Whether you’re considering a fresh start in a new sector or looking for your next role in the industry, there are plenty of high-paying construction jobs to explore.
The construction industry in Australia generates over $360 billion in revenue every year and it’s projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.4% over the next five years. At the same time, construction workers are in high demand. There’s never been a better time to get involved in the construction industry, and it offers a wide range of opportunities for people of all skill and experience levels.
In every step of the building process, from design and planning in preconstruction to the management and labor teams that oversee the actual build, construction projects rely on a whole host of talented individuals fulfilling varied roles.
Read on to find out which construction jobs pay the most and what you can do to land your next high-paying position.
Who makes the most money in construction?
Construction is the third-largest industry in the country when it comes to the total number of people employed. Naturally, pay rates in the sector vary based on a number of factors like location, skills, qualifications, and experience.
The top three earners in the construction industry are: construction estimators (up to $240,000), construction project managers (up to $200,000), and crane operators (up to $150,000).
Crane operators are well-rewarded because roles that are considered high risk, where workers handle hazardous materials or operate heavy machinery, typically pay more. It’s a risky day-to-day occupation, so you’ve got to balance the responsibility with the reward.
On the other hand, while they’re the highest-paid workers in the industry, construction estimators and project managers aren’t exposed to as much risk. Unlike laborers, who work on-site throughout the day, seeing each project through to completion, estimators are tasked with calculating the costs of a project prior to the build, so a lot of responsibility sits on their shoulders. Senior and skilled positions require experience, qualifications and, often, formal education, so you’ll be well-rewarded in the long-run for putting in the time and energy when you finally land your dream job.
Either way, there are plenty of highly rewarding construction jobs that involve minimal risk for you to explore.
What construction jobs are in high demand?
As we’ve already said, the construction industry is seeing a significant boom and now is the perfect time to land a career in this field. Having said that, some jobs are more in demand than others. Read on to find out more.
The top three job types in demand careers are:
Geotechnical engineers specializing in the behaviour of earth materials and the application of soil and rock mechanics. Salaries range from $90k to $170k per year depending on levels of experience.
Project engineers ensuring the effective management of construction projects by overseeing design, inspection, and planning. Salaries can be up to $140k per year with the right experience level.
Estimators developing budgets for construction projects by calculating the cost and time estimates of a single project. Salaries can range from $110k to $180k depending on experience.
What trades make 100K?
There’s been a shortage of skilled trade workers recently, and construction’s a critical industry, so pay rates are soaring and there’s never been a better time to be entering the market for construction jobs.
Many trade workers earn upwards of $100k per year. Electricians, for example, are currently hard to come by, so you could be earning up to $100k per year. Where there are skill shortages, there are career opportunities for those looking to land a well-paid position in the sector. Welding, for instance, has been hit with an aging workforce, so construction companies are actively seeking new recruits.
It’s estimated that Australia needs an additional 1.2 million workers by 2026 to accommodate economic growth. It’s an employee’s market, and with the right experience you could secure a high-paying job with the potential to build a long and rewarding career in construction.
Secure your next high-paying role in construction
Now you know how much you can earn in construction, it’s worth checking in with a recruitment agency to help get you started on your path to success.
SSA is a construction recruitment agency that specialises in industrial, commercial, residential, healthcare, airports, and affiliated sectors. Whether you’re looking to get stuck-in on-site or take on a role in management and preconstruction, we’re here to answer all of your questions and guide you through the job seeking process.
For more information on our latest vacancies, click here.
