Did you know that, in 2024, the demand for skilled tradespeople or tradies is skyrocketing? Yes, from electricians to plumbers, these professionals are important to keep our homes, businesses, and cities running smoothly.
Most of you think that these careers don’t pay well, but that is not the case. There are many highest-earning trades with impressive salaries all across the world.
Whether you're looking to switch careers or start fresh out of school, the world of trades is a golden opportunity.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the highest-paying tradie jobs of 2024, highlighting why these careers are both rewarding and financially attractive.
Please note that the salaries mentioned under each tradie job category are average values. The actual salary can vary depending on the location, education level, experience, industry, etc. Further, the educational skills and competency requirements will also vary from one country to another and one local state to another. Keeping that in mind, let’s jump in.
1. Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in industrial settings like factories and power plants. They will work with industrial machines to ensure that everything runs smoothly, troubleshoot issues, do routine maintenance, and ensure safety standards are met.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Industrial electricians in Australia earn between AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Industrial electricians typically earn between £30,000 and £45,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, industrial electricians can expect to make between USD 55,000 and USD 95,000 annually.
Skills and competency development
- To become an Industrial Electrician, you should complete a technical school program or an apprenticeship. These programs will provide the basic knowledge and hands-on experience that is needed for the job.
- It’s crucial to understand electrical codes and safety practices in your area. This will help to make sure that all work meets legal standards and prevents accidents.
- Industrial Electricians must be skilled at diagnosing problems and fixing industrial machinery and electrical systems quickly and efficiently.
- Many industrial systems use PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) for automation. If you understand how to program and troubleshoot PLCs, it can be a valuable skill set in this field.
2. Electrical Project Manager
An Electrical Project Manager oversees electrical projects from start to finish. They play a big part in planning, coordinating, and ensuring that projects will be completed on time and within budget.
On the other hand, they should manage teams, schedule work, purchase materials, and coordinate with clients and contractors. They also have to ensure that all electrical work meets safety standards and regulations.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Electrical Project Managers in Australia typically earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 150,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: These professionals earn between £40,000 and £65,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Electrical Project Managers can expect to make between USD 75,000 and USD 130,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- To become an Electrical Project Manager, you should generally have a degree in electrical engineering or a similar field. This gives you the technical knowledge needed for the job.
- Having a project management certification, like PMP, can be very helpful. It shows that you have the skills to manage projects efficiently and effectively.
- You need to be a good leader and well-organised so that you can manage your team and keep the project on track.
- Knowing how to create and manage budgets and schedules is also important to ensure that the project stays within budget and is completed on time.
4. HVAC Project Manager
Now we come to the HVAC Project Managers who oversee heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) projects from start to finish. They plan, coordinate, and ensure that HVAC installations and repairs will be completed on time and within budget.
These managers are responsible for managing technicians, scheduling work, ordering materials, and communicating with clients. They also ensure that all HVAC work meets safety and quality standards.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: HVAC Project Managers in Australia typically earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 140,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: HVAC Project Managers earn between £35,000 and £60,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, HVAC Project Managers can expect to make between USD 70,000 and USD 120,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- To become an HVAC Project Manager, you should typically have a degree in mechanical engineering or a similar field. This provides the technical knowledge needed for the job.
- It is important to have experience in managing projects because it helps you to plan, organise, and oversee a project from start to finish.
- You need to know how HVAC systems and their parts work so that you can supervise the work effectively.
- Good communication and leadership skills are essential to managing your team, coordinating with clients, and ensuring the project runs smoothly.
5. Senior HVAC Technician
Let’s jump to the next career on our list. A Senior HVAC Technician has more experience installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems for years. Because of their expert skills and experience, they can generally work on complex systems in homes, offices, and industrial settings.
On the other hand, they are responsible for diagnosing issues, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring all HVAC systems operate efficiently and safely. Senior HVAC Technicians also train and supervise junior technicians, ensuring that all work meets safety standards and regulations.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Senior HVAC Technicians in Australia earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 100,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Senior HVAC Technicians typically earn between £30,000 and £45,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Senior HVAC Technicians can expect to make between USD 50,000 and USD 80,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- In most countries, you need an HVAC certification or an associate degree to become a Senior HVAC Technician. This gives you the basic knowledge and skills that are essential for the job.
- You should gain thorough experience and skills by working on HVAC systems for several years for this role.
- It’s important to know the codes and regulations that govern HVAC work in your area to ensure that all installations and repairs meet safety and legal standards.
