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Biggest Reasons to Become a Plumber in Australia

  • Publish: 2025-01-29
  • 5 min read

Why Choose a Career in Plumbing?

The demand for skilled trades is on the rise across Australia, and plumbing stands out as one of the most rewarding and versatile career options available. With competitive salaries, endless opportunities for growth, and the potential to start your own plumbing company, plumbing is not just a job—it’s a pathway to a stable and fulfilling future.

What Does a Career in Plumbing Involve?

Plumbers are responsible for a wide range of tasks beyond simple repairs, and understanding the distinctions between licensed and new plumbers is essential for navigating this career path.

Daily Life and Responsibilities of a Plumber

As a plumber, your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

  • Installation and Repair: The professional duties of plumbers involve installing new pipes as well as fixing drainage systems and installing appliances that include sink faucets and toilet systems and water heating components. System installation connects pipes which ensure the proper functioning of water flow systems alongside drainage.
  • Diagnosis and troubleshooting are critical skills for any plumber looking to advance in their plumbing career. Engineers examine both water supply failures and drainage malfunctions together with examination of gas distribution systems and centralized heating functions. The use of cameras and detectors enables plumbers to locate problems without requiring big excavation efforts or disruptive work.
  • Working on Large-Scale Projects: Apart from building commercial structures and industrial complexes and large scale infrastructure initiatives. The work requires a database with multiple trades to accomplish tasks while maintaining strong safety guidelines.

Specialization Opportunities:

Plumbing offers various avenues for specialization, including:

  • Gas fitting is a specialized area within the plumbing career that requires specific training and certification.: Plumbers must work on gas lines and appliances.
  • Pipe-Laying: The installation of underground pipes along with drainage systems forms part of the work scope.
  • Green Plumbing Technologies: Green plumbing technologies involve installing recycling systems along with using energy-saving appliances.

What a Licensed Plumber Can Do?

The difference between a licensed plumber and a new plumber primarily revolves around the type of work permitted and the subsequent requirements associated with it:

 

Licensed Plumber Responsibilities:

A licensed plumber can:

  • A licensed plumber performs unsupervised tasks that lead to expanded service possibilities.
  • The plumber provides certificates of compliance for finished work that demonstrates all plumbing work respects standard regulations and local standards.
  • Plumbers with licenses can perform intricate work requests which need special regulatory authorizations and additional credentials like gas fitting and backflow protection skills.

When Is a License Needed?

A license is necessary for various situations, including:

  • Independent Work: Plumbing tasks needing a license must be performed independently of supervisory assistance. Businesses require licenses to perform new installations as well as major system repairs and existing system modifications.
  • Compliance and Certification are essential aspects of becoming a plumber.Licensed plumbers hold the basic responsibility to issue compliance certificates, which is crucial for plumbing repairs and installations. Professional certificates play an integral role in guaranteeing both correct plumbing system regulation and proper safety requirements.

Types of Work Requiring Permissions, Supervision, and Legal Requirements

While new plumbers can assist or perform certain tasks under supervision, many types of work necessitate specific licenses or regulatory permissions:

1. Permitted Tasks for New Plumbers (Under Supervision):

  • New plumbers help licensed professionals complete draining procedures along with replacing fixtures and doing facility maintenance when authorized by their supervisors.
  • During their apprenticeship students must join training activities to obtain direct hands-on training.

2. Work Requiring a License:

  • Installation of Gas Systems: Installation and maintenance of gas appliances and lines remains reserved exclusively for licensed gas fitters because it ensures essential safety standards. 
  • Backflow Prevention: Professional licensing is essential for anyone who completes either backflow prevention work or implements protective procedures against backward water migration through systems.
  • Complex Installations: Building code compliance along with safety standards becomes the responsibility of licensed plumbers when major changes are made to plumbing systems in large buildings.

Why Plumbing Is More Than Just a Job

Plumbing serves as a vital trade through which professionals perform many important roles which extend past leak repair and toilet drainage services. The field has numerous responsibilities that secures public health while sustaining safety and comfort throughout communities. The multifaceted nature of the plumbing profession can be understood through this data-driven analysis together with relevant supporting examples.

1. Variety in Work

Plumbing work brings fresh obstacles and beneficial prospects to every work day. Plumbers engage in a wide range of tasks, including:

Residential Plumbing:

Homeowners who need to fix burst pipes perform a three-step process which includes diagnosis of issues followed by accessing the pipe before repair work begins.The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded 111,200 plumbers throughout the nation in 2021 indicating plumbing services have steady demand across both city and rural locations.

Commercial Plumbing:

The process of designing new commercial building plumbing entails regulated plan layout execution through coordination with electricians and builders for code compliance, highlighting the importance of proper plumbing training. The complexity of this work requires project management expertise. The plumbing industry draws a significant portion of its demand from the commercial building sector since non-residential building approvals in Australia generated more than AUD 27 billion in value during 2020.

Public Infrastructure:

The construction of massive infrastructure projects including sewer systems alongside water purification facilities provides fundamental protection for both public health and environmental well-being. Infrastructure investment in Australia exceeded AUD 80 billion during 2021 because sustained public system maintenance and development requires skilled plumbers.

2. Is Plumbing a Financially Rewarding Career in Australia?

Absolutely! Plumbing is one of the highest paying trades in Australia, making it a financially rewarding career choice for many. An experienced plumber can earn an average salary of $80,000 to $100,000 per year. Some professionals earn more, especially in areas like gas installation or green plumbing.

