Being a construction worker in Australia can be a very lucrative career. The building and construction industry is one of the biggest in the country, and with the right experience and qualifications you can earn well upwards of $100,000 a year.
Here are the top 10 highest paid construction jobs you may find interesting.
10. EARTHWORKS CONTRACTOR
Civil earthworks contractors prepare the groundwork for infrastructure and construction projects by clearing and removing soil, rocks, structures, tree roots etc from a work site. You may also be tasked with supplying new soil and levelling it out for the next stage of construction. According to Canstar, a financial comparison site, civil earthworks contractors typically earn around $97,000 a year.
9. CARPENTER
Carpenters are responsible for a range of tasks such as constructing, erecting, and installing structures made of wood and similar materials. Carpenters can also repair damaged structures. Canstar found the average salary for a carpenter was $102,000 a year.
8. CONCRETER
Working as a concreter can be very physically taxing, but it’s also one of the highest paid construction jobs in Australia. Concreters pour, spread, smooth, and screed slabs of concrete to make structures such as floors, stairs, paths, ramps, and bridges. If you work as a concreter, you could earn up to $107,000 a year according to Canstar.
7. PLUMBER
Plumbers install, maintain and repair drains, pipes, taps, and equipment used for water supply, drainage, and sewerage. Working as a plumber you may also fix heating, cooling and ventilation systems. According to Canstar, plumbers can earn around $110,000 a year.
6. SITE SUPERVISOR
Working as a Site Supervisor, you will oversee and run operations on a construction site to make sure the project runs safely, and on time. Site Supervisors ensure a high level of performance and compliance with safety regulations. You could earn around $110,000 a year working as a Site Supervisor.
Source: SEEK
5. CRANE OPERATOR
Crane Operators will operate cranes to lift, move, and position heavy objects. You will also perform inspections and maintenance on equipment and need to be compliant with safety regulations on work sites. Crane Operators can earn upwards of $120,000 a year.
Source: SEEK
4. BUILDER
Builders are one of the most in-demand jobs in Australia with people spending record amounts on home renovations. Builders will build and renovate residential, commercial, and industrial building and sometimes work on demolitions and excavations. If you are a licensed builder you will be able to work on larger projects, and most licensed builders will be self-employed and run their own business. Although salary will vary, builders typically earn upwards of $120,000 a year according to service.com.au. You will need to meet technical requirements to apply for your builders licence*, such as completing the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40120.
3. FOREPERSON
Working as a foreperson can be a very lucrative role in the building and construction industry. A foreperson oversees and directs other construction workers on a work site. You will be a point of contact for managers and the executive team, and for people working under you. You could earn up to $150,000 a year working as a foreperson. The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210 is designed for construction workers who want to boost their career and chase a promotion as a foreperson.
2. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER
A project manager in the construction industry is responsible for overseeing and organising every stage of a project. You may need to review architectural plans, co-ordinate, and lead teams, manage schedules, and organise materials and labour. Project managers are one of the highest paid construction jobs in Australia, and you could potentially earn close to $200,000 a year.
1. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
One step up from a project manager, construction managers will oversee and advise all staff on the progress of a project. Construction managers are involved in all aspects of a work site’s operations and will need to liaise with property developers, building owners, clients, and subcontractors. Construction managers are the highest paid construction workers in the country and earn more than $200,000 a year.
Source: SEEK
If you want to boost your career and step into one of the highest paid construction jobs in Australia, take a FREE skills assessment now to find the right qualification for you or fill out the form below to speak with one of our Education Consultants.
*Information here is a guide only and regulations change for each state. Please check with your local authority for licensing applications or more information.
Sources: Canstar, SEEK