- You must be good at finding and fixing problems quickly because it helps you to finish a job quickly and efficiently.
6. Plumbing Project Manager
Plumbing Project Manager is the next among our list of top-earning trades. They plan, coordinate, and ensure that plumbing installations and repairs are completed on time and within budget.
Their responsibilities start from the beginning of the project and keep going till the end. They are generally responsible for managing teams of plumbers, scheduling work, ordering materials, and communicating with clients. Plumbing project managers must also ensure that all plumbing work meets safety and quality standards.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Plumbing Project Managers in Australia typically earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 140,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Plumbing Project Managers earn between £35,000 and £60,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Plumbing Project Managers can expect to make between USD 70,000 and USD 120,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- If you plan to become a plumbing project manager, it is ideal to get a degree in construction management or a similar field. This will provide you with the basic knowledge and technical skills you need for the job.
- Years of experience in managing projects is crucial because it helps you to plan, organise, and oversee plumbing projects from start to finish.
- You need to know how plumbing systems work and understand the codes and regulations that govern plumbing work in your area. Make sure to check with the local authorities to learn about these regulations and codes.
- You need good leadership and communication skills to manage your team, coordinate with clients, and ensure the project runs smoothly.
7. Master Plumber
Our next top-paid tradesworker is Master Plumber. This is a highly skilled professional with years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.
They generally work on complex systems to make sure that everything functions properly and safely. Their main responsibilities are diagnosing plumbing issues, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring all work meets safety codes and standards. They often supervise and train junior plumbers by guiding them to learn new skills.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Master Plumbers in Australia earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 110,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Master Plumbers typically earn between £30,000 and £50,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Master Plumbers can expect to make between USD 60,000 and USD 90,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- First, you must complete an apprenticeship program that provides the basic skills and knowledge required for the job.
- After your apprenticeship, you need to work for several years as a journeyman plumber. This experience helps you gain the expertise needed for more advanced work.
- In most countries, you must obtain a Master Plumber licence by passing an exam. This licence shows that you have the skills and knowledge to perform more advanced plumbing work.
- You need to be very skilled in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. This ensures that all plumbing work is done correctly and efficiently.
8. Plumbing Inspector
What is the main responsibility of a Plumbing Inspector? They will examine and assess the plumbing systems at homes, business places, and industrial buildings to ensure that they comply with local and national rules and regulations.
Plumbing inspectors will inspect new installations, repairs, and existing systems to identify any issues or code violations, and guide to make necessary corrections. That’s why Plumbing Inspectors make it to our list of highest-paying tradies.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Plumbing Inspectors in Australia typically earn between AUD 60,000 and AUD 90,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, Plumbing Inspectors generally earn between £28,000 and £45,000 annually.
- United States: In the USA, Plumbing Inspectors can expect to make between USD 50,000 and USD 80,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- To become a Plumbing Inspector, you need to get certified first. It proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge and are accredited by the local authorities to inspect plumbing systems.
- You must understand plumbing codes and regulations thoroughly. This ensures that all inspected plumbing work meets legal and safety standards.
- Having experience in installing and repairing plumbing systems is important to understand what to look for during inspections.
- You need to be very detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills. This helps you spot problems and ensure that all plumbing work is up to standard.
9. Site Superintendent
A Site Superintendent is mainly responsible for making sure that construction projects will be completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Therefore, they have to manage all on-site activities, coordinate with subcontractors, and ensure that the work complies with safety regulations. On the other hand, they often perform administrative tasks like scheduling work, supervising workers, inspecting work progress, and solving any issues that arise during construction.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Site Superintendents in Australia typically earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 150,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Site Superintendents generally earn between £40,000 and £65,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Site Superintendents can expect to make between USD 70,000 and USD 120,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- To become a Site Superintendent, you should generally have a degree in construction management or a similar field.
- You need a lot of experience managing construction sites for many years.
- Good leadership and problem-solving skills are essential to manage your team and solve any issues that come up on the job.
- You must know the safety standards and regulations for construction in your area to make sure that all work is done safely and legally.
10. Construction Project Manager
A Construction Project Manager oversees construction projects from start to finish. They manage project schedules, budgets, and resources while coordinating with contractors, subcontractors, and clients. They also have to ensure that the project complies with safety regulations and building codes. Construction Project Managers are among the highest-earning trades in the industry.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Construction Project Managers in Australia typically earn between AUD 100,000 and AUD 180,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Construction Project Managers generally earn between £45,000 and £75,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Construction Project Managers can expect to make between USD 80,000 and USD 130,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- To become a Construction Project Manager, you should have a degree in construction management or civil engineering. This provides the essential knowledge for managing construction projects.