Salary Insights

Income in plumbing can vary based on experience, location, and job role. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • An entry-level plumber can quickly learn the ropes and discover plenty of opportunities for advancement in the field.: Generally between $50,000 and $65,000. Earn $50,000 to $65,000 by apprenticing or becoming a licensed plumber. 
  • An experienced plumber can easily become a master plumber with the right plumbing training.: As they gain experience, plumbers can earn upwards of $80,000 to $100,000 or more per year. Factors such as working overtime, specializing in high-demand sectors, and working in urban settings can lead to higher earnings. For example, plumbers working in metropolitan areas such as Sydney or Melbourne usually have the same cost of living and service requirements as in rural regions.
  • Self-employed plumber: Self-employed plumbers have the potential to earn more depending on the size of their professional clients. Successful business owners can earn more than $100,000, especially if they have built a strong reputation and a steady flow of customers.

Here’s a few information on how much plumbers earn in Australia, depending on their role and specialization:

Type of Plumber

Annual Earnings (AUD)

Details

Apprentice Plumber

$40,000–$55,000

Earn while you learn. Pay increases each year as you gain more skills and experience.

Licensed Plumber (General)

$70,000–$100,000

Covers basic plumbing tasks like installations, maintenance, and repairs.

Specialist Plumber

$90,000–$120,000+

Includes gas fitters, hydraulic specialists, and pipe-layers who focus on niche, high-demand areas.

Self-Employed Plumber

$100,000–$150,000+ (varies by clientele)

Earnings depend on project size, clients, and business scale. Can expand income with large contracts.

Plumbing Supervisor/Manager

$90,000–$130,000+

Overseas plumbing teams on commercial or industrial projects.

Green Plumber (Eco Plumbing)

$80,000–$110,000

Works with sustainable systems like rainwater harvesting and solar-powered water heating.

Commercial Plumber

$80,000–$120,000

Handles plumbing for large-scale infrastructure or commercial buildings.

3. Job Stability and Opportunities for Advancement in Plumbing

Plumbing is not only a financially rewarding career; it also offers plenty of opportunities for job security. But it is also a stable career. Regardless of whether the economy goes up or down. Skilled plumbers are always in demand. Because it plays an important role in maintaining the health and safety of the people.

  1. Stable work

No matter what the economy is like An efficient plumbing service is required. Here are some reasons why plumbing systems are so stable in their performance:

  • Essential Services: Plumbing is an essential service that helps solve immediate problems such as leaks, blockages, and hygiene problems. These needs have not decreased during economic downturns.
  • Aging Infrastructure: As infrastructure ages The system requires maintenance, repair or replacement. This ensures that a plumber is required to manage these operations on an ongoing basis.
  • Urban Growth: Continued urban expansion and new construction projects increase the demand for plumbing professionals skilled in installing and maintaining new systems.

4. Can I Start My Own Plumbing Business?

Of course, starting your own plumbing business can be an extremely worthwhile endeavor. Here are some of the benefits that come with owning a plumbing company: job security and the ability to provide essential plumbing repairs.

  • Independence and flexibility

As a business owner you have the freedom to set your schedule and work on your own terms. This flexibility allows you to choose the projects you want to work on and the clients you want to work with. Whether you like residential work, commercial projects or special installations you can customize your workload to match your inspiration.

  • Potential for higher income

By running your own plumbing business, you have the power to set your own rates and expand your services. This means you can take advantage of high-demand areas or offer specialized services that command premium pricing. 

  • Work life balance

One of the key benefits of owning a business is the ability to manage your time according to your lifestyle. You can use the time when necessary to support family commitments and pursue personal interests without interfering with the work of the organization. 

  • Business growth and risk diversification

Owning your own plumbing business allows you to explore different avenues for growth. You can expand your service offerings, hire additional employees, and branch out into sister businesses such as HVAC installation, which are all reasons to become a plumber. 

5. Travel opportunities

Certified plumbers can acquire their skills anywhere in the world, making it a great plumbing career choice. Since plumbing is an important trade, you can work in different cities, regions or even abroad, especially in countries with a high demand for skilled workers.

Example: Australian plumbers with international credentials can find lucrative opportunities in places like New Zealand, Canada or the UK.

6. Real work and problem solving

Plumbing is an ideal career if you enjoy hands-on work and problem solving. Each job presents a unique challenge, from fixing a quick leak to designing a complex water system for a building.

Example: A plumber may be called upon to troubleshoot critical commercial system failures, resolve problems, and ensure smooth operation. Diversity makes work engaging and rewarding.

A career in plumbing offers a unique combination of financial security, job variety, and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re looking to enter a stable profession or start your own business, plumbing provides a solid foundation for a successful and rewarding future.

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FAQ

  1. Can I earn more money from the expertise in water supply?

Answer: Yes, experts such as gas assembly technicians, hydraulic systems or green mechanics, can have a significant income due to their expertise.

  1. Do plumbers need to receive continuous training?

Answer: Yes, plumbers often have to go through additional training to maintain their license. And always follow new technology or regulations

  1. Is plumbing a physically demanding job?

Answer: Yes, plumbing is related to work that requires physical strength, such as lifting, stretching and working in a narrow area. 

  1. Do the plumbers receive respect in the community?

Answer: Yes, the plumbers are very respectful of their important roles in the security of water, sanitation and public health.