No university debt—apprentices get paid while learning
❌ Exposure to dirt, mold, and hazardous materials
✅ Can earn $100k+ before age 30
❌ Weather-dependent work (e.g., frozen pipes in winter)
Bottom line: If you’re hands-on, enjoy problem-solving, and don’t mind getting dirty, plumbing offers one of the best ROI careers in Australia.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About Plumbing Salaries in Australia
Q1: Can a plumber make $150,000 a year in Australia?
Yes—especially if they own a business, specialize in high-demand areas (like gas or commercial systems), and work overtime or emergency shifts. Many owner-operators in Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne hit this mark. One plumber in Perth told us he made $162,000 in 2024 by doing 3–4 FIFO mining site jobs per year, plus his regular residential work.
Q2: Do female plumbers earn less than male plumbers?
Not if they’re qualified. In Australia, pay is based on skill, experience, and certification—not gender. In fact, many employers actively recruit female plumbers because they often bring better communication skills and customer service, which leads to more referrals. According to Women in Trades Australia, female plumbers earn the same hourly rate as their male counterparts when working the same roles.
Q3: Is plumbing a good career for immigrants?
Absolutely. Australia actively invites skilled plumbers through its Skilled Migration Program (Subclass 189/190). If you’re a qualified plumber from overseas, you can apply for permanent residency. Your salary potential is the same as any Australian-qualified plumber. Just ensure your qualifications are assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
Q4: How many hours do plumbers work per week?
Most work 38–45 hours per week. But emergency plumbers often work 50–60 hours, especially during winter or after storms. Some choose to work 4 days a week for 10-hour shifts to balance lifestyle and income.
Q5: Do I need a license to work as a plumber in Australia?
Yes. Every state requires a Certificate III in Plumbing and a trade license issued by your state’s regulatory body (e.g., NSW Fair Trading, Victorian Building Authority). Working without a license is illegal and can result in heavy fines.
Q6: What’s the job outlook for plumbers in Australia over the next 5 years?
Very strong. The Australian Government’s JobOutlook predicts “very strong growth” for plumbers through 2029. Why? Aging housing stock, new housing developments, water efficiency regulations, and climate-related infrastructure upgrades are all driving demand. Expect over 10,000 new plumbing jobs to open up by 2029.
Final Thoughts: Is Plumbing Worth It?
So, how much does a plumber earn a year in Australia? $85,000–$130,000 on average. But with the right skills, location, and work ethic? $150,000+ is totally achievable.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a career with real upward mobility. No student debt. No 9-to-5 grind. Just your tools, your expertise, and the satisfaction of fixing what matters: clean water, safe homes, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re a teen thinking about your future, a mid-career switcher, or someone overseas dreaming of life in Australia—plumbing offers a rare blend of financial security, independence, and purpose.
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