12-07-2025
ATO reveals highest paying tradie jobs paying up to $135,000 a year
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data has revealed the highest paying tradie jobs in Australia. The list is based on the 2022-23 tax return data of millions of people, with the top job raking in more than $135,000 a year on average.
Coal miners topped the list, earning an average income of $135,026 per year. There are 41,924 coal miners in the country, with wages higher for male coal miners at $139,698, who make up the vast majority of workers.
Builder construction project managers came in second place, with an average income of $132,992 per year. There are 74,184 people in the job, and again male incomes were higher at $135,767 per annum.
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Rounding out the top three were drilling plant operators with an average income of $132,272, based on 11,087 people working in the job.
Looking at some of the most popular trades, electricians broadly earned $111,035 per year on average, the ATO data revealed, with 81,452 people in the job. Apprentice electricians earned $52,385 on average.
Plumbers made $86,722 on average, while apprentice plumbers made $44,193. Carpenters and joiners made $78,501 and bricklayers $69,816 when qualified, while apprentices made $40,589.
Concreters made $77,564 on average, while roof tilers made $63,024 and plasterers made $68,207.
Here are the top 10 highest-paid tradie jobs based on the ATO data from the 2022-23 financial year and their average incomes across both male and female employees.
Coal miner $135,026
Builder construction project manager $132,992
Drilling plant operator $132,272
Electrical lines worker $131,152
Mining blasting worker $126,320
Lift mechanic $122,174
Crane operator construction worker $121,782
Construction rigger construction worker $118,665
Maintenance fitter $116,734
Electrician (general) $110,740
The ATO also revealed the top 10 most lucrative professions overall, with medical professionals largely dominating the list.
Surgeons took out the top spot, earning an average of $472,475 a year. Anaesthetists were in second place, earning $447,193, followed by financial dealers at $355,233.
The average Australian income for the year was $74,240, while the median was $55,868.