- A project management certification, like PMP, is a plus point for your qualifications. It shows you have the skills to manage projects effectively.
- You need to be good at creating and managing budgets and schedules. These skills ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Having years of experience managing big construction projects is important to understand how to successfully oversee complex projects.
11. Security Systems Technician
The main job of a Security Systems Technician is to install, maintain, and repair security systems such as alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. On the other hand, they educate clients on how to use their security systems effectively.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Security Systems Technicians in Australia typically earn between AUD 50,000 and AUD 80,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: Security Systems Technicians generally earn between £25,000 and £40,000 annually in the UK.
- United States: In the USA, Security Systems Technicians can expect to make between USD 40,000 and USD 70,000 per year.
Skills and competency development
- To become a Security Systems Technician, you need certification in installing and maintaining security systems. This shows you have the skills needed for the job.
- You must understand how electronic systems and wiring work. This knowledge is essential for installing and fixing security systems.
- You need strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to find and fix issues with security systems quickly.
- You must know the regulations and standards for security systems to ensure that all work meets legal and safety requirements.
12. Solar Project Manager
A Solar Project Manager oversees solar projects from start to finish to ensure that they finish on time and within the budget. They would also oversee the planning, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems.
On the other hand, they must coordinate with clients, suppliers, and installation teams, schedule work, and ensure that the work complies with safety and industry regulations.
Salary range breakdown
- Australia: Solar Project Managers in Australia typically earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 140,000 per year.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, Solar Project Managers generally earn between £40,000 and £65,000 annually.
- United States: Solar Project Managers can expect to make between USD 70,000 and USD 120,000 per year in the USA.
Skills and competency development
- A degree in electrical engineering, civil engineering, or a similar field is required to become a solar project manager.
- Having years of experience in managing projects is important to plan, organise, and oversee solar projects from start to finish.
- You need to know how solar technology and systems work, which is crucial for managing solar energy projects effectively.
- Good organisational and leadership skills are essential to managing your team, coordinating with clients, and ensuring the project runs smoothly.
Advancement opportunities
As you can see, every trade career that we listed above yields high financial benefits. It just doesn’t stop there. Once you choose a path, there are various opportunities to advance in your career and increase your rewards.
One way to advance your career as a tradie is to move into supervisory or managerial roles if you are in basic-level positions.
Many businesses in the industry want skilled professionals to supervise junior tradies.
On the other hand, you can move into a niche market that focuses on a special segment in your trade. For example, if you are a security system technician, you can focus on specialising in smart security systems. Once you specialise in one segment, you can position yourself in the client’s mind as the best option available to do that specific job.
Further, you can start your own business related to your trade career. This could bring more financial and other benefits than any other career advancement option, mainly because you can choose your own working time and be the boss of yourself.
However, to advance successfully in your career, you should fulfil educational qualifications and gain years of experience. So, don’t worry about your career’s future; just focus on becoming the best in your trade.
Conlcusion
There are various highest paying tradie jobs worldwide. As you already know, the demand for tradies is increasing over time for various reasons. The key point to note here is that you can still enter into a successful career as a tradie and become a top-paid trades worker in your area.
Tradies often have to deal with a lot of administrative work. Don’t worry; we can help you with that. i4T Business is a job management software that helps with administrative tasks like job scheduling, managing inventory, quoting, invoicing, and maintaining job records, etc.
You just focus on doing the best in your career and we will help you to do the administrative work easily and efficiently. Contact our team, if you want to try a trial version of i4T Business.
FAQs
Their job requires specialised skills and specific certifications due to the complexity of the work and the risky nature of their services. This calls for higher pay.
Construction managers get paid well because they lead the entire project by overseeing every aspect of it. Further, they must ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, which is a higher responsibility.
Yes, welders are in high demand in 2024 due to the ongoing need for skilled professionals in industries such as manufacturing and construction.
More experienced technicians can demand higher wages due to their expertise, efficiency, and ability to handle complex systems and troubleshoot issues effectively.
They can get higher pay by mastering the skill of operating large machinery used in construction, mining, and other industries. Their ability to handle these equipment safely and efficiently is critical to finish a project successfully.
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