Trades & Construction Career Hub
Trades & construction careers: the complete Australian guide
Trades and construction careers play a vital role in shaping how Australians live and work. With strong population growth, ongoing infrastructure investment and a persistent skills shortage, careers in construction continue to offer stability, variety and long-term earning potential.
Whether you’re leaving school, changing industries or returning to the workforce, construction careers provide clear progression, hands-on work and skills that remain in demand across the country. For many Australians, a career in trades also offers a faster entry into paid work compared to traditional office-based roles.
Overview of the trades and construction industry in Australia
The construction industry in Australia spans residential, commercial and civil projects, creating diverse construction careers across the built environment. Residential construction includes houses, apartments and renovations. Commercial construction focuses on offices, retail spaces, hospitals and schools, while civil construction supports infrastructure such as roads, rail, utilities and public works.
Construction is one of Australia’s largest employing industries, with around 9.2% of workers having their main job in this sector, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Businesses operate across building, engineering and specialised trades, supporting strong demand for trades careers.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2023–24, residential work generated $55.6 billion from house construction and $17.0 billion from other residential building projects. This sustained activity makes careers in construction a reliable option for individuals exploring how to start a career in the field.
Common trades and construction roles
The sector offers a broad mix of practical and technical roles, including:
Carpenter
Builds and installs structural frameworks, fit-outs and finishes across residential and commercial sites.
Electrician
Installs and maintains electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings and industrial settings.
Plumber
Works on water, gas and drainage systems across new builds and maintenance projects.
Construction Project Manager
Oversees timelines, budgets and teams to deliver projects safely and efficiently.
Browse all roles and their corresponding responsibilities to find the right one for you.
Trades and construction salaries and rates
Many trades careers fall under construction and building awards that set minimum pay rates and conditions. Apprentices earn while they train, with wages increasing as skills develop.
Qualified tradespeople can earn strong full-time salaries, while experienced workers may access higher earnings through overtime, allowances or specialised skills. Contract and project-based roles can also offer attractive rates.
Explore our full salary guide for more details.
How to start a career in construction
Understanding construction career pathways helps you plan qualifications and long-term progression. Most construction careers begin through an apprenticeship or traineeship, combining paid work with formal training. University degrees are required for professional roles such as engineering or construction management. Entry-level labouring roles can also provide valuable site experience before choosing a trade.
Learn about the various career pathways available.
Essential skills and qualifications
Careers in construction and other trades require trade licences, safety tickets and White Cards, depending on the role. Employers also value teamwork, reliability, communication and problem-solving, along with physical fitness and a strong safety focus.
See the skills guide for more information.
Grow your career today
Ready to take the next step? CareerOne connects you with thousands of roles across trades and construction nationwide. Our job matching tools help you find opportunities that align with your skills and goals. Browse construction jobs or explore all roles across Australia to find work that suits you.
