Plumber salary in Australia
ANZSCO occupation: Plumbers
Last reviewed July 2026
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) · 2025 data. Annual figure derived from median weekly earnings × 52.
See your take-home pay on $103,000 →At a glance
- People employed
- 107,600
- Annual employment growth
- +4,500/yr
- 5-yr projected growth
- +5.2%
- Skills shortage rating
- Shortage
- Main industry
- Construction
- Works full-time
- 93%
- Avg full-time hours
- 44 hrs/wk
- Works part-time
- 7%
- Female share
- 3%
- Median age
- 34 yrs
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025)
What does a plumber do?
Plumbers install, maintain and repair pipes, drains, guttering and metal roofing, mechanical services and related equipment for water supply, gas, drainage, sewerage, heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
- Studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required
- Setting out and installing hot and cold water systems and associated equipment
- Installing water-based fire protections systems, including fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler systems
- Designing and installing sanitary plumbing and water supply systems, discharge pipes and sanitary fixtures
- Fabricating and installing soil and waste stacks
- Assembling and installing mechanical services plant, air handling and conditioning equipment and small bore heating systems
- Installing sewerage and effluent pumping equipment and disposal systems
- Installing below-ground drainage systems and associated ground support systems
- Installing gas appliances, flues and pressure regulating devices
- Fabricating and installing metal roofing, rainwater goods and flashings
How to become a plumber
Typical education for this occupation, and courses that lead to it.
Education held by people in this role
Where plumbers are employed
Share of workers by state and territory (employment distribution, not pay).
Plumber jobs
Related occupations
Similar occupations
Frequently asked questions
How much does a plumber earn in Australia?
The median plumber earns $103,480 per year ($1,990 per week, or about $47/hour), based on Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025).
What qualifications do you need to be a plumber?
Most plumbers hold a Certificate III or IV (72.7% of workers). Pathways vary — see typical courses above.
Is plumber a job in demand in Australia?
Around 107,600 plumbers are employed in Australia. Employment is changing by about +4,500 workers per year.
Earnings, employment and education data: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
Employment projections: Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
Skills shortage ratings: Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
The ABS median refers to full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate; individual pay varies. Annual figures derived from median weekly earnings × 52. Figures are estimates for guidance only.