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Quick Answer: According to 2025 data from Indeed, plumbers in Australia earn an average hourly rate of $46.49 and an annual salary of $81,426.
Plumbing remains one of the most reliable trades in Australia. It’s hands-on, always in demand, and offers consistent income opportunities. Every building—residential or commercial—needs plumbing services, and that won’t change anytime soon.
Steady population growth, increasing construction, and infrastructure upgrades keep the industry moving. Maintenance work, repairs, and installations remain constant sources of income across the sector. Even in economic downturns, plumbing holds its ground.
Before earning a full wage, plumbers go through years of structured learning. Training starts with a Certificate III in Plumbing. That involves classroom theory and practical work through a four-year apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are paid, though wages start low and increase over time.
Once qualified, plumbers must get licensed. Every state and territory has its own licencing rules. Some plumbers go on to complete further certifications to expand their work scope. Common specialties include:
Having the right licence makes a difference. Without one, it’s illegal to perform many plumbing jobs. With it, earnings increase.
A range of factors continues to influence earnings in the trade.
| Factor | How It Affects Income |
| Experience | Senior plumbers earn more than apprentices or juniors. |
| Licencing | Fully licensed professionals charge higher rates. |
| Specialties | Skills like gas fitting or backflow prevention command better pay. |
| Location | Cities with higher costs of living or increased demand often offer higher wages. |
| Work Type | Commercial and industrial jobs tend to pay more than domestic work. |
| Employer Size | Larger firms or government contracts typically offer better benefits and salaries. |
Not all plumbers follow the same career track. Some choose to work independently. Others join established plumbing businesses. Each path has different financial outcomes.
Earnings vary widely across Australia. Here’s how the numbers stack up across key cities:
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Townsville, QLD | $117,471 |
| Adelaide CBD, SA | $90,190 |
| Perth, WA | $86,971 |
| Brisbane, QLD | $85,468 |
| Gold Coast, QLD | $82,170 |
| Melbourne, VIC | $79,179 |
| Canberra, ACT | $78,798 |
| Sydney, NSW | $76,114 |
| Newcastle, NSW | $75,905 |
Townsville stands out as the highest-paying city in the data set, despite a smaller sample size. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer solid wages, though higher living costs may offset some of the benefits.
Smaller regional areas can offer strong wages relative to cost of living, particularly when demand outweighs supply. Plumbers willing to travel or relocate can use this to their advantage.
Apprentices start low but gain steadily.
Job-readiness matters. Those who complete their training and obtain all necessary licences will have broader opportunities.
Plumbing is not easily replaced or outsourced. The work must be done on-site, often urgently, and always to a high standard. That need gives plumbers a level of job stability uncommon in many other trades or professions.
Public and private infrastructure continues to expand. New homes, aged care facilities, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings all require plumbing installations and long-term servicing. Maintenance work increases with building age, and renovations continue to drive demand for experienced tradespeople.
There’s also a consistent need from emergency call-outs—burst pipes, blocked drains, broken hot water systems. These aren’t seasonal. They happen year-round.
Some plumbers choose to specialise once they’ve completed their base qualifications. Specialisation usually requires further training and certification but leads to more lucrative work.
High-paying specialties in 2025 include:
Specialists tend to charge more per hour and often work on higher-value projects. They are also less replaceable due to their narrower skill sets and compliance knowledge.
Many licensed plumbers move into business for themselves. A sole trader can earn more per job, especially after building a strong client base. Overheads are higher—tools, transport, insurance, administration—but so is the income potential.
Some scale further and hire their own apprentices or teams. That introduces more complexity but can significantly increase yearly income, especially with commercial contracts or long-term maintenance agreements.
It also allows plumbers to pick their jobs, set their hours, and shape their client relationships. Many who run their own operations report better lifestyle control and higher long-term earnings.
Australia’s water use policies and sustainability regulations are increasing. There’s growing demand for plumbers with experience in:
Clients want lower water bills. Governments are incentivising smarter systems. Plumbers with up-to-date training in sustainable plumbing are better placed for these jobs.
Training in these areas gives a competitive edge. Builders and developers often request plumbers who can deliver on energy ratings or compliance with green building codes.
For plumbers thinking about relocating, salary data provides insight:
Moving isn’t always necessary, but location can directly affect income. High-demand areas often mean more overtime, better contracts, and less competition.
Graham & Sons Plumbing is always on the lookout for skilled professionals. If you’re licensed, experienced, and ready to work across residential, commercial, and emergency jobs, we’d like to hear from you.
Join a team that values quality work and reliable service. Reach out today to learn more about career opportunities with us.
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